Showing papers in "Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 1990"
TL;DR: Both the ambient air monitoring data and the biological monitoring data showed that the topside workers were the heaviest exposed workers, and the relation between air Monitoring data and biological Monitoring data was not strong.
Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were measured in the breathing zone air of 56 battery workers at two cokeovens during three consecutive days. The concentration of total PAH ranged up to 186 micrograms/m3. Preshift and end of shift urine samples were collected to determine 1-hydroxypyrene, a metabolite of pyrene. Control urine samples were available from 44 workers in the shipping yard of a hot rolling mill. The median values of 1-hydroxypyrene in urine of smoking and non-smoking controls were 0.51 and 0.17 mumol/mol creatinine, respectively. Concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene up to 11.2 mumol/mol were found in the urine of the cokeoven workers. At the start of the three day working period after 32 hours off work, the 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations were four times higher and at the end of the working period 10 times higher compared with control concentrations. Excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene occurred with a half life of 6-35 hours. Both the ambient air monitoring data and the biological monitoring data showed that the topside workers were the heaviest exposed workers. The relation between air monitoring data and biological monitoring data was not strong. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify determinants of the internal dose. The combination of exposure and smoking amplify each other and the use of a protective airstream helmet decreases the internal dose. An effect of alcohol consumption and the use of medication on the toxicokinetics of pyrene was not found.
241 citations
TL;DR: Evidence of association between work involving an excessive cumulation of stress factors and mental wellbeing should be considered in interventions aimed at improving the working conditions of hospital workers.
Abstract: Relations between working conditions and mental health status of female hospital workers were studied in a sample of 1505 women: 43% were nurses, 32% auxiliaries, and 7% ancillary staff; 13% were other qualified health care staff, mainly head nurses; 5% had occupations other than direct health care; 63% worked on the morning, 20% on the afternoon, and 17% on the night shift. Data were collected at the annual routine medical visit by the occupational health practitioner, using self administered questionnaires and clinical assessments. Five health indicators were considered: a high score to the general health questionnaire (GHQ); fatigue; sleep impairment; use of antidepressants, sleeping pills, or sedatives; and diagnosis of psychiatric morbidity at clinical assessment. Four indices of stress at work were defined: job stress, mental load, insufficiency in internal training and discussion, and strain caused by schedule. The analysis was conducted by multiple logistic regression, controlling for type of occupation, shift, number of years of work in hospital, daily travel time to work, age, marital status, number of children, and wish to move house. Sleep impairment was mostly linked to shift and strain due to schedule. For all other indicators of mental health impairment and especially high GHQ scores, the adjusted odds ratios increased significantly with the levels of job stress, mental load, and strain due to schedule. This evidence of association between work involving an excessive cumulation of stress factors and mental wellbeing should be considered in interventions aimed at improving the working conditions of hospital workers.
223 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that SBS is of multifactorial origin, related to a variety of factors and exposures, and the total concentration of hydrocarbons is a simple and convenient measure of exposure, which also seems to be a predictor of chronic symptoms.
Abstract: Possible relations between incidence and prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS), indoor exposures, and personal factors were studied in a four year longitudinal study among personnel (n = 129) in six primary schools. The mean concentration of carbon dioxide was above the recommended value of 0.08 microliter/l (800 ppm) in all schools, indicating a poor outdoor air supply. Indoor concentration of volatile hydrocarbon (VOC) was enhanced at high room temperatures. Respirable dust, but not concentration of VOC was enhanced at lower ventilation rates and high air humidity. Chronic SBS was related to VOC, previous wall to wall carpeting in the schools, hyper-reactivity, and psychosocial factors. Incidence of new SBS was related to concentration of respirable dust, current smoking, and the psychosocial climate. Remission of hyperreactivity, decrease in sick leave owing to airway illness, removal of carpeting in the schools, and moving from new to old dwellings resulted in a decrease in SBS score. It is concluded that SBS is of multifactorial origin, related to a variety of factors and exposures. The total concentration of hydrocarbons is a simple and convenient measure of exposure, which also seems to be a predictor of chronic symptoms. Further investigations on the effect of temperature, ventilation, and air humidity on SBS should consider how these factors may influence the chemical composition of the air. Because poor air quality in schools could also affect the children, it may have implications for the state of health of a large proportion of the population.
205 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that it is prudent to minimise exposure to waste anaesthetic gases in operating and recovery rooms in Ontario hospitals and that women in the exposed group had significantly increased frequencies of spontaneous abortion and children had significantly more congenital abnormalities.
Abstract: In a retrospective study (by questionnaire) of 8032 personnel exposed to anaesthetic gases in operating and recovery rooms in Ontario hospitals, and 2525 non-exposed hospital staff, the response was 78.8% for the exposed and 87.2% for the unexposed personnel during the period 1981-5. Logistic regression analysis, with age and smoking standardised, showed that women in the exposed group had significantly increased frequencies of spontaneous abortion and their children had significantly more congenital abnormalities (p less than 0.05). No chronic disease was significantly associated with the exposed group. These findings, together with similar ones from other studies, suggest that it is prudent to minimise exposure to waste anaesthetic gases.
