bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An environmental and respiratory health survey of workers in a grain mill in the Johannesburg area, South Africa
Authors: Fonn S. , Groeneveld H. T. , deBeer M. , Becklake M. R.
Published: April 2007

A respiratory health survey was conducted in a grain mill and the relationship of health indicators to quantitative measures of airborne dust, fungal, and bacterial contamination was examined. Respiratory symptoms were more prevalent in the high dust exposure categories; lung function levels were also higher in the high dust exposure categories, consistent with a “healthy” worker effect. Workers in the three higher dust exposure categories showed either no change or a decrease in lung function over the working week, while workers in the low exposure category demonstrated an improvement in lung function over the working week. Total dust and microbiological (fungal and bacterial) load were found to be significantly related to each other, and the relationship of microbiological load to lung function level and changes over the working week were similar to those found for total dust © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship of respiratory health status to grain dust in a Witwatersrand grain mill: Comparison of workers' exposure assessments with industrial hygiene survey findings
Authors: Fonn S. , Groeneveld H. T. , deBeer M. , Becklake M. R.
Published: April 2007

Objective measures of exposure furnished by dust monitoring are both costly and time consuming and require a sufficient level of technology. However, they are important in demonstrating exposure‐response relationships, in furnishing information necessary to establish environmental control levels, and to assess if interventions, for instance, improving dust control, have been effective. In this paper respiratory symptoms and cross‐shift changes in spirometric lung function were related to dust exposure level in a grain mill assessed in two ways, subjectively (by workers themselves on a four point scale) and objectively (by personal dust monitoring). Health indicators that depend on the individual's perception (e.g., symptoms) correlated more closely with the subjectively assessed dust category, while health indicators that were measured objectively (e.g., cross‐week FVC and FEV1 change) correlated more closely with the objectively assessed dust category. However, the patterns of relationship of respiratory health indicators to either dust category were similar, and exposure assessed by one method was, to a large extent, a proxy for the other. The most significant predictor of workers' choice of dust exposure category was the measured dust level. These findings indicate that exposure categories based on workers' assessment of dustiness can be a useful tool in etiologic research, in particular in establishing exposure‐response relationships. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Job tasks, potential exposures, and health risks of laborers employed in the construction industry
Authors: Burkhart G. , Schulte P. A. , Robinson C. , Sieber W. K. , Vossenas P. , Ringen K.
Published: April 2007

Construction laborers have some of the highest death rates of any occupation in the United States. There has been very little systematic research focused exclusively on “laborers” as opposed to other workers in the construction industry. We reviewed the English language literature and various data bases describing the occupational tasks, exposures, and work‐related health risks of construction laborers. The sources of information included 1) occupational mortality surveillance data collected by the states of California and Washington and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); 2) National Occupational Exposure Survey; 3) national fatality data; 4) cancer registry data; and 5) case reports of specific causes of morbidity. While the literature reported that construction laborers have increased risk for mesothelioma, on‐the‐job trauma, acute lead poisoning, musculoskeletal injury, and dermatitis, the work relatedness of excess risks for all‐cause mortality, cirrhosis, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, and leukemia is less clear. Furthermore, while laborers are known to be potentially exposed to asbestos, noise, and lead, and the NIOSH Job Exposure Matrix describes other potential hazardous exposures, little research has characterized other possible exposures and no research has been found that describes the exposures associated with specific job tasks. More advanced study designs are needed that include a better understanding of the job tasks and exposures to construction laborers, in order to evaluate specific exposure‐disease relationships and to develop intervention programs aimed at reducing the rate of work‐related diseases. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Correlation between radiological and pathological diagnosis of silicosis: An autopsy population based study
Authors: Hnizdo Eva , Murray Jill , Sluis‐Cremer Gerhard K. , Thomas Raymond Glyn
Published: April 2007

The radiological findings for the profusion of rounded opacities were compared to pathological findings for parenchymal silicosis in 557 gold miners who had, on average, 2.7 years between the radiological and pathological examination. Three readers read the radiographs, and ILO category 1/1 or more was defined as a positive diagnosis of silicosis. The sensitivity values were 0.393, 0.371, and 0.236, and the specificity values were 0.987, 0.965, and 0.978, for the three readers, respectively. The sensitivity of the readers improved with increasing degree of autopsy silicosis, but a large proportion of those with a moderate and marked degree of silicosis were not diagnosed radiologically. The diagnostic sensitivity of the radiological test could be improved by using category 0/1 as a cutoff point for workers exposed to a high average concentration of respirable silica dust. The diagnostic specificity of radiology could be improved by using category 1/0 or 1/1 as a cutoff point for a positive diagnosis for workers exposed to a low average concentration of respirable silica dust. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk of silicosis in a cohort of white South African gold miners
Authors: Hnizdo Eva , Sluis‐Cremer G. K.
Published: April 2007

