bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Functional Tetralins via Benzylic Activation
Authors: Liégault Benoît , Renaud Jean‐Luc , Bruneau Christian
Published: April 2007

2‐Monosubstituted, 2,2‐ and 2,3‐disubstituted tetralin derivatives have been synthesized from α,α′‐dihalo‐o‐xylenes and activated olefins using a palladium catalyst under basic conditions. The effects of temperature, base, palladium precursor and solvent have been fully explored, and this new catalytic reaction has been extended to a variety of substrates.
Highly Efficient Threonine‐Derived Organocatalysts for Direct Asymmetric Aldol Reactions in Water
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Jiang Zhaoqin , Shen Han‐Ming , Lu Yixin
Published: April 2007

The introduction of siloxy groups at the hydroxy function of natural threonine resulted in efficient hydrophobic organocatalysts, which could efficiently catalyze the direct aldol reactions of both cyclic and acyclic ketones with aromatic aldehydes in water with excellent enantiomeric excess.
Gold‐Catalyzed Efficient Formation of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones from Propargylic Acetates
Authors: Yu Meng , Li Guotao , Wang Shaozhong , Zhang Liming
Published: April 2007

An efficient gold‐catalyzed method for the preparation of α,β‐unsaturated ketones from propargylic acetates has been developed. Under mild reaction conditions, β‐monosubstituted enones were formed mostly with excellent E‐selectivity. β,β‐Disubstituted enones can be prepared from propargylic acetates derived from ketones. The high efficiency and mild nature of this reaction render it a viable alternative for the synthesis of α,β‐unsaturated ketones.
Simple Primary Anilines as Iminium Catalysts for the Epoxidation of α‐Substituted Acroleins
Authors: Erkkilä Anniina , Pihko Petri M. , Clarke Melanie‐Rose
Published: April 2007

Simple ortho‐alkylated anilines have been shown to be excellent iminium catalysts for the epoxidation reaction of α‐substituted acroleins. A range of different α‐substituted acroleins give the epoxide products in good to excellent yields and good chemoselectivity.
Background and design of a danish cohort study of workers in phenoxy herbicide manufacture
Authors: Lynge Elsebeth
Published: April 2007

In 1982, a Danish cohort study was initiated of workers in the manufacture of 2,4‐dichlorophenol‐ and 4‐chloro‐ortho‐cresol‐based phenoxy herbicides, after a governmental working group had indicated the need for further data on the long‐term health consequences of exposure to these phenoxy herbicides. A cohort study of workers in the manufacture of these substances was considered to be a valuable supplement to the Swedish case‐control studies of patients exposed mainly in spraying. Manufacture of phenoxy herbicides was commenced in Denmark by Kemisk Vaerk Koege (KVK) in 1947, and this company has produced 2,4‐D and MCPA, and later 2,4‐DP and MCPP. Very limited amounts of 2,4,5‐T have been processed in this plant, mainly in the formation of esters based on a purchased acid. Manufacture of MCPA was commenced by Esbjerg Kemikaliefabrik (EK) in 1951, and this production was later supplemented with 2,4‐DP. Furthermore, MCPA was produced by Cheminova and Danske Gasvaerkers Tjaerekompagni for short periods in the late 1950s. All persons employed at KVK and EK from the time when these plants began operation, in 1933 and 1951 respectively, until 1982 were intended to be included in this cohort study. The registration was based on company records and, from 1964 onward, supplemented with data from a public pension scheme (ATP). Linkage of company records from KVK with ATP records for the overlapping period 1964–1980 showed 2,163 persons to be known in both datasets, whereas 614 persons were known only from the ATP records. The data collection has consequently shown that ATP provides a valuable data source for control of company records in Denmark. For the study period before 1964, the number of registered employees could be controlled by comparison with the number of employees reported by the companies on questionnaires for the national industrial statistics 1945–1969. In the analysis of this cohort study, special attention was given to soft tissue sarcomas and malignant lymphomas, which are the diagnostic groups associated with exposure to phenoxy herbicides in the Swedish case‐control studies. Soft tissue sarcomas, in both organs and connective tissue, can be identified using the classifications found in the Danish Cancer Registry.
Serum type III procollagen peptide: Indicator for pulmonary fibrosis: II. Application in 80 asbestos insulation workers
Authors: Okazaki Isao , Maruyama Katsuya , Kobayashi Yumiko , Lilis Ruth , Suzuki Yasunosuke
Published: April 2007