155 citations
TL;DR: The highly raised urinary arsenic concentrations for the chemical workers, in particular, and some glassworkers are shown to correspond to possible atmospheric concentrations in the workplace and intakes in excess of, or close to, recommended and statutory limits and those associated with inorganic arsenic related diseases.
Abstract: An analytical speciation method, capable of separating inorganic arsenic (As (V), As (III] and its methylated metabolites (MMAA, DMAA) from common, inert, dietary organoarsenicals, was applied to the determination of arsenic in urine from a variety of workers occupationally exposed to inorganic arsenic compounds. Mean urinary arsenic (As (V) + As (III) + MMAA + DMAA) concentrations ranged from 4.4 micrograms/g creatinine for controls to less than 10 micrograms/g for those in the electronics industry, 47.9 micrograms/g for timber treatment workers applying arsenical wood preservatives, 79.4 micrograms/g for a group of glassworkers using arsenic trioxide, and 245 micrograms/g for chemical workers engaged in manufacturing and handling inorganic arsenicals. The maximum recorded concentration was 956 micrograms/g. For the most exposed groups, the ranges in the average urinary arsenic speciation pattern were 1-6% As (V), 11-14% As (III), 14-18% MMAA, and 63-70% DMAA. The highly raised urinary arsenic concentrations for the chemical workers, in particular, and some glassworkers are shown to correspond to possible atmospheric concentrations in the workplace and intakes in excess of, or close to, recommended and statutory limits and those associated with inorganic arsenic related diseases.
142 citations
TL;DR: Although the number of deaths was small, the greatest risk for cancers of the lymphatic and haematopoietic system occurred among workers likely to have held jobs where exposures were the heaviest, and mortality among those entering the union after 1960 was similar to those entering before 1960.
Abstract: Mortality among 5365 members of a dry cleaning union in St. Louis, Missouri, was less than expected for all causes combined (SMR = 0.9) but slightly raised for cancer (SMR = 1.2). Among the cancers, statistically significant excesses occurred for oesophagus (SMR = 2.1) and cervix (SMR = 1.7) and non-significant excesses for larynx (SMR = 1.6), lung (SMR = 1.3), bladder (SMR = 1.7), thyroid (SMR = 3.3), lymphosarcoma and reticulosarcoma (SMR = 1.7), and Hodgkin's disease (SMR = 2.1). Mortality from emphysema was also significantly raised (SMR = 2.0). Eleven of the 13 deaths from oesophageal cancer occurred among black men. The risk of this cancer showed a significant association with estimated cumulative exposure to dry cleaning solvents (rising to 2.8-fold in the highest category) but not with level or duration of exposure. Mortality from kidney cancer was not excessive as reported in other studies. Excesses for emphysema and cancers of the larynx, lung, oesophagus, bladder, and cervix may be related to socioeconomic status, tobacco, or alcohol use. Although the number of deaths was small, the greatest risk for cancers of the lymphatic and haematopoietic system (fourfold) occurred among workers likely to have held jobs where exposures were the heaviest. Small numbers and limited information on exposure to specific substances complicates interpretation of this association but is unlikely to be due to confounding by tobacco use. It was not possible to identify workers exposed to specific dry cleaning solvents but mortality among those entering the union after 1960, when use of perchloroethylene was predominant, was similar to those entering before 1960.
128 citations
TL;DR: Surprisingly, colorectal cancer displayed a clear relation with cumulative dose, with an estimated increase of 1.6% in the incidence density ratio for each f-year/ml (but not with duration of exposure).
Abstract: Total and cause specific mortality and cancer morbidity were studied among 1929 asbestos cement workers with an estimated median cumulative exposure of 2.3 fibre (f)-years/ml (median intensity 1.2 f/ml, predominantly chrysotile). A local reference cohort of 1233 industrial workers and non-case referents from the exposed cohort were used for comparisons. The risk for pleural mesothelioma was significantly increased (13 cases out of 592 deaths in workers with at least 20 years latency). No case of peritoneal mesothelioma was found. A significant dose response relation was found for cumulative exposure 40 years or more before the diagnosis, with a multiplicative relative risk (RR) of 1.9 for each f-year/ml. No relation was found with duration of exposure when latency was accounted for. There was a significant overrisk in non-malignant respiratory disease (RR = 2.6). The overall risks for respiratory cancer, excluding mesothelioma, and for gastrointestinal cancer were not significantly increased. Surprisingly, colorectal cancer displayed a clear relation with cumulative dose, with an estimated increase of 1.6% in the incidence density ratio for each f-year/ml (but not with duration of exposure).
110 citations
TL;DR: An analysis of the incidence of malignant melanoma according to occupation using data from two national cancer registries finds professional workers of both sexes in both countries experienced an excess incidence.
