bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel concentrations in plasma and urine of shipyard workers
Authors: Grandjean Philippe , Selikoff Irving J. , Shen Samuel K. , Sunderman F. William
Published: April 2007

Nickel concentrations were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectro‐photometry in plasma from workers at a repair shipyard and a construction shipyard. Four groups of workers were studied: (a) 62 welders, (b) 31 painters, (c) 27 riggers/carpenters, and (d) 21 shipfitters/pipefitters. Controls were 15 hospital workers and 28 retirees at the repair shipyard. In the combined groups of all tested workers at the repair shipyard, increased plasma Ni concentrations (>5.2 μg/liter) occurred in 32 of 82 subjects (39%);(p <.05 vs increased plasma Ni concentrations in 13 of 59 workers at the construction shipyard [22%]. and p <.001 vs increased plasma Ni concentrations in 1 of 43 controls [2%]). At both shipyards, plasma Ni concentrations were higher in the groups of painters and shipfitters/pipefitters than in the groups of welders and riggers/carpenters. In random urine specimens from workers at the construction shipyard, Ni concentrations exceeded 5.2μg/liter in 9 of 24 welders [38%]. (p <.01 vs increased urine Ni concentrations in 1 of 15 controls [hospital workers]). The ratios of plasma/urine nickel concentrations were higher in painters (p <.05) and lower in welders (p <.05) than in other workers at the construction shipyard. Increased concentrations of nickel in body fluids of shipyard workers are attributed to exposures to nickel compounds and alloys in the working environment.
Lung cancer prevalence among shipyard workers
Authors: Nicholson William J. , Lilis Ruth , Frank Arthur L. , Selikoff Irving J.
Published: April 2007

The prevalence of lung cancer has been ascertained during a survey of 286 shipyard workers all 20 to 45 years from onset of asbestos exposure in shipyard work. Two men had had previous thoracic surgery for lung cancer. In addition, bronchogenic carcinoma was found in five men. One was among the 35 men less than 30 years in the yard; three were in the 191 who had begun work 30 to 39 years before, and one was in the group of 60 men who were 40+ years from onset. The potential usefulness of large‐scale surveillance programs for the early detection of lung cancer among current and former shipyard workers is discussed.
Chromosome investigations in lymphocytes of workers employed in areas in which styrene‐containing unsaturated polyester resins are manufactured
Authors: Thiess A. M. , Schwegler H. , Fleig I.
Published: April 2007

Cytogenetic evaluation of 24 employees exposed to an average styrene concentration rate of 6.0 ppm in the laboratory, and to 58.1 ppm in the polyester processing pilot plant, has revealed no statistically significant increase in chromosome aberration rates as compared to a matched control group.
Neuropsychological effects of industrial toxins: A review
Authors: Feldman Robert G. , Ricks Nancy L. , Baker Edward L.
Published: April 2007

Quantitative assessment of nervous system function is essential in characterizing the nature and extent of impairment in individuals experiencing symptoms following workplace exposure. In recent years, the application of standardized neuropsychological tests to the evaluation of exposure to toxic industrial substances has significantly increased the understanding of the effects of these compounds. Within this review, the specific toxic neuropsychological effects of lead, carbon disulfide, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, mercury, styrene, and pesticides are discussed in detail. These discussions draw on our clinical experience with patients exposed to these substances as well as material from the medical literature. Factors affecting the utilization of these tests in occupational settings are also considered.
State of the art: Historical perspective of smelting
Authors: Cassady Melvin E.
Published: April 2007

This article discusses the general processing of non‐ferrous ores by pyrometallurgical methods. A general description of the process flows are given for copper, lead, zinc, antimony, nickel, and cadmium. Also described, in the case of copper, are the new pyrometallurgical processes being utilized in the U.S. copper industry.
Ferric chloride leach‐electrolysis process for production of lead
Authors: Sandberg R. G. , Wong M. M.
Published: April 2007

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, under a cost‐sharing, cooperative research agreement with lead producers, is studying a process to eliminate sulfur oxide generation and to minimize lead emission in the production of lead. The new process consists of leaching lead sulfide concentrate with a ferric chloride‐sodium chloride solution to produce lead chloride, and fused‐salt electrolysis of lead chloride to produce lead metal and chlorine. The chlorine is used to regenerate ferric chloride in the leach solution.