The risk of silicosis was investigated in a cohort of 2,235 white South African gold miners who had, on average, 24 years of net service from 1940 to the early 1970s and who were followed up to 1991 for radiological signs of onset of silicosis (ILO category 1/1 or more). There were 313 (14%) miners who developed signs of silicosis at an average age of 55.9 years. The latency period was largely independent of the cumulative dust exposure. In 57% of the silicotics, the radiological signs developed, on average, 7.4 years after mining exposure ceased. The risk of silicosis increased exponentially with the cumulative dust dose, the accelerated increase being after 7 mg/m3‐years. At the highest exposure level of 15 mg/m3‐years, which represents approximately 37 years of gold mining at an average respirable dust concentration of 0.4 mg/m3, the cumulative risk for silicosis reached 77%. In conclusion, the risk of silicosis was strongly dose dependent; however, the latency period was largely independent of the dose. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Agricultural work and male infertility
Authors: Strohmer Heinz , Boldizsar Andrea , Plöckinger Barbara , Feldner‐Busztin Michel , Feichtinger Wilfried
Published: April 2007

Data from couples (n = 103) seeking artificial insemination with donor sperm because of poor sperm quality and a control group of couples treated by in‐vitro fertilization due to female causes were analysed according to the occupations of the spouses. Comparison of occupational categories revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of agricultural occupation (11/103 vs. 1/103, p<0,01) between the group with male factor infertility and the normospermic controls. These patients also reported more long‐term exposure to several insecticides and other pesticides. These toxic chemicals probably have a detrimental effect on male fertility and therefore we suggest more caution in the way they are handled. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skin contamination, airborne concentrations, and urinary metabolite excretion of propoxur during harvesting of flowers in greenhouses
Authors: Brouwer Rudi , Van Maarleveld Karin , Ravensberg Luco , Meuling Wim , De Kort Wim , van Hemmen Joop J.
Published: April 2007

In eight greenhouses used for carnation culture, workers engaged in harvesting (n = 16), were monitored for dermal and respiratory exposure and urinary excretion of propoxur. Dermal exposure of hands and forearms was estimated from dislodgeable foliar residue, using a transfer factor (a measure of transfer of pesticides from leaves to the skin) and the total number of working hours. Total estimated dermal and respiratory exposure during harvesting ranged from 0.2 to 46 mg and from 3 to 278 μg, respectively. To study the relationship between external and internal exposure to propoxur, respiratory and dermal exposure levels were compared with the total amount of 2‐isopropoxyphenol (IPP), the major metabolite of propoxur, excreted in urine in 24 hr. The Pearson correlation coefficient between dermal exposure and the total amount of excreted IPP was 0.95. A correlation coefficient of 0.84 was found between respiratory exposure and the amount of IPP excreted. The latter association was probably caused by the covariation of respiratory and dermal exposure levels (r = 0.85). Assuming negligible oral absorption, calculations indicated that dermal exposure could account for >80% of the amount of excreted IPP. On the basis of the amount of IPP excreted, there was no reason to suspect increased health risks for workers from exposure to propoxur during harvesting. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A preliminary study of reproductive outcomes of female maquiladora workers in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Eskenazi Brenda , Guendelman Sylvia , Elkin Eric P.
Published: April 2007

Maquiladoras are plants on the Mexican side of the United States‐Mexico border which are used largely by U.S. manufacturers to assemble premanufactured parts. We examined reproductive outcomes of women employed in electronics (N = 120) and garment (N = 121) maquiladora work compared to women employed in the service sector (N = 119) in Tijuana. Mexico. Women recruited by community health workers were interviewed about their reproductive history, sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and characteristics of their current job. Length of regular menstrual cycle in the past year as well as time of conception and rates of fetal loss in the most recent pregnancy were similar across occupational groups. However, infants of garment maquiladora workers were 653 g lighter (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1,041 g, −265 g) and infants of electronic maquiladora workers were 337 g lighter (95% CI: −682 g. 9 g) than infants of service workers after adjusting for potential confounders. The cause of these differences remains unclear. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of persistent neck and upper limb pain in a historical cohort of sewing machine operators
Authors: Andersen Johan Hviid , Gaardboe Ove
Published: April 2007

Four hundred and twenty‐four sewing machine operators from a historical cohort of garment industry workers answered questionnaires concerning musculoskeletal symptoms and job exposure. They were compared with 781 women from the general population of the region and an internal control group of 89 women from the garment industry. The risk for persistent neck and shoulder complaints increased with years of being a sewing machine operator: (up to seven years, eight to fifteen years, and more than fifteen years: prevalence proportion ratio 1.8, 3.5 and 4.4 [neck] and 1.5, 4 and 6.8 [shoulder] compared with the controls [n = 781]). The exposure‐response relationships remained when adjusted for potential confounders, of which age, current shoulder‐neck exposure, and child bearing were the most contributing.