Abstract: An analysis of the incidence of malignant melanoma according to occupation is presented using data from two national cancer registries. The data relate to 3991 cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma, 662 cases of ocular melanoma, and 179 cases of noncutaneous, non-ocular melanoma in subjects aged 15-64 in England and Wales diagnosed from 1971 to 1978 and to 5003 cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma diagnosed from 1961 to 1979 in Sweden in subjects born between 1896 and 1940. Professional workers of both sexes in both countries experienced an excess incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma. An excess of ocular melanoma and of non-cutaneous, non-ocular melanoma also existed for this group in England and Wales. Pharmacists, medical doctors, and dentists had a high incidence of cutaneous melanoma in both countries and were represented three times when listing the top 20 occupations in both countries and both genders. Combining the data from cutaneous malignant melanoma over both sexes and both registries the occupations with the highest incidence ratios (expressed as a percentage) were: airline pilots, incidence ratio (IR) = 273, (95% confidence limits 118-538); finance and insurance brokers IR = 245 (140-398); professional accountants IR = 208 (134-307); dentists IR = 207 (133-309); inspectors and supervisors in transport IR = 206 (133-304); pharmacists IR = 198 (115-318); professionals not elsewhere classified IR = 196 (155-243); judges IR = 196 (126-289); doctors IR = 188 (140-248); university teachers IR = 188 (110-302); and chemists IR = 188 (111-296). No particular exposure in the workplace seemed to link these groups and only a few worked in high technology environments. Many of the highest risk groups have in common a high level of education. In England and Wales and in Sweden this might correlate particularly with foreign travel abroad was more unusual than it is now, but evidence on present and past exposure to sun by occupation is needed to clarify the reasons for the association.
107 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, neurobehavioural tests were undertaken by 30 female workers exposed to toluene and matched controls with low occupational exposure to tofluene. But none of the workers had any clinical symptoms or signs.
Abstract: Neurobehavioural tests were undertaken by 30 female workers exposed to toluene and matched controls with low occupational exposure to toluene. The environmental air levels (TWA) of toluene was 88 ppm for the exposed workers and 13 ppm for the controls. The toluene in blood concentrations for the exposed workers was 1.25 mg/l and for the controls 0.16 mg/l. Statistically significant differences between workers exposed to toluene and controls in neurobehavioural tests measuring manual dexterity (grooved peg board), visual scanning (trail making, visual reproduction, Benton visual retention, and digit symbol), and verbal memory (digit span) were observed. Further, the performance at each of these tests was related to time weighted average exposure concentrations of air toluene. The workers exposed to toluene had no clinical symptoms or signs. The question arises as to whether these impairments in neurobehavioural tests are reversible or whether they could be a forerunner of more severe damage.
101 citations
TL;DR: Welders exposed to aluminium, lead, or manganese for a long period had significantly more neuropsychiatric symptoms than welders not exposed to these metals.
Abstract: Neuropsychiatric symptoms in 65 welders exposed to aluminium and 217 railroad track welders were studied with the aid of a previously validated questionnaire. Semiquantitative data on exposure to the metals aluminium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel were also recorded by questionnaire. Logistic regression was employed to study the relation between exposure and the prevalence of symptoms. Welders exposed to aluminium, lead, or manganese for a long period had significantly more neuropsychiatric symptoms than welders not exposed to these metals. The results indicate that detailed psychometric studies should be performed on welders exposed long term to specific metals as such exposures might affect their nervous system.
97 citations
TL;DR: The hypothesis that mild steel welding and to a lesser extent stainless steel welding with tungsten inert gas is associated with reduced semen quality at exposure in the range of the Danish process specific threshold limit values of welding is supported.
Abstract: Welding may be detrimental to the male reproductive system. To test this hypothesis, semen quality was examined in 35 stainless steel welders, 46 mild steel welders, and 54 non-welding metal workers and electricians. These figures represent a participation rate of 37.1% in welders and 36.7% in non-welding subjects. The mean exposure to welding fume particulates was 1.3 mg/m3 (SD 0.8) in stainless steel welders using tungsten inert gas, 3.2 mg/m3 (SD 1.0) in low exposed mild steel welders using manual metal arc or metal active gas (n = 31), and 4.7 mg/m3 (SD 2.1) in high exposed mild steel welders (n = 15). The semen quality of each participant was defined in terms of the mean values of the particular semen parameters in three semen samples delivered at monthly intervals in a period with occupational exposure in a steady state. The sperm concentration was not reduced in either mild steel or stainless steel welders. The sperm count per ejaculate, the proportion of normal sperm forms, the degree of sperm motility, and the linear penetration rate of the sperm were significantly decreased and the sperm concentration of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was non-significantly increased in mild steel welders. A dose response relation between exposure to welding fumes and these semen parameters (sperm count excepted) was found. Semen quality decreased and FSH concentrations increased with increasing exposure. Significant deteriorations in some semen parameters were also observed in stainless steel welders. An analysis of information from questionnaires obtained from the whole population including subjects who declined to participate indicated an underestimation of effects due to selection bias. Potential confounding was treated by restriction and statistical analysis. The results support the hypothesis that mild steel welding and to a lesser extent stainless steel welding with tungsten inert gas is associated with reduced semen quality at exposure in the range of the Danish process specific threshold limit values of welding.
TL;DR: Results from a large and geographically diverse population corroborate reports of increased mortality from brain cancer among electrical workers, but gives only limited support to suggestions of excess deaths from leukaemia.