An assay for type III procollagen peptide (P‐III‐P) was applied to serum from 80 asbestos insulation workers in order to evaluate its relationship with pulmonary and pleural fibrosis. The serum peptide levels of 16 control workers were 7.8 ± 2.0 ng/ml (mean ± SD). An association between the serum values of P‐III‐P and the profusion of small irregular opacities on chest X‐rays was noted. The levels in the group with moderate interstitial pulmonary fibrosis [profusion category 2 (2/1, 2/2, and 2/3)] and with marked interstitial pulmonary fibrosis [profusion category 3(3/3)] were 9.9 ± 2.3 ng/ml (n = 5) and thus tended to be higher than those of 16 control workers (p<0.1). On the other hand, there was not correlation between serum peptide levels and pleural lesions nor between the former and duration of asbestos exposure. From the results of the investigation [part I of which is reported elsewhere (Okazaki et al, 1986)] this assay may be useful for detecting individuals with a more marked tendency for progression of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis due to asbestos exposure in insulation work.
Mutagenicity assessment of airborne particles from three polyurethane foam manufacturing facilities
Authors: Ong Tong‐Man , Stewart John , Whong Wen‐Zong , Boeniger Mark
Published: April 2007

In conjunction with industrial hygiene surveys, mutagenicity studies were performed for the airborne contaminants in three polyurethane manufacturing plants. Airborne particles were collected on glass‐fiber filters with Hi‐Vol pumps from different locations in each plant. Gases were collected in multiple‐sorbent cartridges. The collected airborne particles and sorbent cartridges were extracted with organic solvents. Each extract was tested for mutagenic activity using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. The results showed that airborne particles from all three plants are mutagenic to TA98 with or without S9 activation. The mutagenicity with S9, however, was two to four times higher than that without S9. None of the samples of gases collected on sorbent cartridges showed mutagenic activity.
Correlates of early fetal death among women working in industry
Authors: Cavedon Gianfranco , Figà‐Talamanca Irene
Published: April 2007

The objective of the study was to identify and compare occupational‐environmental and demographic factors associated with fetal loss using data collected in a large‐scale epidemiologic study among female industrial workers. Information on maternal, demographic, and occupational characteristics and on pregnancy outcome was available for 3,332 women classified by gravidity groups. The data were subjected to step‐wise regression analysis using the following independent variables: age at pregnancy, pregnancy order, educational level, type of industrial work, smoking during pregnancy, and place of birth. The step‐wise procedure showed that two biological characteristics (age and pregnancy order) and two socio‐environmental characteristics (educational level, and to a lesser degree, smoking) were all significantly associated with fetal death. The place of origin and the type of industrial work the women performed were not. Fetal death was more frequent in older age groups, in high parity orders, among women with more education, and among smokers.
Changes in smoking characteristics by type of employment from 1970 to 1979/80
Authors: Weinkam James J. , Sterling Theodor D.
Published: April 2007

Changes in the distribution of smoking status between and within occupations by sex, race, and age are examined for 1970 and 1979/80, 10 years that saw rapid changes in smoking prevalence. The pattern of occupation within smoking categories remains basically unchanged, and, in fact, becomes more pronounced among males. The probability of young people taking up smoking remains tied to eventual occupational choice. The decline in smoking prevalence is larger among the employed than among those who are not employed. There has been a substantial increase in refusals to answer questions about smoking.
Accumulation of long asbestos fibers in the peripheral upper lobe in cases of malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Churg Andrew , Wiggs Barry
Published: April 2007

Animal studies suggest that mesothelioma is most effectively induced by fibers longer than 8 μ. However, studies of asbestos fibers recovered from human lungs in cases of mesothelioma indicate that, at least in large‐scale samples, relatively few fibers meet this size criterion, perhaps implying that the animal data do not apply to man. Since asbestos concentration in lung is known to be extremely inhomogeneous, it is also possible that long fibers may selectively accumulate in specific sites, such as under the pleura. To examine this possibility, we selected ten cases of mesothelioma that contained relatively large amounts of amosite asbestos and extracted fibers from an 0.5‐cm‐thick strip of subpleural tissue and an area 3‐cm deep to the subpleural sample for upper and lower lobes. Amosite fibers were identified and sized by electron microscopic techniques. Fibers in the peripheral upper lobe were significantly longer, broader, and of higher aspect ratio than those in the central upper lobe. The lower lobe showed a reverse pattern, with longer fibers and broader fibers in the central sample. These data indicate that the two lobes behave differently in regard to fiber size, with selective accumulation of long fibers in the peripheral upper lobe, but not in the peripheral lower lobe. Whether these differences reflect differences in initial deposition of fibers within the lung, or, more likely, specific redistribution of fibers, is unclear, but in either case, accumulation of long fibers immediately under the upper lobe pleura may be important in the genesis of mesothelioma.
Occupational factors associated with astrocytomas: A case‐control study
Authors: Olin Robert G. , Ahlbom Anders , Lindberg‐Naviery Inger , Norell Staffan E. , Spännare Bo
Published: April 2007

The most malignant form of all brain tumors is the supratentorial astrocytoma. Little is known about its etiology, but exogenous factors have been blamed. In this case‐control study, 78 astrocytoma patients have been compared with 197 clinical and 92 population controls. An extensive questionnaire was used to gather information about occupational and residential environment exposure. Inquiries concerning groups of or individual chemicals elicited low rates of affirmative response, with negligible differences between cases and controls. However, the questions “working at an airfield” and “living near a petrochemical plant” indicated elevated risks in comparison with both control groups; so too did “living near a municipal sewage treatment plant.” These results focus attention on exposure to organic compounds and should be considered together with similar findings in current research. No other occupation, branch of industry, or vicinity questions showed differences between cases and controls, with the exception of “living in the neighborhood of a paper mill or a saw mill,” which gave moderately increased relative risks.