The study revealed that work for more than eight years as a sewing machine operator probably has a cumulative deleterious effect on the neck and shoulders. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper limb among sewing machine operators: A clinical investigation
Authors: Andersen Johan Hviid , Gaardboe Ove
Published: April 2007

One hundred and seven women participated in a clinical study of an age‐stratified random sample of sewing machine operators compared to a group of auxiliary nurses and home helpers. Four groups, according to years of being a sewing machine operator, consisted of: (controls) 25; (0–7 years) 21; (8–15 years) 25; and (more than 15 years) 36. The numbers of the main clinical diagnoses in the four groups were: cervicobrachial fibromyalgia (myofascial pain syndrome) 2, 4, 11, 24; cervical syndrome 0, 1, 3, 10; and rotator cuff syndrome 1, 1, 6, 11. The observed exposure‐response relationship between clinical outcomes and years as a sewing machine operator was maintained when adjusting for current exposure to musculoskeletal strain and other potential confounders. Muscle palpation proved to be a reproducible examination with kappa values around 0.70. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation and evaluation of zinc protoporphyrin as a diagnostic indicator in lead intoxication
Authors: Zhang Jimei
Published: April 2007

To evaluate the utility of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) as an indicator of lead exposure, we examined 128 workers employed at a battery storage plant and two smelters, 343 persons who lived within 200 m of the plants, and 217 controls. Based on Chinese criteria, the “normal” ZPP value among inhabitants of Shaanxi Province was determined to be 85 μg/100 ml. ZPP proved to be a more sensitive and specific indicator of lead exposure, at both high and lower levels, than PbB or PbU. Among 115 patients who underwent chelation therapy for lead poisoning, ZPP also proved to be a valid index of recovery. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cross‐sectional epidemiological study of respiratory disease in Turkey farmers
Authors: Reynolds Stephen J. , Parker David , Vesley Donald , Smith Doug , Woellner Richard
Published: April 2007

This study was a cross‐sectional epidemiological investigation of respiratory disease in farmers involved in the turkey growing industry. Pulmonary function tests and health history questionnaires were administered to a total of 95 turkey farmers throughout Minnesota. Respiratory symptoms were greatest during the winter months when exposure to environmental agents was highest. Prevalence of symptoms was higher for smokers, personnel who worked in hen barns, and for persons who had worked in the turkey growing industry for more than 10 years. Pulmonary function was found to decrease during the work day. Also, pulmonary function was lowest for personnel working in hen bars, and for persons who had been employed in the industry for more than 10 years. These data support the association between respiratory disease and exposure to the environment in confinement farm buildings. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Irritation effects from experimental exposure to n‐butyl acetate
Authors: Iregren Anders , Löf Agneta , Toomingas Allan , Wang Zhiping
Published: April 2007

The irritation produced by acute exposure to n‐butyl acetate in human subjects without any history of occupational solvent exposure was studied in three experiments. Exposure levels tested in the different experiments were 350, 700, 1,050, and 1,400 mg/m3 in 20 min sessions, 70 and 1,400 mg/m3 in 20 min sessions, and 70 and 700 mg/m3 in 4 h sessions. Rating scales, various measures of eye irritation, and pulmonary functions were used to evaluate the irritation produced by the exposures in different parts of the study. The results indicate only very slight irritation from the exposures as revealed by categorical ratings, magnitude estimation, and some of the clinical measures of eye irritation and pulmonary functions, such as eye redness, lipid layer thickness, and bronchial responsiveness. These essentially negative results indicate the need to explore and develop the utility of new/different methods of quantifying irritative effects of exposure to various substances. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer mortality among jewelry workers
Authors: Hayes Richard B. , Dosemeci Mustafa , Riscigno Monica , Blair Aaron
Published: April 2007

Mortality was investigated for the years 1950–1980 for 1,009 male members of a New York jewelry workers union, and for the years 1984–1989 among 919 men and 605 women identified as jewelry workers on death certificates from 24 states. Malignant neoplasms were excessive for male union members (proportional mortality ratio [PMR] = 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.33) and female jeweler deaths from the 24 states (PMR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.07–1.42). Deaths due to nonmalignant causes were not unusual, except for excesses, in union males, of the circulatory system (PMR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02–1.19), including arteriosclerotic heart disease (PMR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.14–1.37) and rheumatic heart disease (PMR = 3.02; 95% CI: 1.94–4.50). Cancers of the digestive tract were proportionally elevated among union males (proportional cancer mortality rate [PMR] = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.89–1.41) and among deaths from the 24 states (PCMR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01–1.47). For the 24 states, excesses for digestive cancer were found for both males (PCMR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.90–1.54) and females (PCMR = 1.26; 95% CI: 0.96–1.62). Regarding specific sites in the digestive tract, colon cancer excesses were found in union males (PCMR = 1.53: 95% CI: 1.05–2.15), and for men (PCMR = 1.27; 95% CI: 0.82–1.88) and women (PCMR = 1.36; 95% CI: 0.92–3.27) in 24 states. Also, in the 24 states, excesses were noted for esophageal cancer (PMR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.08–3.47) and stomach cancer (PCMR = 1.66; 95% CI: 0.95–2.69), due to excess stomach cancer in women (PCMR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.20–4.61). Marginal proportional excesses were found for malignancies of the hematolymphopoietic system in union males (PCMR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.72–1.67) and among deaths from 24 states (PCMR = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.90–1.66), particularly due to non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma deaths (PCMR = 1.39; 95% CI: 0.93–2.00). The wide variety of exposures in this industry, particularly to metals and solvents, could possibly involve excess risk for malignancy at these sites. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Cancer among migrant and seasonal farmworkers: An epidemiologic review and research agenda
Authors: Zahm Shelia Hoar , Blair Aaron
Published: April 2007