Abstract: The relation of brain cancer and mortality from leukaemia to electrical occupations was investigated in a case-control study based on all deaths in 1985 and 1986 in the 16 states in the United States that report occupational data from death certificates to the national vital statistics registry. The case series comprised all 2173 men who died of primary brain cancer (International Classification of Diseases-9 ((ICD-9) code 191) and all 3400 who died of leukaemia (ICD-9 codes 204-208). Each was matched with 10 controls who died of other causes in the same year. Men employed in any electrical occupation had age race adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.7) for brain cancer and 1.0 (95% CI 0.8-1.2) for leukaemia, compared with men in all other occupations. Brain cancer odds ratios were larger for electrical engineers and technicians (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.1-3.4), telephone workers (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4), electric power workers (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7), and electrical workers in manufacturing industries (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.4). There was some evidence of excess leukaemia among the same groups (ORs of 1.1-1.5) despite absence of an association for all electrical workers. The excess of deaths from brain cancer was concentrated among men aged 65 or older, whereas leukaemia was associated with electrical work only among younger decedents and those with acute lymphocytic leukaemia. These results from a large and geographically diverse population corroborate reports of increased mortality from brain cancer among electrical workers, but gives only limited support to suggestions of excess deaths from leukaemia.
TL;DR: The data suggest that exposure to chrysotile asbestos (or to the fibre balangeroite that accounts for 0.2-0.5% of total mass in the mine) is associated with some, however moderate, excess risk of laryngeal cancer and pleural mesothelioma.
Abstract: The mortality experience of a cohort of chrysotile miners employed since 1946 in Balangero, northern Italy was updated to the end of 1987 giving a total of 427 deaths out of 27,010 man-years at risk. A substantial excess mortality for all causes (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) = 149) was found, mainly because of high rates for some alcohol related deaths (hepatic cirrhosis, accidents). For mortality from cancer, however, the number of observed deaths (82) was close to that expected (76.2). The SMR was raised for oral cancer (SMR 231 based on six deaths), cancer of the larynx (SMR 267 based on eight deaths), and pleura (SMR 667 based on two deaths), although the excess only reached statistical significance for cancer of the larynx. Rates were not increased for lung, stomach, or any other type of cancer. No consistent association was seen with duration or cumulative dust exposure (fibre-years) for oral cancer, but the greatest risks for laryngeal and pleural cancer were in the highest category of duration and degree of exposure to fibres. Although part of the excess mortality from laryngeal cancer is probably attributable to high alcohol consumption in this group of workers, the data suggest that exposure to chrysotile asbestos (or to the fibre balangeroite that accounts for 0.2-0.5% of total mass in the mine) is associated with some, however moderate, excess risk of laryngeal cancer and pleural mesothelioma. The absence of excess mortality from lung cancer in this cohort is difficult to interpret.
TL;DR: The results indicate that effects on the central nervous system persist even when exposure has ceased, and there was no support for the view that a solvent induced toxic encephalopathy is a progressive disease comparable with presenile dementia such as Alzheimer's disease or Pick's disease.
Abstract: Long term occupational exposure to organic solvents may cause adverse effects to the central nervous system. This collaborative study between six Swedish departments of occupational medicine examines the overall prognosis in terms of working capacity, symptoms, and psychometric test performance for individuals occupationally exposed to organic solvents. After re-analyses of the data from an initial clinical investigation of 111 men, the subjects were divided into two subgroups: one group of 65 with symptoms but no impairment on the tests and one group of 46 with toxic encephalopathy (symptoms and test impairment). At least five years after the initial examination the subjects were asked to attend a re-examination that included a structured medical interview and a psychometric investigation. The results indicate that effects on the central nervous system persist even when exposure has ceased. In the group of 46 more men had stopped working and were receiving sickness or early retirement pensions. This group also had reduced activity levels with regard to everyday life, leisure activities, and education or training and more neuropsychiatric symptoms. There was no support for the view that a solvent induced toxic encephalopathy is a progressive disease comparable with presenile dementia such as Alzheimer's disease or Pick's disease. If a worker was removed from exposure when he presented symptoms without signs of impairment in intellectual function recovery was seen in most cases.
TL;DR: While there was no clear indication that neurotoxic effects were related to individual differences in the capacity to metabolise high concentrations of styrene, measurement of urinary metabolites may be helpful in identifying those at highest risk.
Abstract: The relation of exposure to styrene to measures of nervous system function was investigated in 70 men working in four factories in the Montreal area of Quebec. Mild sensory nerve conduction deficits were found, the proportion with such deficits rising from 23% in those exposed to less than 50 ppm to 71% in those exposed to more than 100 ppm. Reaction time was slower for those with a larger body burden, as indicated by area under the excretion curve, and for those who failed to clear the metabolite during the weekend. No slowing in conduction time was found among a small group of five men exposed to more than 100 ppm for less than four weeks. There was some evidence that both central and peripheral slowing recovered when workers were removed from exposure. Uptake, storage, or elimination of styrene was influenced by the physical demands of the work, skinfold thickness, cumulative exposure, and alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, only the wearing of a mask and current consumption of alcohol were associated with a lower risk of sensory conduction deficit. While there was no clear indication that neurotoxic effects were related to individual differences in the capacity to metabolise high concentrations of styrene, measurement of urinary metabolites may be helpful in identifying those at highest risk.