A separate report gives the results from the nonoccupational part of the study.
Outbreak of carbon tetrachloride poisoning in a color printing factory related to the use of isopropyl alcohol and an air conditioning system in Taiwan
Authors: Deng Jou‐Fang , Wang Jung‐Der , Shih Tung‐Sheng , Lan Fwu‐Liang
Published: April 2007

Three workers from a color printing factory were admitted to community hospitals in 1985 with manifestations of acute hepatitis. One of the three had superimposed acute renal failure and pulmonary edema. An investigation was subsequently conducted at the plant to determine the etiology of the outbreak and the prevalence of liver disease among the remaining workers. Comprehensive medical evaluations were conducted, which included physical examinations, liver function tests, and serological screening for hepatitis. Seventeen of 25 workers from the plant had abnormal liver function tests 10 days after the outbreak, and a significant association was found between the presence of abnormal liver function tests and a history of recently having worked inside any of three rooms in which an interconnecting air conditioning system had been installed to cool the printing machines. After further investigation, it was determined that the incident occurred following inadvertent use of carbon tetrachloride to clean a pump in the printing machine. A simulation of the pump cleaning operation revealed ambient air levels of carbon tetrachloride of 300–500 ppm. Ultimately, it was concluded that the outbreak was in all likelihood due to the combined use of carbon tetrachloride and isopropyl alcohol in the cleaning operation. This outbreak underscores the importance of adopting appropriate industrial hygiene measures in a rapidly industrializing nation such as Taiwan.
Pathological findings in mine workers: I. Description of the PATHAUT database
Authors: Hessel P. A. , Goldstein B. , Davies J. C. A. , Webster I. , Hnizdo E. , Landau S.
Published: April 2007

A computerized system for recording the results of structured, numerically coded autopsy reports on various types of mine workers has been in operation at the National Centre for Occupational Health in Johannesburg since 1975. Historical developments, particularly those associated with compensation for occupational disease, have resulted in very high autopsy rates, especially among whites. Since its inception, the pathology automation (PATHAUT) system has accumulated the results of more than 33,000 autopsies. The data set is described in the hope of stimulating interest in the possible uses of the data and encouraging collaborative research. Some characteristics of the database with potential research implications are discussed. These include differing age and work patterns for blacks and whites and geographic factors with potential influence on whether a body or only the cardiorespiratory organs are sent for examination.
A behavioral evaluation of pest control workers with short‐term, low‐level exposure to the organophosphate diazinon
Authors: Maizlish Neil , Schenker Marc , Weisskopf Carol , Seiber James , Samuels Steven
Published: April 2007

Neurobehavioral effects of short‐term, low‐level exposure to diazinon were investigated among 99 pest control workers tested before and after their work shift with a computer‐assisted neurobehavioral test battery. Each subject completed a brief neurological screening examination, a symptom questionnaire, and tests of concentration, eye‐hand coordination, pattern recognition, visual memory, and finger tapping. The diazinon metabolite diethylthiophosphate (DETP) was measured in pre‐ and post‐shift urine samples collected from 46 diazinon applicators applying granulated diazinon onto residential properties with lawn spreaders, and 56 non‐applicators. Post‐shift median DETP for applicators and non‐applicators was 24 and 3 ppb, respectively. Full shift, whole body exposure to diazinon was quantitated for 19 subjects using personal air monitoring and passive badges. Median diazinon exposure for applicators and non‐applicators was 2.1 and 0.03 mg, respectively. Mean duration of pesticide application was 39 days (SD = 12 days) before testing.

No adverse DETP‐related changes in pre‐ or post‐shift neurobehavioral function were found with multiple linear regression models after adjusting for age, sex, education, and ethanol intake, although Symbol‐Digit pairing speed was slower among the applicators as a group. The prevalence of 18 symptoms possibly related to diazinon exposure was not elevated among applicators. The study failed to demonstrate diverse behavioral effects of short‐term, low‐level diazinon exposure in a pest control program which emphasized personal protective equipment and direct supervision.
Exposure assessment for occupational epidemiology
Authors: Smith Thomas J.
Published: April 2007