The study is being conducted in a process investigation unit which treats 750 lb of concentrate a day. This paper discusses the results of operation of the process investigation unit, data on lead monitoring, and the precautions employed to control lead levels in the workplace atmosphere. The monitoring data for the initial phase of the investigation show lead levels well within OSHA permissible exposure limits. Continued development is necessary before the process can be considered for implementation.
An overview of occupational exposure control technology in nonferrous smelting
Authors: Burton D. Jeff
Published: April 2007

Principles of exposure control include: (1) exposure determination, (2) emission characterization, (3) control options development and analysis, (4) technical and economic feasibility evaluation, and (5) selection, implementation, and testing of the exposure control. New technologies that may reduce exposures are being developed in Europe and the United States. These include new approaches to pyrometallurgical smelting and the development of hydrometallurgical smelting technologies. However, for the time being, retrofit controls will be the primary means of exposure control in the domestic nonferrous smelter industry.
Chronic cadmium exposures associated with kidney function effects
Authors: Smith Thomas J. , Anderson Robert J. , Reading James C.
Published: April 2007

A follow‐up study was conducted on 27 workers with a median of 25 years exposure to airborne cadmium. Two exposure groups had been selected a low exposure group of office, laboratory and supervisory personnel (n=11, average urinary cadmium 13.1 μg/1); and a high exposure group of production workers with long histories of work in areas with substantial airborne cadmium (n= 16, average urinary cadmium 45.7 μg/1). An estimate of each subject's time‐weighted‐average inhalation exposure to cadmium was calculated from personal sampling data (1973‐1976) and area sampling data (1943‐1976). Based on the findings of another study, the average inhalation exposures in each of the work areas were adjusted for use of personal protective masks (respirators). Comparison of kidney function status between the high and low exposure groups showed a significant reduction in creatinine clearance, and increased uric acid and β2 microglobulin excretion by the high group. Significant renal effects were associated with estimated average inhalation exposures of 63 μg/m3 over a 25 year period. The relationship between urinary cadmium excretion and cumulative exposure changed for higher exposures; this was consistent with the “critical concentration” model of cadmium's effects on the kidney.
Health risks associated with residence near a primary copper smelter: A preliminary report
Authors: Mattson Margaret E. , Guidotti Tee L.
Published: April 2007

Mortality for three groups of ICD codes covering acute, chronic, and malignant respiratory diseases were studied for adult white women in communities near or adjacent to primary copper smelting facilities in the United States between 1968 and 1975, a period when women had not as yet entered the industrial work force.

A previous comprehensive survey, sponsored by the EPA, of all U.S. counties used multiple regression analysis as a method of statistical surveillance to assess the association of mortality with industrial activity. This preliminary study suggested an excess mortality from non‐malignant respiratory diseases in copper mining and smelting counties. We directly examined town mortality rates for white female residents, aged 35 to 74, in eight U.S. copper smelting communities and compared them to demographically and geographically matched communities without industries likely to produce significant air pollution, using death certificates obtained from state sources. Site‐specific air quality data were also obtained for these communities.

Our direct examination of community death rates for copper smelting towns confirmed the preliminary observation at the county level of an excess risk from acute respiratory diseases but did not detect evidence of an elevatedmortality from chronic respiratory diseases or cancer of the respiratory tract.
Effects of sulfuric acid aerosol inhalations
Authors: Lippmann Morton , Schlesinger Richard B. , Leikauf George
Published: April 2007

Submicrometer H2SO4 droplets can affect pulmonary functions in humans. The lowest concentration which has been reported to produce a statistically significant effect on pulmonary mechanics is l mg/m3. Effects on tracheobronchial mucociliary clearance of inert particles were observed in our laboratory at much lower concentrations. For ten nonsmoking humans exposed for one hour via nasal mask to 0.1 mg/m3 of H2SO4, the mean bronchial clearance half‐time was reduced by 38% (p <0.02) while for l mg/m3, it was increased by 48% (p <0.03). Four donkeys exposed for l hour daily to 0.1 mg/m3 six months developed clearance abnormalities which persisted for at least three months after the last exposure. The patterns of mucociliary clearance responses to H2SO4 are similar to those seen previously in humans and donkeys following exposure to cigarette smoke, a known causal factor for chronic bronchitis.
Zinc protoporphyrin, blood lead and clinical symptoms in two occupational groups with low‐level exposure to lead
Authors: Fischbein Alf , Thornton John C. , Lilis Ruth , Valciukas José A. , Bernstein Jonine , Selikoff Irving J.
Published: April 2007