TL;DR: The effects of low exposure to inorganic mercury on psychological performance was investigated in this article, where eight chronically exposed workers and 20 who were only occasionally exposed were compared with a control group of 22 subjects who were not exposed to mercury.
Abstract: The effects of low exposure to inorganic mercury on psychological performance was investigated: the study groups included eight chronically exposed workers and 20 who were only occasionally exposed. These were compared with a control group of 22 subjects from the same plant who were not exposed to mercury. All subjects were administered the WHO test battery to detect preclinical signs of central nervous system impairment: the battery includes the Santa Ana (Helsinki version) test, simple reaction time, the Benton test, and the Wechsler digit span and digit symbol. In addition, the Gordon test was used to study personality profiles and the clinical depression questionnaire. Urinary mercury was used as indicator for internal dose. To this effect, urinary mercury observed in workers examined from 1979 to 1987 was evaluated. Of the pyschic functions explored by behavioural tests, only short term auditory memory was found to be impaired in the chronically exposed workers (p less than 0.05 compared with the controls). The chronically exposed workers were also found to be more depressed than those in the two other groups. No changes of visual motor functions were observed. The personality of the occupationally exposed workers was found to be considerably changed compared with that of the control group. On the basis of the results obtained and in view of urinary mercury mean concentrations in the exposed group which were 30-40 micrograms/l over the years, it is suggested that the TLV-TWA for mercury should be lowered to 0.025 mg/m3 and that the biological urinary exposure indicator for biological monitoring should be 25 micrograms/l.
TL;DR: The motor conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve was decreased among patients with CTS supporting the idea that entrapment neuropathies in the hands may be due to tissue swelling caused by vibration at work.
Abstract: The presence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in 125 forestry workers with exposure to vibration was examined clinically by electromyography and by determining vibration detection thresholds. Numbness of the hands was present in 43%, history of diminished hand muscle force in 15%, and Raynaud's phenomenon in 27%. The muscle weakness correlated significantly with motor nerve conduction velocity in the median nerve in both hands. In 25 forestry workers CTS was diagnosed. The condition was bilateral in 48%; otherwise it was more common on the right side. Fifteen patients were referred for surgery but because of spontaneous recovery or refusal by the patients only five underwent surgery; of these four improved. The motor conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve was decreased among patients with CTS supporting the idea that entrapment neuropathies in the hands may be due to tissue swelling caused by vibration at work. Total exposure time to vibration correlated with the decrease in motor conduction velocity in the ulnar nerve.
TL;DR: It was concluded that welding fumes interacted with smoking and an atopic constitution to cause respiratory impairment in shipyard workers.
Abstract: A respiratory sample survey of 609 shipyard workers was conducted in 1979: the men were reassessed an average of 7.2 years later. The 53 deaths between the surveys were related to age, level of lung function and smoking but not to trade as a welder or caulker/burner. Of the survivors, 488 (88%) were seen, including 425 men who had retired or been made redundant. Redundancy was related to age, smoking, and respiratory symptoms; the average reduction in duration of employment per symptom was 0.44 years. Changes in respiratory symptoms included onset of chronic bronchitis and wheeze on most days (numbers respectively 77 and 109) and increased breathlessness on exertion (n = 89); significant related factors included smoking, previous metal fume fever or pneumonia, and, for breathlessness, trade as a welder or caulker/burner. Electrocardiographic evidence for myocardial ischaemia was also associated with increased breathlessness. The annual declines in FEV1 and other spirometric indices were related to age, to being a smoker at the time of the initial survey, and to trade as a welder or caulker/burner compared with trades that did not involve welding or burning. There was significant interaction between these effects. In a subsample of 124 redundant workers there was also significant interaction between the effects of fumes and atopy (skin test positive to common antigens) or a raised serum IgE concentration. It was concluded that welding fumes interacted with smoking and an atopic constitution to cause respiratory impairment. The results related mainly to exposures in the past and were not necessarily relevant for present day conditions in the industry.
TL;DR: It is concluded that exposure for a relatively short time to hydrogen sulphide concentrations appreciably higher than those existing in ambient air do not cause noticeable effects on respiratory function.
Abstract: A study was carried out to assess possible effects of low concentrations of hydrogen sulphide on respiratory function. The cohort comprised 26 male pulp mill workers (mean age 40.3, range 22-60 years) with a daily exposure to hydrogen sulphide in the workplace, and 10 volunteers, who had asthma (three men, mean age 40.7, range 33 to 50 years, and seven women, mean age 44.1, range 31 to 61 years). The respiratory function of the pulp mill workers was monitored by measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and bronchial responsiveness after at least one day off work and at the end of a workday. Bronchial responsiveness was tested by challenge with histamine. The 10 asthmatic subjects were exposed in laboratory conditions to 2 ppm of hydrogen sulphide for 30 minutes in an exposure chamber. Airway resistance (Raw) and specific airway conductance (SGaw) were assessed by a body plethysmograph, and the ventilatory capacities were measured with a flow volume spirometer. No significant changes in respiratory function or bronchial responsiveness related to exposure to hydrogen sulphide in the pulp mill workers were found. In the asthmatic subjects, Raw was increased by 26.3% and SGaw was decreased by 8.4% on average after exposure to hydrogen sulphide. These changes were not statistically significant. In two subjects, however, changes were greater than 30% in both Raw and SGaw, indicating bronchial obstruction. It is concluded that exposure for a relatively short time to hydrogen sulphide concentrations appreciably higher than those existing in ambient air do not cause noticeable effects on respiratory function.