There are an estimated three million hired migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. Adults and children may be exposed to mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic pesticides during planting, weeding, thinning, and harvesting crops. Field conditions that provide little opportunity to wash skin or clothing to minimize pesticide absorption may intensify exposure. Little is known, however, about the occurrence of cancer in migrant or seasonal farmworkers. Most cancer epidemiologic research on agricultural populations has focussed on farm owner/operators. The few studies that have evaluated cancer in farmworkers suggest that, like farm owner/operators, they may be experiencing excesses of multiple myeloma and cancers of the stomach, prostate, and testis. A few studies suggest that the farmworkers may differ from farmers by experiencing excesses of cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx, lung, and liver. Cervical cancer was elevated in female farmworkers in one study. Descriptive data and etiologic research on cancer among farmworkers and family members are urgently needed. Feasibility evaluations, however, should precede etiologic investigations because of possible difficulties in studying this population of workers. Issues that need to be evaluated include assessing where and when farmworkers and family members are diagnosed and/or treated for malignancies, the ability of farmworkers to provide histories of crops, locations, and years worked and living conditions, the ability of agricultural experts to determine likely pesticide exposures based on such farmworkers' histories, the ability to obtain information on potential confounding factors, the ability to recontact or determine vital status of specific farmworkers over time, the suitability of conducting studies in home‐base vs. upstream counties, and the ability to study agriculturally related malignancies in persons who have left farm work before the disease occurs. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Sampling environments containing organic dust
Authors: Jacobs Robert R.
Published: April 2007

Assessment of airborne organic dust in different environments is necessary to better understand the relationship between exposure and disease. Exposure assessment requires a well‐defined sampling strategy which addresses the following questions: Where, how long, who, how many, and when? For assessing exposure to organic dust, the question of “what?” must be included because, in most cases, the specific toxins or appropriate surrogates for exposure have not been identified. For most environments with organic dust, these questions have not been adequately addressed. However, a large database exists for cotton dust. Cotton is used as a model of organic dust to illustrate the application of exposure assessment: 1) to develop a dose‐response relationship between aerosolized dust and specific health effects; 2) to evaluate the effects of process change on gravimetric dust levels and for compliance with the cotton dust standard; and 3) to identify specific biologically active components in the dust. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Agents in organic dust: Criteria for a causal relationship
Authors: Donham Kelley J. , Thorne Peter S.
Published: April 2007

Identification of agents of disease causation in organic dust is complicated by the fact that multiple agents may be involved, and these agents may act in a synergistic or additive fashion and cause a number of conditions resulting from chronic toxic or inflammatory effects. A new systematic approach to evaluating available data for evidence of disease‐causing agents in organic dust is proposed. It combines, in a matrix fashion, principles of Koch's postulates, River's postulates, principles of epidemiologic determinants, and weight of evidence theory. By applying these principles in a systematic fashion, the strength of the scientific evidence for a specific agent can objectively be evaluated. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dust mite allergy: An important cause of respiratory disease in farmers
Authors: van Hage‐Hamsten Marianne , Härfast Bengt , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: April 2007

In 2,578 Swedish farmers, 6.2% were found to have an allergy to storage mites. The storage mite Lepidoglyphus destructor has been identified by both RAST and bronchial challenges as a significant cause of occupational asthma in rural environments. Immunohistochemical studies of L. destructor disclosed that at least one L. destructor allergen is associated with digestion. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute exposure to swine dust causes airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Larsson Kjell , Malmberg Per , Eklund Anders
Published: April 2007

Exposure to swine dust during a few hours work in a swine confinement building induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness in all (n = 6) of the healthy subjects studied. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed an inflammatory reaction after exposure, and the cellular response was characterized by a hundredfold increase in neutrophils. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhalation fever and respiratory symptoms in the trimming department of swedish sawmills
Authors: Rask‐Andersen Anna , Land Carl Johan , Enlund Karin , Lundin Åsa
Published: April 2007