Exposure evaluation for epidemiology has special requirements, which can be derived from the pharmacological processes that determine the exposure‐effect relationship. Since environmental concentrations of toxic agents typically are highly variable over time, the tissue concentrations they produce will vary over time, and consequently the level of effects will also vary over time. A general, six‐step approach is proposed for developing an exposure assessment for an epidemiologic study. This approach uses pharmacologic models to guide the choice of exposure measurement parameters and to guide the epidemiologic data analysis. The approach is illustrated for evaluations of reversible airway effects of ozone and irreversible pulmonary effects of a mixed silica dust. Effect indices are introduced as a means of quantifying the temporal interrelationships of the exposure profiles and the pharmacologic models. These indices have advantages over both dose indices and simple dose‐outcome models.
Health effects of pesticides: A review of epidemiologic research from the perspective of developing nations
Authors: Shou‐zhen Xue
Published: April 2007

Acute poisoning among pesticide applicators is still a prominent health hazard in rural areas in developing countries, but published reports are very rare. Registration analysis and descriptive study are helpful in giving guidance for orientation and evaluation of preventive strategies and measures. Data and material from China show that, in circumstances with a well organized grass‐roots‐level network of primary health care services, poisoning episodes can be prevented through dissemination of information of hazards and provision of prevention training courses. Among pesticide manufacturing workers, especially manual packers of organophosphorus insecticides, there is suggestive evidence of subacute posioning resulting from continuous low‐level exposure. Chronic delayed neuropathy has, rarely, been reported. Further study of the cause of subacute poisoning now requires analytical rather than descriptive investigations. There is still no solid documentation of an association of excess human cancer and the use of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides. Phenoxyacetic and chlorophenol herbicides recently have been widely studied for causation of soft tissue sarcoma, non‐Hodgkin's leukemia, and lymphoma. Although the evidence at present indicates a positive association, discrepancies in findings and resultant controversy require further study. Epidemiological surveys on the harmful effect of DBCP are quite instructive. Investigations in exposed populations verified and extended the observation in animals as infertility and gender ratio change in the next generation. Adverse reproductive effects of a number of pesticides, particularly birth defects resulting from pesticides (other than those already documented for organomercurials), require further study.
Prevention of work‐related injuries and diseases: Lessons from experience with ionizing radiation
Authors: Upton Arthur C.
Published: April 2007

Almost immediately after the discovery of the Roentgen ray, in 1895, radiation injuries of various kinds began to be encountered in early X‐ray workers, radium handlers, radiologists, and exposed patients. The injuries, which were predominantly acute reactions resulting from the killing of cells in affected tissues, were found to be preventable merely by keeping exposures below relevant threshold levels. By the middle of the twentieth century, however, it was realized that thresholds might not exist for certain effects of ionizing radiation, such as mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects. The risks of such effects in workers and other populations exposed to low‐level radiation have thus been of increasing concern in recent years. The scientific basis for assessing such risks and the principles that have evolved for their control have important implications for occupational and environmental health in general.
Angioedema and urticaria as acute and late phase reactions to zinc fume exposure, with associated metal fume fever‐like symptoms
Authors: Farrell Francis J.
Published: April 2007

IgE‐mediated acute and late phase reactions associated with occupational metal fume exposure are rare compared with the more common metal fume fever. The latter is a common acute industrial disease caused by inhalation of oxides of metals, especially zinc. It is a flu‐like illness and is thought to be self‐limited. This article describes the first case, to my knowledge, of an immediate and a late phase reaction (urticaria and angioedema) to zinc fumes, associated with a metal fume fever‐like reaction. Hives and angioedema developed immediately and in a delayed fashion in a 34‐year‐old man after he had welded zinc at his job. There also was an associated metal fume fever‐like reaction. The relationship was proved by a challenge test done at home. The patient has been asymptomatic since using complete protective measures while welding zinc. Possible immunologic mechanisms are discussed.
Influence of occupational low‐level lead exposure on renal parameters
Authors: Verschoor Marga , Wibowo Anton , Herber Robert , van Hemmen Joop , Zielhuis Reinier
Published: April 2007

The influence of lead exposure on renal function was examined. In 155 lead workers and 126 control workers, lead in blood (PbB) and zinc protoporphyrin in blood (ZPP) were measured as indicators of exposure to lead; various proteins in urine were measured as parameters of renal functions. Regression and matched‐pair analyses suggest that tubular parameters may be more influenced by lead exposure than glomerular parameters. Changes in renal function parameters may already occur at PbB levels below 3 μmol/liter (600 μg/liter). The excretion of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase appears to be the most consistent and sensitive parameter of an early effect on the tubular function.
Cause‐specific mortality among male chemical workers
Authors: Bond Gregory G. , McLaren Elsie A. , Cartmill Janice B. , Wymer Karen T. , Sobel Wendy , Lipps Thomas E. , Cook Ralph R.
Published: April 2007