TL;DR: It is concluded that inhalation of carcinogenic and toxic compounds during firefighting may constitute an occupational cancer risk and an extended use of respiratory protective equipment is advocated.
Abstract: This study was set up to investigate the effect of exposure to combustion effluents on the chronic health of firefighters. A cohort of firefighters was followed up through 10 years with regard to cause specific mortality. Comparisons were made with another cohort of civil servants and salaried employees in physically demanding jobs. After a latency of five years, an excess mortality from cancer was seen for persons aged 30 to 74 (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 173, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 104-270). A significant increase in lung cancer was seen in the group aged 60 to 74 (SMR 317, 95% CI 117-691), whereas non-pulmonary cancer was significantly increased in the group aged 30 to 49 (SMR 575, 95% CI 187-1341). It is concluded that inhalation of carcinogenic and toxic compounds during firefighting may constitute an occupational cancer risk. An extended use of respiratory protective equipment is advocated.
TL;DR: Risks for multiple myeloma were greater among car or spray painters and signwriters compared with construction and general painters, and no increased risk was found for leukaemia or for respiratory, biliary, skin, or gastrointestinal cancers.
Abstract: Painters are exposed to a range of complex chemical mixtures which include organic solvents and dye products with known carcinogenic and mutagenic potential. Trade painters or those manufacturing paints and coatings have increased rates of non-malignant diseases and cancers; including lung cancer, acute leukaemia, bladder cancer, and cancers of the oesophagus, larynx, biliary system, liver, skin, and large bowel. A series of case-control studies of painters, based on the New Zealand Cancer Registry, are presented. These concerned 19,904 male patients registered for the period 1980-4 who were aged 20 or older at the time of registration. For each cancer site studied, the registrants for all other cancer sites formed the control group. Three cancer sites were associated with work as a painter--namely, bladder tumours (odds ratio (OR) 1.52, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.00-2.31), kidney and other urothelial tumours (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.85-2.50), and multiple myeloma (OR 1.95, 95%, CI 1.05-3.65). Risks for multiple myeloma were greater among car or spray painters and signwriters (OR 2.81) compared with construction and general painters (OR 1.80). No increased risk was found for leukaemia or for respiratory, biliary, skin, or gastrointestinal cancers.
TL;DR: Mortality and cancer incidence were studied in men exposed to inorganic mercury at eight Swedish chloralkali plants where individual biological monitoring data were available, finding that death from all causes and the incidence of cancer were not significantly increased.
Abstract: Mortality and cancer incidence were studied in men exposed to inorganic mercury at eight Swedish chloralkali plants where individual biological monitoring data were available. Urinary mercury excretion has declined from about 200 micrograms/l during the 1950s to less than 50 micrograms/l today. These workers had also been exposed to chlorine and static magnetic fields. At some of the plants there had been a low degree of exposure to asbestos. In total, 1190 men had been monitored for at least one year between 1946 and 1984. Their mortality and cancer incidence were compared with those of the general male population. Mortality from all causes was not significantly increased (rate ratio = 1.1). Cardiovascular mortality was slightly increased (rate ratio = 1.3; 95% CI 1.0-1.5) for no known reason. An excess of lung tumours was seen (rate ratio = 2.0; 95% CI 1.0-3.8), possibly caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Mortality from non-malignant diseases of the brain and the kidneys, the main target organs in mercury poisoning, was not increased, nor was the incidence of brain tumours (3 observed v 1.1 expected) or kidney tumours (3 observed v 1.9 expected).
TL;DR: High rates of fatal and non-fatal injury were found, with most deaths attributed to drowning, and concerning a vessel operating in rough seas or poor weather, and when compared with the rest of the country.
Abstract: The fatal and non-fatal injuries related to work in commercial fishermen operating out of New Zealand ports is described. Three data sources were used to provide information on the nature of the injuries sustained, as well as their circumstances. High rates of fatal and non-fatal injury were found, with most deaths attributed to drowning, and concerning a vessel operating in rough seas or poor weather. A higher fatal injury rate was found for the west coast of New Zealand when compared with the rest of the country. This is likely to be due to a combination of factors, including rougher sea conditions, a lower density of fishing vessels operating in the area, and the siting of many west coast fishing ports at dangerous river and harbour bars. Injuries to hands and fingers related to the use of winches, machinery and knives were common, as were back strains associated with lifting, and a variety of injuries resulting from falls. There is need for a comprehensive injury information source, such as an industry based register specific for fishing, so that effective preventative strategies and their evaluation can be developed.
TL;DR: Data support the ideas of a possible aetiological connection between an increased risk of lung cancer and BP exposure among foundry workers, and an additive effect between BP and quartz.