Mold dust exposure in the trimming departments of sawmills may cause inhalation fever as well as allergic alveolitis. Responses to questionnaires sent to 2,052 workers from trimming departments of 233 Swedish sawmills showed that one of five workers experienced work‐related febrile attacks. A single case of allergic alveolitis was found. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
(1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan in indoor air, its measurement and in vitro activity
Authors: Goto Hajime , Yuasa Kazumi , Rylander Ragnar
Published: April 2007

The underlying mechanisms of the biological activity of (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan was investigated using macrophages from guinea pigs or mice. The results showed that these cells expressed (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan specific receptors on their surface, and that the release of TNF‐α from cells was modulated by the presence of (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Airborne endotoxin concentrations in different work conditions
Authors: Liesivuori Jyrki , Kotimaa Marjut , Laitinen Sirpa , Louhelainen Kyö.sti , Pönni Jaana , Sarantila Riitta , Husman Kaj
Published: April 2007

Workers from various occupations have described symptoms of upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract as well as eye and skin irritation. Exposure to endotoxins may cause these symptoms. Structural differences of endotoxins from different working environments are present on the sources of Gram‐negative bacteria. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microbiological treatment of recirculating wastewater from cleaning rolls in a rolling mill
Authors: Lundholm Monica , Grönqvist Bertil
Published: April 2007

In industry, the use of biological methods for cleaning wastewater is increasing. The number of airborne Gram‐negative bacteria was high in relation to the use of high pressure water in a rolling mill using recirculated water for cleaning rolls. Analyzing the total amount and species of microorganisms indicates whether they are emitted from a polluted source or consist of the normal airborne flora. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of personality traits and psychiatric symptoms in workers in a computer manufacturing plant in Japan
Authors: Ezoe Satoko , Araki Shunichi , Ono Yutaka , Kawakami Norito , Murata Katsuyuki
Published: April 2007

To investigate personality traits and psychiatric symptoms, we administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐III‐R Personality Questionnaire (SCID‐II Screen), the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the 30‐item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐30) to 781 male computer engineers and 214 male clerical workers in a computer manufacturing factory. Subjects, aged from 20 to 49 years, were divided into university and high school graduates. Among the university graduates, scores for schizotypal and avoidant personality traits were significantly higher in computer engineers than in clerical workers (the effect of age was controlled by analysis of covariance). No significant correlation between personality traits and years employed was found in the university‐graduate computer engineers. In high school graduates, scores for borderline and dependent personality traits were significantly lower in computer engineers than in clerical workers (the effect of age was controlled by analysis of covariance). Because of the lack of significant association of personality traits and symptoms with duration of employment in the university‐educated computer engineers, the greater prevalence of schizotypal and avoidant personality traits might be related to their process of self‐selection of job rather than to computer manufacturing work. In summary, these data suggest that computer engineering work does not cause abnormal personality traits or psychiatric symptoms. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mortality and cancer incidence in stockholm fire fighters
Authors: Tornling Gö.ran , Gustavsson Per , Hogstedt Christer
Published: April 2007

Fire fighters are exposed to irritating, asphyxiating, and toxic gases and aerosols, to psychological stress, and to physically demanding work. Due to differences in fire fighting techniques, exposure conditions for fire fighters differ among different countries. The purpose of this investigation was to study cancer incidence and mortality in fire fighters who have been working with fire fighting methods used in Sweden from the beginning of this century onwards. All male fire fighters employed for at least 1 year in the City of Stockholm during 1931–1983 were traced, and an index of the number of fires fought was calculated for each individual. The mortality during 1951–1986 (among 1, 116 fire fighters) was lower than expected (SMR = 82; 95% confidence interval 72–91) compared with local mortality rates, with a low mortality in circulatory diseases, obstructive lung diseases, violent deaths, and suicides. The cancer incidence in 1958–1986 was equal to the expected (SMR = 100; 95% confidence interval 83–119). However, an excess of stomach cancer (18 observed vs. 9.37 expected: SMR = 192, 95% CI 114–304) was observed. There was also a tendency for higher incidence and mortality in stomach and brain cancer with increasing number of fires. There were four deaths from brain cancer compared to 0.8 expected (SMR = 496; 95% CI 135–1270) in the highest exposure category. Fire fighters are, however, not systematically exposed to known stomach or brain carcinogens, and the results need confirmation in further studies with extensive exposure evaluations. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carpal tunnel syndrome among grocery store workers
Authors: Osorio Ana Maria , Ames Richard G. , Jones Jeffrey , Castorina Joseph , Rempel David , Estrin William , Thompson David
Published: April 2007

The California Department of Health Services evaluated carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a median nerve entrapment condition associated with forceful and repetitive wrist motion, among grocery store workers at a large California supermarket where a CTS cluster had been reported. Forceful and repetitive wrist motion was measured, in three exposure levels, through a job classification scheme based upon type of work tasks and average time per week spent performing these tasks. A medical questionnaire and measurements of median sensory nerve conduction were used to measure CTS. CTS prevalence was 23% based upon a sample of 56 participants drawn from a workforce of 69 employees. A relative risk of 8.3 (95% confidence interval 2.6–26.4) for a history of CTS‐like symptoms between the high and low exposure level groups held up after adjustment for the potential confounders of age, sex, alcohol consumption, and high‐risk medical history. It was concluded that the basic principles of good ergonomic design should be used to prevent or diminish the risk of musculoskeletal injury in the workplace. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chewing electric wire coatings: An unusual source of lead poisoning
Authors: Franco G. , Cottica D. , Minoia C.
Published: April 2007