Cause specific mortality was surveyed among 37,682 male employees with three or more days of service between 1940 and 1982 at the Midland or Bay City, Michigan, locations of Dow Chemical USA. Vital status was ascertained through 1982 for 97.5% of the cohort members, and death certificates were obtained for 97.1% of the 7,751 decedents. Comparisons of observed mortality with expected levels based on any of three general population groups (US, Michigan, or seven local counties) consistently demonstrated lower mortality in the cohort from each of the major causes of death, including total malignant neoplasms. Unique among hourly employees was significant excess mortality in the categories of cancer of other lymphatic tissue, and motor vehicle accidents, and both hourly and salaried nonexempt employees experienced significantly higher mortality from other and ill‐defined cancers. The influence of duration of employment and age at and period of hire were explored with the Mantel‐Haenszel method as adapted for a cohort study. Results were evaluated both including and excluding the mortality experience of subsets of employees with past exposure to known human carcinogens (arsenic, asbestos, bis‐chloromethyl ether, benzene, organic dyes, and vinyl chloride). The use of the general mortality survey in monitoring whether or not there are major health problems among the employees and in setting research priorities is emphasized.
Assessing the Feasibility of Retrospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Steenland Kyle , Stayner Leslie , Greife Alice
Published: April 2007

While most epidemiologic cohort studies are preceded by some sort of feasibility study, details of such prior investigations are rarely reported. Yet it is during such feasibility studies that critical decisions are made, such as site selection and definition of exposure. Here we present the details on one such feasibility study, conducted to determine the possibility of a cohort mortality study of workers exposed to ethylene oxide. Issues discussed include methods for estimating sample size and power, for estimating levels of exposure, and for assessing the adequacy of personnel records.
Comparison of regulations on occupational carcinogens in several industrialized countries
Authors: Carnevale F. , Montesano R. , Partensky C. , Tomatis L.
Published: April 2007

Regulations controlling the manufacture and use of carcinogens in the industrial setting of various countries are examined. In addition, the occupational exposure limits (OEL) of chemicals known or suspected to be carcinogenic in humans are listed, and criteria for the establishment of OELs are discussed. It is also stressed that control measures should not be confined to a few developed countries, and it is hoped that attracting attention to their unevenness will contribute to the implementation of a more efficient primary prevention of cancer.
Multiple myeloma and engine exhausts, fresh wood, and creosote: A case‐referent study
Authors: Flodin Ulf , Fredriksson Mats , Persson Bodil
Published: April 2007

The effect of potential risk factors for multiple myeloma was evaluated in a case‐referent study encompassing 131 cases and 431 randomized referents, all alive. Information on exposure was obtained with questionnaires mailed to the subjects. An analysis of the material by means of the Miettinen confounder score technique resulted in a few rate ratios significantly exceeding unity—namely, occupational exposure to engine exhausts, creosote, and fresh wood. In view of other studies that suggest ionizing radiation as a risk factor, it was somewhat surprising that low‐level gamma radiation from background exposure was less common among the cases than the referents.
4,4′‐methylenebis (2‐chloroaniline): An unregulated carcinogen
Authors: Ward Elizabeth , Smith Alexander Blair , Halperin William
Published: April 2007

4,4′‐Methylenebis (2‐chloroaniline) (MBOCA) is a confirmed animal carcinogen. It is used commercially as a curing agent for polymers containing isocyanate. There are no adequate studies documenting a carcinogenic risk for MBOCA in humans; however, studies in rats and dogs have shown that MBOCA is a carcinogen. Also, MBOCA is structurally similar to aromatic amines, which cause bladder cancer in workers with occupational exposure. Manufacture of MBOCA in the United States ceased in 1979. However, estimates of the number of workers potentially exposed range from 1,400 to 33,000 in the manufacture of MBOCA‐cured products. Presently, there are no federal regulations limiting occupational exposure to MBOCA. An occupational standard for MBOCA proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was remanded by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals on procedural grounds in 1974. NIOSH recommended in 1978 that MBOCA be treated as a potential human carcinogen and that worker exposure be controlled so that it does not exceed 3 μg/m3 of air determined as a time‐weighted average concentration for up to a 10‐hour workshift (the lowest level that can be reliably measured). In this paper, we will review the literature in regard to MBOCA's carcinogenicity, describe industrial use and extent of worker exposure, and review MBOCA's status in relation to occupational regulations in the United States and abroad.
Mortality among female employees of a chemical company
Authors: Bond Gregory G. , McLaren Elsie A. , Cartmill Janice B. , Wymer Karen T. , Lipps Thomas E. , Cook Ralph R.
Published: April 2007

There have been few mortality studies conducted on working women despite their increasing presence in the work environment. This paper presents the findings of a cohort mortality study of 10,839 female employees with three or more days of service between 1940 and 1982 at the Midland or Bay City, Michigan, locations of the Dow Chemical Company. The cohort included substantial numbers of production and research personnel but was primarily comprised of clerical and office workers. Vital status was ascertained through 1982 for 89.4 percent of the cohort members, and death certificates were obtained for 94.0 percent of the 467 decedents. Comparisons of observed mortality with expected levels based on mortality rates for the U.S., Michigan, and a local 7‐county area revealed consistently lower mortality in the cohort from the major causes of death, indicating a strong “healthy worker effect.” Mortality from cancer of the cervix was significantly below expected levels, especially among women who were hired before 25 years of age. This observation, when combined with a nonsignificant excess of breast cancer, suggests a different distribution of maritally and sexually related risk factors between working and general populations of women. This and other findings are discussed relative to methodologic problems likely to accompany studies of working women.
Cause‐specific mortality among Rhode Island Jewelry workers
Authors: Dubrow Robert , Gute David M.
Published: April 2007