Abstract: This investigation describes benzo(a)pyrene (BP) serum protein adduct concentrations in 45 foundry workers and 45 matched non-occupationally exposed controls. High and low BP exposure groups were defined using breathing zone hygienic samples for both quartz and BP exposures. A newly developed enzyme linked immunosorbent assay detected benzo(a)pyrenediolepoxide-I binding to serum protein. Mean BP protein adduct concentrations (SD) for non-smoking (24.0 BP equivalents/100 micrograms protein (21.0] and smoking (28.0 (18.2] foundry workers were significantly higher than mean values for non-smoking (7.23 (8.72] and smoking (14.2 (24.4] controls. Foundry workers with high exposures to either quartz (28.4 (15.5] or BP (30.7 (19.3] had slightly raised mean adduct concentrations compared with foundry workers with low exposure for quartz (23.9 (23.1] or BP (24.5 (19.4). Highest mean adduct concentrations were found among a small group of workers with simultaneous high exposures to both quartz and BP (39.2 (6.5] suggesting an additive effect. These data support the ideas of a possible aetiological connection between an increased risk of lung cancer and BP exposure among foundry workers, and an additive effect between BP and quartz. Measurement of BP serum protein adduct concentrations appears to be a useful method by which groups exposed to BP may be biologically monitored.
TL;DR: The liquid/air partition coefficients of four common terpenes, alpha-Pinene, beta-pinene, 3-carene, and limonene, have been determined in vitro using head space technique using water, human blood, and olive oil.
Abstract: The liquid/air partition coefficients of four common terpenes, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, 3-carene, and limonene, have been determined in vitro using head space technique. The liquids used were water, human blood, and olive oil. alpha-Pinene, beta-pinene, and 3-carene were practically insoluble in water and limonene was slightly soluble; all were readily dissolved in olive oil. The oil/air partition coefficients ranged from 2900 to 5700 in the order alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, 3-carene, and limonene. The blood/air partition coefficients ranged from 15 to 42 in the same order as for oil/air.
TL;DR: In subjects not exposed to heavy metals at work gender, age, smoking, and alcohol intake are determinants of blood lead concentration, which may slightly impair renal function, whereas blood pressure does not seem to be importantly influenced.
Abstract: Blood lead concentration was measured in 398 male and 133 female London civil servants not subject to industrial exposure to heavy metals. The relation between blood lead and serum creatinine concentrations and blood pressure were examined. Blood lead concentration ranged from 0.20 to 1.70 mumol/l with a geometric mean concentrations of 0.58 mumol/l in men and 0.46 mumol/l in women (p less than 0.001). In women blood lead concentration increased with age (r = +0.27; p = 0.002). In the two sexes blood lead concentration was positively correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked a day (men r = +0.17 and women r = +0.22; p less than or equal to 0.01), with the reported number of alcoholic beverages consumed a day (men r = +0.34 and women r = 0.23; p less than 0.01), and with serum gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (men r = +0.23 and women r = +0.14; for men p less than 0.01). Blood lead concentration was not correlated with body weight, body mass index, and employment grade. In men 14% of the variance of blood lead concentration was explained by the significant and independent contributions of smoking and alcohol intake and in women 16% by age, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In men serum creatinine concentration tended to rise by 0.6 mumol/l (95% confidence interval from -0.2 to +1.36 mumol/l) for each 25% increment in blood lead concentration. In men and women the correlations between blood lead concentration and systolic and diastolic blood did not approach statistical significance. In conclusion, in subjects not exposed to heavy metals at work gender, age, smoking, and alcohol intake are determinants of blood lead concentration. At a low level of exposure, lead accumulation may slightly impair renal function, whereas blood pressure does not seem to be importantly influenced. Alternatively, a slight impairment of renal function may give rise to an increase in blood lead concentration.
TL;DR: There was an overall deficit of deaths and cases of cancer in the ferrosilicon group and an excess of lung cancer and cancer of the prostate was observed in theFerrochromium workers employed before 1965.
Abstract: Results are presented of a cohort study on the incidence of cancers and crude death rates in ferrochromium and ferrosilicon workers. The whole cohort was observed from 1 January 1953 to 31 December 1985. Two sets of results are presented; one restricted to workers first employed before 1960 and one to workers first employed before 1965. The latter cohort consists of 1235 workers. The total mortality in the whole cohort was low (SMR = 81) as was the overall incidence of cancers (SIR = 84). There was an overall deficit of deaths and cases of cancer in the ferrosilicon group. An excess of lung cancer (SIR = 154) and cancer of the prostate (SIR = 151) was observed in the ferrochromium workers employed before 1965. Cancer of the kidney was also in excess (SIR = 273) in the ferrochromium group, with a mean "latency time" of 39 years. Two cases of malignant melanomas had occurred versus 0.19 expected in a small subgroup of workers in electrical shops and an electric power station.
TL;DR: There was a clear relation between exposure to radon and death from lung cancer, and control of dust concentrations in the mines has substantially reduced--and may have eliminated--direct mortality from silica related disease.