This report describes a case of lead poisoning occurring in an electrician as the result of an unusual personal habit, namely, the chewing of lead‐containing coatings of electric wires. A coating chewing test showed that a few minutes after beginning chewing, saliva lead concentration increased from 10 (μg/l to several milligrams per liter. This case is an example of poisoning caused by an occupationally related source (coatings containing lead) as a consequence of a singular and unconventional worker's habit. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of occupational risk factors for pregnancy‐induced hypertension among active duty enlisted navy personnel
Authors: Irwin Debra E. , Savitz David A. , St. André Kenneth A. , Hertz‐Picciotto Irva
Published: April 2007

The relationship between occupational exposures and the risk of pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) was investigated in a cohort of 5,605 enlisted active duty military women who gave birth during a 2‐year period of time. A panel of experts, unaware of disease status, classified the women's job titles as “high,” “medium,” or “low” for a variety of occupational exposures. PIH was identified through hospital discharge ICD‐9 diagnosis codes. Nulliparas were found to have a significantly increased risk ratio (RR) for PIH (RR = 2.3) compared with parous women. Nulliparas employed in jobs involving high levels of physical activity were at significantly decreased risk of PIH compared to nulliparas working at low levels of physical activity (construction craftsmen, RR = 0.37; unskilled laborers RR = 0.71). Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals was not related to risk of PIH. Although the study results are limited by aggregate exposure classification, they suggest no adverse influence of occupational exertion and a possible beneficial role among nulliparas. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Review of epidemiologic studies of paternal occupational exposure and spontaneous abortion
Authors: Savitz David A. , Sonnenfeld Nancy L. , Olshan Andrew F.
Published: April 2007

The question of whether paternal exposures influence risk of spontaneous abortion is of great public interest, with the possibility supported by laboratory investigations. Thirty‐nine studies of male occupational exposure and risk of spontaneous abortion were examined, with the methods and results tabulated. Many of those reports were limited by exposure data based on maternal report of the father's job title or by potentially inaccurate paternal reports of spontaneous abortion, though the quality of more recent studies is markedly enhanced. Mercury has been implicated most strongly based on recent studies that included quantitative exposure estimates; a number of studies showing associations for exposure to anesthetic gases. Suggestive associations have also been found inconsistently for exposure to lead, rubber manufacturing, selected solvents, and some pesticides. Further study is encouraged, but with more intensive effort to measure accurately both spontaneous abortion and occupational exposures. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Agricultural injuries among a population‐based sample of farm operators in Alabama
Authors: Zhou Chun , Roseman Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2007

A population‐based study of the occurrence of agricultural injuries during the previous year was conducted in a simple random sample of 1,000 farm operators in Alabama in 1991. The participation rate was 86.2%. The cumulative 1‐year incidence was 9.9% (95% CI = 7.7–12.1), based on the number of injuries, and 7.8% (95% CI = 5.8–9.8), based on the number of farmers injured. Limbs were the body parts most frequently injured: fingers (10.7%), hands or wrists (10.7%), and legs (8.9%). The leading external causes were machinery (28.6%), falls (23.2%), and animals (12.5%). There was a higher injury frequency at the end of the week, with a Saturday peak. Seasonal pattern of injury displayed a bimodal curve, one peak in spring, and a higher peak in early fall in September. The most risky farm types were forestry and dairy. The factors predictive of increased injury risk in multiple logistic regression included younger age, farm ownership, greater percent of working time spent on farming, more alcohol consumed, and prior residual injury. The results provide some indications for formulating agricultural injury control programs and for future research. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of reproductive health hazard information on material safety data sheets for lead and the ethylene glycol ethers
Authors: Paul Maureen , Kurtz Sabrina
Published: April 2007

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are essential sources of information regarding health risks from exposure to toxic chemicals. We analyzed the reproductive health hazard descriptions on nearly 700 MSDSs for lead‐ or ethylene glycol ether‐containing products submitted by central Massachusetts firms to the Department of Environmental Protection under provisions of the Massachusetts Right‐to‐Know Law. Over 60% of the MSDSs made no mention whatsoever of effects on the reproductive system. Those that did were much more likely to address developmental risks than male reproductive effects. The MSDSs from firms employing 100 or more workers mentioned reproductive system effects more frequently than those from smaller companies. While the informativeness of the health hazard descriptions increased over time, 53% of the MSDSs prepared after promulgation of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard still contained no information on reproductive risks. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An open systems approach to risk assessment
Authors: Samuels Sheldon Wilfred
Published: April 2007