Cause‐specific mortality patterns among Rhode Island jewelry manufacturing workers, as identified on death certificates from 1968 to 1978, were examined using the proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) method. Among males, elevated PMRs were observed for nonmalignant kidney disease (PMR = 163; Observed deaths [Obs] = 19; p ± .05), liver cancer (PMR = 297; Obs = 6; p ± .05), drug dependence (PMR = 379; Obs = 5; p ± .05), and accidental poisonings (PMR = 274; Obs = 8; p ± .05). All but one of the deaths from accidental poisonings involved drugs or drugs and alcohol. Among females, elevated PMRs were observed for stomach cancer (PMR = 174; Obs = 20; p ± .01), peptic ulcer (PMR = 235; Obs = 8; p ± .05), diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (PMR = 383; Obs = 5; p ± .05), and drug dependence (PMR = 674; Obs = 3; p ± .05). Exposure to known renal toxins (heavy metals and solvents) used in the jewelry industry may account for the excess deaths from kidney disease. The elevated PMR for liver cancer may be due to exposure to solvents (trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride) that cause liver cancer in animals. The elevated PMRs for drug dependence and accidental poisonings may be due to the socioeconomic status of jewelry workers, or to the interaction between solvents used in jewelry manufacturing and drugs, or drugs and alcohol. Because of the lack of information about the specific occupational exposures of the decedents, this should be viewed as an exploratory investigation requiring further follow‐up.
A primary study of the number and type of microorganisms in a thai textile factory
Authors: Rochanachin Monthatip , Ardsmiti Nat
Published: April 2007

Personal air samples of different sections inside and outside the factory were collected from July to November of 1981. The number of airborne microorganisms were as follows: blowing section, 337.8; carding section, 247.4; drawing section, 107.8; spinning section, 20.4, and outside the factory, 20.2. The types of bacteria found were classified into three groups: cocci‐Gram positive, rod‐Gram positive; and rod‐Gram negative. The type of fungi were Penicilium sp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus sp., and Mucor sp.
Smoking and degree of occupational exposure: Are internal analyses in cohort studies likely to be confounded by smoking status?
Authors: Siemiatycki J. , Wacholder S. , Dewar R. , Wald L. , Bégin D. , Richardson L. , Rosenman K. , Gérin M.
Published: April 2007

Occupational cohort studies are usually carried out without the benefit of information on smoking habits of cohort members. One common approach to avoid confounding bias related to smoking habits is to carry out an internal analysis, comparing workers with different degrees of occupational exposure. The premise behind this approach is that within a cohort there is unlikely to be correlation between degree of exposure and smoking habits. If this were untrue, smoking could confound the disease‐exposure relationships. Our purpose was to verify the premise. The study sample consisted of 857 French‐Canadian men born between 1910 and 1930, with 11 or fewer years of education, and interviewed around 1980 in the context of an occupational cancer case‐control study. For each man we had information on smoking habits, job history, and a history of the chemicals he was exposed to in each of his jobs. We computed two indices of the dirtiness of workers' job histories: one based on the job titles held by the man and a second based on the degree of exposures to workplace substances. There was no correlation between these indices of job dirtiness and smoking history. We also examined the smoking‐exposure relationship among the subsets of men who had been occupationally exposed to ten especially noticeable substances. Within the subsets, there was no indication of a consistent difference among the smoking subgroups in level or duration of exposure to these index substances. These findings do not support the view that nonsmokers sought out cleaner job environments than smokers; they imply that internal analyses of “dose‐response” in cohort studies are unlikely to be seriously confounded by smoking habits.
Indirect methods of assessing the effects of tobacco use in occupational studies
Authors: Axelson Olav , Steenland Kyle
Published: April 2007

For various reasons, data on smoking are frequently missing, or only partially available, in retrospective epidemiologic studies of occupational risk factors. In such situations, indirect methods may be used to evaluate the magnitude and direction of the potentially confounding effects of smoking. Such an evaluation can be made quantitatively or qualitatively. Here we describe both approaches. A specific problem relates to case‐referent studies, where sampling variation in referent selection may limit the possibility of controlling for confounding by smoking, even when smoking data are available. We present data showing that estimates of risk from occupational exposures which are not controlled for smoking may be as accurate as estimates derived after controlling for smoking, when the number of referents is relatively small. The problem of interaction is also discussed. In the absence of smoking data, the investigator has no indication of how smoking and occupation jointly affect disease risk (eg, additively or multiplicatively). The multiplicative model is usually assumed. However, if exposure and smoking act independently (additively), rate ratios are diminished. In such situations, in the presence of negative confounding by smoking, rate ratios may actually even be less than one—also when exposure and disease are strongly related.
Indirect corrections for confounding under multiplicative and additive risk models
Authors: Gail M. H. , Wacholder S. , Lubin J. H.
Published: April 2007