The results of cross‐sectional clinical field surveys of 45 cable manufacturing workers and 90 telephone cable splicers are presented. Despite the rare occurrence of clinically overt lead poisoning among these occupational groups, high prevalence of lead‐associated central nervous system symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms was found. Hierarchical log‐linear models for multidimensional contingency tables were fitted to those data and indicate that there is a partial correlation between reported symptoms and zinc protoporphyrin: individuals with high zinc protoporphyrin levels were more likely to report symptoms than those with low levels. No significant partial association was found between symptoms and blood lead. Because of the intermittent lead exposure encountered in one of the populations, individuals were identified with “normal” blood lead levels associated with “elevated” zinc protoporphyrin concentrations, thus indicating the difference in the biological significance between indicators of lead absorption (blood lead) and of biological response tests (ZPP). Suggestion is made that both types of diagnostic tests be utilized in the medical surveillance of lead‐exposed workers.
Subclinical lead neuropathy
Authors: Seppäläinen Anna Maria , Hernberg S.
Published: April 2007

It has been shown that subclinical impairment of the peripheral nerves may occur in neurologically symptom‐free lead workers. In a cross‐sectional study, 78 workers from two storage battery plants and one engineering shop were studied; their lead exposure had been monitored with regular blood lead measurements (PbB). The reference group comprised 34 unexposed manual workers. An exposure‐effect relationship between occupational lead exposure and nerve functions emerged, as nerve conduction velocities decreased with increasing PbBs. The strongest correlations were found between PbB measures and sensory and motor conduction velocities of the median nerve. An exposure‐response relationship also emerged as the proportion of subjects with abnormal nerves increased with increasing exposure levels.

In a prospective study 24 workers were followed‐up from the commencement of their lead work for one year and 16 for two years. The lead exposed showed a tendency of decreasing conduction velocities of arm nerves, but as a group they did not differ statistically significantly from the control group. When the lead exposed were divided into two groups using the median PbBs as the splitting point, the ones with PbBs over 30 μg/100 ml showed slowing of several nerve conduction velocities, while in the lower exposure the conduction velocities remained at the initial level. Again the clearest difference was noted in conduction velocities of the median nerve.

Nerve conduction velocities, especially in the arm nerves slow down in lead exposure and this impairment is caused by really low lead exposure as noted in the prospective follow‐up study, which can be regarded as intervention study.
S(IV) chemistry in smelter produced particulate matter
Authors: Eatough Delbert J. , Hansen Lee D.
Published: April 2007

Epidemiological and animal toxicological studies have indicated that reactions between SO2(g) and metal containing aerosols result in the formation of respiratory irritants. It had initially been suggested by EPA that sulfate per se was responsible for the observed health effects. That now appears unlikely. These studies point out the importance of understanding in detail the chemical species formed by such interactions. In the present paper procedures which have been used to study the formation of aerosol inorganic S(IV) species are described, together with the results obtained from studies in the flue line, workroom, and plume of smelters.

Both atmospheric and laboratory studies indicate that very stable complexes of S(IV) with Fe(III) or Cu(?) can form in aerosols. The data suggest that the concentration of these S(IV) complexes in primary particulate emissions from smelters will be about 10% of the sulfate concentration. In plumes the concentration of inorganic S(IV) varied from 10 to 80% of the sulfate concentration. The most important variable controlling the formation of these S(IV) complexes in a plume aerosol droplet is the aerosol acidity. The formation of aerosol inorganic S(IV) complexes in the plume is not related to the formation of sulfate.

There have been no studies previously reported that would allow an unequivocal evaluation of the toxicological implications of the chemistry reviewed in this paper. If these various S(IV) species are responsible at the low concentrations reported here for the “synergistic” effects previously reported between SO2(g) and aerosols, then additional toxicological work would appear warranted.
The chemical neutralization of inhaled sulfuric acid aerosol
Authors: Larson Timothy , Frank Robert , Covert David , Holub Dick , Morgan Michael
Published: April 2007

We hypothesize that gaseous ammonia (NH3) released into respiratory airways can neutralize inhaled acidic particles and alter or mitigate their toxicity. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the relationship between respiratory NH3 and the chemical neutralization of inhaled sulfuric acid (H2SO4) aerosol in the surgically isolated upper airways of anesthetized dogs.