The development of risk assessment in occupational and environmental cancer control is outlined, with emphasis on the differing assumptions of Doll and Selikoff. These differences are explained by philosophic perspectives from which closed and open system approaches to assessment were respectively chosen. Open systems, with negative entropy and progressive organization, are characteristic of living systems and, heuristically, should be characteristic of risk assessment models. The abuse of either approach occurs when the ‘habit of truth’ is overcome by consciously contrived confusion, a betrayal of society by les clercs. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of exposure to arsenic among smelter workers: A five‐year follow‐up
Authors: Lagerkvist Birgitta Json , Zetterlund Bo
Published: April 2007

In a group of 43 smelter workers exposed to inorganic arsenic dust for 13‐45 years, nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) were significantly lower in two peripheral nerves as compared with matching referents. With multivariate data analysis, a significant negative correlation was found between cumulative absorption of arsenic and NCV in four examined nerves and the sural amplitude. Clinical symptoms of neuropathy and other symptoms related to arsenic exposure were moderate, though the difference between the groups was significant. The mean total absorption of arsenic was calculated to be less than 5 g, and the maximal absorption about 20 g. These data indicate that the adverse effect of arsenic on the peripheral nerves is dependent on long‐term exposure rather than on short‐term fluctuations in exposure levels. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mortality among taxi drivers in Rome: A cohort study
Authors: Borgia Piero , Forastiere Francesco , Rapiti Elisabetta , Rizzelli Renato , Magliola Maria E. , Perucci Carlo A. , Axelson Olav
Published: April 2007

The mortality pattern of taxi drivers in Rome as possibly exposed mainly to gasoline engine exhausts was evaluated by means of a historical cohort study. A total of 2,311 male subjects registered as taxi drivers between 1950 and 1975 was followed from 1965 through 1988. The overall mortality was lower than expected on the basis of regional (Latium) reference rates (692 deaths, standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82–0.96), whereas the number of recorded deaths for malignant neoplasms was about the expected (205 deaths, SMR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.86–1.13). Mortality from circulatory and respiratory diseases was lower than expected. Diabetes was significantly increased (42 deaths, SMR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.25–2.34). An increased SMR appeared for respiratory cancer (SMR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.98–1.50), mainly due to lung cancer (observed [O] = 76, SMR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.97–1.54); two pleural cancers were also recorded. The excess of lung cancer deaths was present only among those enrolled in the most recent period (1965–1975) (45 deaths, SMR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.02–1.87), especially among those of younger age (<65 years) (SMR = 1.86); there was no relation between lung cancer mortality and latency since first enrollment in the cooperatives or duration of membership. There are difficulties in interpreting the excess of lung cancer on the basis of occupational exposures; however, the increased risk observed among workers employed in more recent calendar periods may be due to heavier exposure in the last decades; further follow‐up of the cohort may elucidate whether there is an increasing lung cancer risk among taxi drivers. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute effects on forced expiratory volume in one second and longitudinal change in pulmonary function among wood trimmers
Authors: Dahlqvist Monica , Ulfvarson Ulf
Published: April 2007

Wood trimmers are exposed to molds that periodically grow on timber, and may develop acute as well as chronic pulmonary function impairment. This study examined whether these acute changes in pulmonary function are predictors for a longitudinal deterioration in pulmonary function, beyond normal aging and exposure. Across‐shift changes in pulmonary function, measured during a working week, were evaluated in 15 wood trimmers with a follow‐up time of 27 months. Twenty‐six sawmill workers, employed at the same plants as the wood trimmers, served as control subjects. The highest concentration of viable mold spores for the wood trimmers was 106 colony‐forming units (cfu)/m3, i.e., several times higher than the corresponding value for the sawmill workers. At the follow‐up, wood trimmers had a lower forced vital capacity (FVC) on average, after adjustment for age and height, compared to the sawmill workers. In addition, a correlation was found between the across‐week change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and the decline in FEV1 between the first and the second occasion, after adjusting for normal aging in nonsmoking wood trimmers (r2 = 84%, p < 0.001). The results from the present study suggest that across‐shift decrease in FEV1 (measured during a working week) might serve as a guide to identify subjects being at risk for a further decrement in pulmonary function over and above the effects of normal aging and exposure to mold spores in the wood trimming department. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of long‐term exposure to pesticides
Authors: Brouwer Derk H. , Brouwer Elly J. , van Hemmen Johannes J.
Published: April 2007

Quantifying the exposure of agricultural workers to pesticides is difficult in the face of the heterogeneity of the pesticides used, the variability in methods of application, and the lack of adequate exposure data. This report describes an attempt to estimate long‐term dermal and inhalation exposure of bulb farmers by the development of an exposure index. This proposed exposure index consists of generic levels of exposure specific to the method of application, which were derived from databases as well as from field studies. The index is further determined by farm‐related parameters such as acreage and number of pesticide applications ascertained from questionnaire responses. A widely used dithiocarbamate mixture served as a marker compound for exposure to other pesticides.