Abstract: The mortality patterns of United Kingdom tin miners were examined in relation to calendar period and duration of underground work with particular attention to lung cancer and exposure to radon. Subjects were all men who had worked for at least one year between 1941 and 1984 at one of two United Kingdom tin mines and for whom a complete work history could be constructed from mine records. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using national (England and Wales) rates. The pattern of SMRs in relation to potential explanatory variables was analysed using Poisson regression methods. Mortalities from lung cancer and silicosis (including silicotuberculosis) were significantly raised and showed a significant relation with duration of underground work (mortality from stomach cancer was raised in both underground and surface workers, but not significantly). Excess mortality from silica related disease declined steeply from 35% among workers first exposed before 1920 to 1% among those first exposed after 1950. Thirteen surface workers with known exposure to arsenic had high rates of lung and stomach cancer. The SMR for lung cancer showed a consistent pattern in relation to duration of underground exposure, rising from 83 (observed/expected = 8/9.6) for surface workers (without exposure to arsenic) to 447 (15/3.4) for workers with more than 30 years underground exposure. Examination of the SMR for lung cancer by total underground exposure, age, and time since last exposure gave rise to a model for the expression of risk which depends only on total exposure and time since exposure. The fitted model implies that the effect of exposure to radon in a given year has no effect on risk for 10 years, then rapidly rises to a maximum from which the excess risk then declines, halving every 4.3 years. There were no direct measurements of historic radon levels. A conservative estimate based on measurements taken since 1969 by the National Radiological Protection Board and the Mines and Quarries Inspectorate is that the annual dose to an underground worker was about 10 working level months (WLM). Given this assumption, the risk/exposure slope implied by the present data, and the model fitted to it, was somewhat lower than that given in the fourth Committee on the Biological Effects of Ionisation Radiation (BEIR IV) report (about 40% lower for lifetime exposures). The present data also imply different risks depending on the age at exposure, with relatively higher lifetime risks for exposure at older ages, and relatively lower risks for exposures at younger ages. In conclusion, there was a clear relation between exposure to radon and death from lung cancer. The relative risk of lung cancer due to exposure to radon was not constant in cessation of exposure. The lifetime excess risk of lung cancer implied by these data for 40 years exposure at the current statutory limit of four WLM a year starting at age 20, was about 8% (79 excess deaths per 1000 exposed), assuming average smoking habits among the exposed workers. Control of dust concentrations in the mines has substantially reduced--and may have eliminated--direct mortality from silica related disease.
TL;DR: A nested case-control study clearly suggested that this excess of deaths from lung cancer was attributable to former PAH exposures in the ferrochromium production workshops rather than to exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the stainless steel manufacturing areas.
Abstract: A mortality study was carried out among the workers of a plant that had produced ferrochromium and stainless steel, and was still producing stainless steel, in order to determine whether exposure to chromium compounds, to nickel compounds, and to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) could result in a risk of lung cancer for the exposed workers. The cohort comprised 2269 men whose vital status were recorded between 1 January 1952 and 31 December 1982. The smoking habits of 67% of the cohort members were known from medical records. The observed numbers of deaths were compared with the expected ones based on national rates with adjustment for age, sex, and calendar time. A low mortality, achieving statistical significance, was found from all causes (observed = 137, standardised mortality ratio (SMR) = 0.82) and from benign respiratory diseases (observed = one, SMR = 0.15). With regard to mortality from lung cancer, a non-significant excess appeared in the whole cohort (observed = 12, SMR = 1.40). Among the exposed workers, however, a significant lung cancer excess was found (observed = 11, SMR = 2.04) that contrasted with a low SMR (0.32) in the non-exposed group. This excess is unlikely to be explained by smoking, as the tobacco consumption of these two groups was similar. No trend was observed for mortality from lung cancer either according to time since first exposure, or according to duration of exposure. A nested case-control study clearly suggested that this excess of deaths from lung cancer was attributable to former PAH exposures in the ferrochromium production workshops rather than to exposures in the stainless steel manufacturing areas.
TL;DR: From present working conditions with much lower concentrations of chrysotile and no crocidolite no more occupational cancers are expected in the asbestos cement industry.
Abstract: A historical prospective cohort study comprised all persons employed from 1950 to 1981 for at least three years in the oldest asbestos cement factory in the world. From 2816 persons eligible for the study, record based estimates and measurements of dust and fibres and histories of smoking based on interviews were used to calculate individual exposures over time. After observation of 51,218 person-years and registration of 540 deaths, underlying causes of death for this cohort were compared with those for the regional population on the basis of death certificates. Deaths from lung cancer in asbestos cement workers were higher (standard mortality ratio (SMR) 1.7), but after adjustment for age and sex specific smoking habits this was not significant (SMR 1.04). The study had a probability of greater than 92% of detecting a smoking adjusted SMR of 1.5 or more. Using the best available evidence (including necropsy records) 52 deaths were assigned to lung cancer and five to mesothelioma. Life table analyses confirmed the predominant influence of smoking on lung cancer. Mesothelioma was associated with the use of crocidolite in pipe production. From present working conditions with much lower concentrations of chrysotile and no crocidolite no more occupational cancers are expected in the asbestos cement industry.