We define a multiplicative model and an additive model for the hazards associated jointly with exposure and with the presence of a confounder like smoking. Under the multiplicative model, the crude relative risk may be adjusted indirectly, by means of a factor proposed by Axelson [1978], and implicitly by Cornfield et al. [1959] and Schlesselman [1978]. We present corresponding indirect correction formulas under the additive risk model for the risk difference and for the excess relative risk. Conditions are established under which these corrections may be applied to age‐adjusted rates from composite study populations. We demonstrate that indirect corrections may be no better than crude measures of risk if one assumes the wrong model for the joint action of the exposure and confounding factors. These results are illustrated on an example of occupational exposure to vermiculite. The limitations of the techniques are discussed.
Relative risk models for assessing the joint effects of multiple factors
Authors: Lubin Jay H. , Gaffey William
Published: April 2007

A goal of analyses of occupational cohort data is the specification of how covariate information relates to age‐specific disease risks. In describing this relationship, certain assumptions or models must be defined. For example, the usual standardized mortality ratio assumes a constant multiplicative increase in the age and calendar period disease rates of an exposed cohort over rates in a unexposed referent group. For analyzing several exposures, some of which may be continuous, such as cumulative dose, dose rate, duration of employment, and smoking patterns, or for analyzing complex associations between disease rate and covariates, flexible regression procedures are required. Using a crossclassification of the data and a Poisson probability model, relative risk regression methods are outlined. Breslow and Storer [1985], Guerrero and Johnson [1982], and Thomas [1981] propose general models for the relative risk as alternatives to, but which include, the usual exponential form. We review these models, discuss some limitations (in particular when there is more than one covariate) and present alternatives. Methods and models are illustrated by examining the joint effects of radon exposure and tobacco use on lung cancer mortality among a group of uranium miners.
Current policies regarding smoking in the workplace
Authors: Walsh Diana Chapman , McDougall Vernon
Published: April 2007

This paper briefly reviews the evolution of worksite smoking policies and programs, beginning with the goals and objectives from which they have sprung. Workplace smoking deterrents are shown to involve three different types of strategies: 1) legalistic approaches use policies and rules to restrict or foreclose smoking on the job; 2) economic strategies create incentives and disincentives, often through the employee health benefit plan; and 3) educational programs seek to motivate smokers to quit and to supply them with information and skills that may facilitate that process. The three types of intervention are combined in a broad public health approach that some companies are now developing. Research is needed on the efficacy of a range of possible approaches and attention should be paid to the ethical and policy issues of tensions and contradictions between health goals and cost containment.
A death‐certificate case‐control study of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and occupation in men in North Carolina
Authors: Schumacher Mary Catherine , Delzell Elizabeth
Published: April 2007

A death certificate‐based case‐control study was performed to investigate associations between occupation and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in North Carolina. Cases consisted of 501 men who died of NHL (International Classification of Diseases codes 200 and 202) during the years 1968–1970, 1975–1977, and 1980–1982. Controls were selected from other noncancer deaths, and were frequency matched for age, year of death, and race. Occupation and industry were obtained from the death certificates and coded without knowledge of case‐control status. An increased risk for men in professional, technical, and managerial occupations, compared with all others, was detected among whites (OR = 2.69, 1.95‐3.72). Black men classified as having “low exposures” by an occupational exposure linkage system had an odds ratio of 1.74 (0.84‐3.60). Because of this finding, the occupations were ranked by social class and a statistically significant linear relationship was noted in whites, with risk increasing from lower social class to upper social class. An increased risk was also detected among whites in the rubber, plastics, and synthetics industries (p = .03), and among blacks employed in machine trades occupations (OR = 3.63, 1.32‐9.97) and structural work occupations (OR = 2.38, 0.93‐6.05). An increased risk was also detected for black painters (p = .02), but not for whites. There was no association found between NHL and employment in the following areas: textile industry; farming; laborers; or occupations with exposures to asbestos or benzene. The association with farming was further examined in counties with high use of pesticides and herbicides, and no increased risk of NHL was detected. Cases were more likely to live in the western part of the state than the eastern. However, NHL mortality rates provided by the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics did not confirm the relationship.
Asbestos‐related disease in the jewelry industry: Report of two cases
Authors: Kern David G. , Frumkin Howard
Published: April 2007

We describe two cases of asbestos‐related pulmonary disease in jewelry workers. Exposures occurred during the hand‐mixing of asbestos powder used to make jewelry soldering boards.
Cause‐specific mortality among male textile workers in Rhode Island
Authors: Dubrow Robert , Gute David M.
Published: April 2007