Ranking of 127 bulb farmers according to calculated lifetime dermal exposure correlated only moderately to ranking based on duration of exposure, e.g., years of exposure and farm acreage. This finding indicates that the proposed exposure index could provide a useful estimate of long‐term exposure to a mixture of pesticides in epidemi‐ological investigations.
Dairy barns and roll‐over protection on farm tractors: Work environment impacts on the adoption of roll‐over protective structures
Authors: Kelsey Timothy W. , Dennis Judy W. , Jenkins Paul L.
Published: April 2007

A mailed survey of one group of dairy farmers supports the informal perception that roll‐over protective structure (ROPS)‐equipped tractors are considered unusable for in‐barn tasks. This attitude must be addressed in order to achieve greater use of safety equipment.
Mortality from respiratory cancers (including lung cancer) among workers employed in formaldehyde industries
Authors: Sterling Theodor D. , Weinkam James J.
Published: April 2007

A joint study on effects of formaldehyde exposure in industrial populations by the National Cancer Institute and the Formaldehyde Institute, Inc. (Blair et al. [1986]: J Natl Cancer Inst 76: 1071–1084; Blair and Stewart [1989]: J Occup Med 31: 881, Blair et al. [1990]: Am J Ind Med 17:683–700) reported no significant elevation in risk ratios standardized to the general population. Using the same data as Blair et al., we compared more exposed to less exposed workers to compute relative risk for respiratory and lung cancers using a multivariate, log‐linear model incorporating factors for job type (hourly vs. salaried), cumulative exposure (0.1–0.5, 0.5–2, 2 + vs. <0.1 ppm/years), length of exposure (1–5, 5–10, 10+ vs. <1 years), and age. Models were fit for all workers, all males, all workers less than 65 years of age, and for all males less than 65 years of age. Hourly workers have a significantly elevated relative risk when compared to salaried workers. While only high levels of cumulative exposure show a significant elevation in relative lung cancer risk, trend analyses of the coefficients of a log‐linear model show a significant trend of increasing risk with increasing formaldehyde exposure. The significantly elevated respiratory and lung cancer risk for workers younger than 65 may indicate a shift of respiratory cancer mortality towards younger ages among those occupationally exposed to formaldehyde. Coupled with the recent report of the American Cyanamid Company's Cohort Mortality Study that finds a significantly elevated lung cancer risk related to formaldehyde exposure of greater than or equal to 0.2 ppm and with Blair et al.'s finding of an elevated lung cancer risk ratio, the conclusion of an association between lung cancer and occupational formaldehyde exposure seems well supported.
Reanalysis of a longitudinal study of pulmonary function in coal miners in lorraine, France
Authors: Dimich‐Ward Helen , Bates David V.
Published: April 2007

Multiple methods of statistical analysis were applied on data collected on 384 coal miners from the Lorraine region of France. Despite the irregularity of timing of visits over the follow‐up period, similar estimates of decline resulted irrespective of the statistical method used. Deceased smokers showed the highest rates of decline in forced expiratory volume during 1 second (FEV1) of 65 to 72 ml/yr, whereas the alive non‐smokers had the lowest decline estimates of 42 to 48 ml/yr. Estimates of FVC decline were found to parallel those of FEV1. For about one‐half of the cohort, data were available to compare FEV1 decline before and after retirement using a profile analysis. Based upon a “differencing” method of regression, retirement from the coal mine had the effect of decreasing the rate of decline for those who had never smoked; smokers, however, showed an increasing rate of decline. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A retrospective mortality study of workers exposed to arsenic in a gold mine and refinery in France
Authors: Simonato L. , Moulin J. J. , Javelaud B. , Ferro G. , Wild P. , Winkelmann R. , Saracci R.
Published: April 2007

A historical mortality study of a cohort of employees of a gold mining and refining company was carried out in Salsigne, France. A major goal of the study was to investigate the relationship between lung cancer mortality and exposure to arsenic, radon, silica, and other contaminants of the working environment. A twofold excess of lung cancer was found both among miners and smelters, mainly concentrated among workers who had experienced exposure to past levels of arsenic, radon, and silica. The consistency of the results in the mine and the refinery are suggestive of a carcinogenic risk from both soluble and insoluble arsenic, although the potential role of other factors cannot be dismissed. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The national sheet metal worker asbestos disease screening program: Radiologic findings
Authors: Welch Laura S. , Michaels David , Zoloth Stephen R.
Published: April 2007

This report presents data gathered from a series of asbestos disease screening examinations of 9,605 United States sheet metal workers who were first employed in the trade at least 20 years before the examination. The overall prevalence of asbestos‐related radiographic changes was 31.1%: 18.8% had pleural abnormalities alone, 6.6% had parenchymal abnormalities (International Labour Office (ILO) score of 1/0 or higher) © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.