Cause‐specific mortality patterns among male textile workers in Rhode Island who died during the period 1968–1978 were examined using the proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) method. Textile worker decedents were identified by the usual occupation and industry statements on Rhode Island death certificates. A statistically significant PMR elevation was observed for nonmalignant respiratory disease (NMRD) among male textile workers (PMR = 110; Observed deaths [Obs] = 433; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 102–120). The PMRs for NMRD by specific textile occupation and by type of textile manufacturing generally exhibited the pattern expected for work‐related mortality owing to textile dust exposure. High PMRs were observed among carding, lapping, and combing operatives, the decedents who probably had the highest dust exposure (PMR = 166; Obs = 24; CI = 114–243), and among operatives most likely to have worked in cotton manufacturing (PMR = 137; Obs = 47; CI = 104–179). This is the first report of excess mortality from NMRD among male textile workers in the United States. This finding is consistent with previous evidence that exposure to cotton dust can cause disabling chronic lung disease. Also noteworthy were statistically significant elevated PMRs for cancers of the rectum and esophagus among decedents who had been engaged in textile dyeing and finishing. Owing to the lack of direct information about occupational exposures and smoking habits of the decedents and uncertainties in classifying decedents by type of textile manufacturing, this investigation should be viewed as being exploratory in nature.
Clinical report on 62 cases of acute dimethyl sulfate intoxication
Authors: Ying Wang , Jing Xia , Qin‐wai Wang
Published: April 2007

Sixty‐two cases of accidental acute intoxication from the inhalation of dimethyl sulfate (DMS) are reported. To facilitate clinical evaluation and treatment, as well as identification of capacity for physical labor, a grading system was established according to the history of exposure to DMS, symptoms and signs of respiratory mucosal irritation, findings on chest radiographs, and abnormalities of leukocyte count. Emergency treatment included prophylactic use of glucocorticoids, supplemental oxygen, sedatives, and antibiotics for prevention and treatment of laryngeal and pulmonary edema, pulmonary infections, and other complications. Follow‐up studies for 2–12 years have found only mild to moderate impairment in ventilatory capacity in eight cases, with no abnormal findings in ECG, chest films, and routine blood tests. Nearly all patients have resumed their usual work.
Immunological profile of chest x‐ray‐negative, asymptomatic asbestos workers
Authors: Lahat Nitza , Sobel Esther , Djerassi L. , Kaufman Gabriela , Horenstein Lea , Gruener Nachman
Published: April 2007

Several immunologic parameters, both humoral and cellular, were studied in the serum and peripheral blood lymphocytes derived from chest x‐ray‐negative, asymptomatic asbestos workers. All humoral and cellular parameters were intact, except the con‐A‐induced T cell suppressor activity and T cell division in autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction, which were significantly elevated in the asbestos plant workers. The significance of these increased T cell activities in asbestos exposed people is not clear, and further clinical and immunological follow‐up is warranted.
Vermont granite workers' mortality study
Authors: Costello Joseph , Graham William G. B.
Published: April 2007

A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years 1950 and 1982. The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938–1940 (average cutters to 40 million parts/cubic foot), and those employed at dust levels after 1940, which on average were less than 10 million parts/cubic foot. Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios were calculated. The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis, the major health threats in the years before 1940, were essentially eliminated after dust controls. However, we found excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930, and hence had been exposed to high levels of granite dust. When information was available, 100% of those dying from lung cancer had been smokers.
Assuming the risks: Occupational disease in the years before workers' compensation
Authors: Bale Anthony
Published: April 2007

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, new knowledge of work‐related illness became part of discourses in several institutional spheres on the relationship between aspects of the economy and workers' health. Appeals courts and state legislatures invoked this knowledge in their deliberations on legislation to ease the coercive aspects of the employment relationship. Insurers used the knowledge to help determine what types of coverage would be available to different occupational groups. In the courts, a narrow compensation remedy evolved for illness caused by employers' failure to warn of latent risks. This small, legal zone of protection of workers' health was separated out from the massive amount of uncompensated, preventable work‐related illness.
Causes of death among workers in a bearing manufacturing plant
Authors: Park Robert M. , Wegman David H. , Silverstein Michael A. , Maizlish Neil A. , Mirer Franklin E.
Published: April 2007

Recent studies identify digestive cancer excesses among workers exposed to cutting fluids, abrasive dusts, and oil smoke. Standardized proportional mortality and mortality odds ratio studies were carried out for a ball bearing plant. Cause of death and work histories were obtained for 702 of 768 hourly employees with ten or more years service who died between 1969 and 1982. Union and company records were used to define exposure measures. The major findings were significant excesses in proportional mortality ratios (PMR) from stomach cancer (PMR = 2.0) and rectal cancer (PMR = 3.1) among white men. After control for age at death, there was a significant association between stomach cancer and precision grinding exposures, consisting primarily of direct contact with water‐based cutting fluids (usually emulsified oils) and their aerosols. Some straight oils and synthetic cutting fluids were used as well. The pattern of stomach cancer is consistent with previous findings and suggests an association with the soluble oil cutting fluids.