With air entering via the mouth, the NH3 concentration measured at the larynx, ranged between 30 and 225 parts per billion (ppb). The extent of neutralization at this point ranged from 8%‐70% (n = 16) for the 0.5‐μm particles and 7%‐22% (n = 6) for the 1.0‐μm particles. With air entering via the nose, the laryngeal NH3 concentration ranged between 50 and 220 ppb. Neutralization values were between 15%‐65% (n = 8) for 0.5‐μm particles, and between 16%‐18% (n = 3) for 1.0‐μm particles. For both routes of entry, the extent of neutralization was correlated with the laryngeal NH3 concentration. We conclude that the chemistry of acidic particles is significantly altered by respiratory NH3 during inhalation. The extent of neutralization is related to both the NH3 concentration in the airway and the size of the particle entering the airway. The extent of neutralization per ppb of laryngeal NH3 is related to the route of entry, being greater for the mouth than the nose.
Arsenic exposure in a copper smelter as related to histological type of lung cancer
Authors: Wicks Merrill J. , Archer Victor E. , Auerbach Oscar , Kuschner Marvin
Published: April 2007

Tissue samples from lung cancer patients who had worked at a copper smelter and from controls were collected and classified by a panel of pathologists: 38% of the cancers were found to be adenocarcinomas, compared to 12% among the controls, a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The predominance of adenocarcinomas was associated with arsenic exposure. This finding is not consistent with Kreyberg's hypothesis that small‐cell undifferentiated and epidermoid carcinomas are the only type that increase in response to inhaled carcinogens [1962].
Influence of arsenic exposure and smoking on lung cancer among smelter workers: A pilot study
Authors: Higgins Ian , Welch Kathy , Oh Mary , Bond Gregory , Hurwitz Paul
Published: April 2007

A pilot study of 300 smelter workers from the cohort reported by Lee and Fraumeni [1969] has been studied: 150 men from their heavy exposure group and 150 men from the rest of the cohort randomly selected. Usable smoking habits were obtained from 86% of the sample. Estimates of the total lifetime work exposure were made from available measurements. A very high risk of lung cancer (SMR 1429) was observed among the most heavily exposed workers. Excess risks, though still present, were much less in those with lower exposures. There was a lower proportion of nonsmokers among the heavily exposed arsenic workers than among the other workers. This suggests that there may be some interaction between smoking and arsenic exposure. Moreover, comparison of smoking habits reported by smelter workers suggested that, as a group, they smoked more heavily than average for the United States population. A small study of proxy smoking histories suggested that these were valid and unbiased. The work continues on an enlarged sample.
Arsenic‐related hepatic angiosarcoma
Authors: Falk H. , Caldwell G. G. , Ishak K. G. , Thomas L. B. , Popper H.
Published: April 2007

Data from several small autopsy series in German vintners in the 1940s and 1950s and a number of case reports have previously suggested that arsenic is a cause of hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS). In a nationwide review of deaths from HAS in the United States, we identified seven cases with a history of prolonged use of Fowler's solution (inorganic potassium arsenite), which provide further support for the association of arsenic exposure and HAS. An epidemiologic study of a cohort of individuals treated long‐term with Fowler's solution might confirm this association.
Lead exposure of welders and bystanders in a ship repair yard
Authors: Grandjean Philippe , Kon Steven H.
Published: April 2007

Blood samples were collected from 126 long‐term ship repair workers and 42 retirees. Lead concentrations were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Three groups with different degrees of lead exposure were identified: (1)59 welders, burners, and combination men (median blood lead, 39 μg/100 ml); (2) 67 painters, laborers, shipfitters, riggers, and other ship repair workers (median blood lead, 26 μg/100 ml); and (3) 42 retired welders, painters, and shipfitters (median blood lead, 23 μg/100 ml). Thirty active ship repair workers, including 28 welders and burners, had blood lead concentrations above the OSHA “action level” of 40 μg/100 ml. Increased levels in several men without direct exposures to lead were apparently caused by “bystander's exposure.” In the retirees, blood lead levels decreased with increasing length of retirement. Thus, after eight or more years, the average level was below 20 μg/100 ml.
Delayed onset sandstone pneumoconiosis: A case report
Authors: Symanski H.
Published: April 2007

An unusual case of silicosis is described in a worker who inhaled the dust of pure silica while working in a sandstone quarry. The exposure lasted only eight years. In 1980, 45 years after exposure ceased, severe clinical manifestations of silicosis appeared for the first time. The chest X‐ray showed a pneumoconiosis A 2mn/A2 Mn Cor, em, hilus, based on the International Classification of Geneva, 1958. A diagnosis of sandstone pneumoconiosis was made. The case is one further example of late‐occurring disease appearing after a latency of several decades.
Benzene in blood and phenol in urine in monitoring benzene exposure in industry
Authors: Braier Leon , Levy Ashley , Dror Klaus , Pardo Asher
Published: April 2007

Determinations of benzene concentration in blood and of phenol in urine were made by head‐space gas chromatography techniques on samples taken near the end of the work day from two groups of workers potentially exposed to low levels of benzene in the work‐place atmosphere. Preliminary results suggest that benzene in blood is more reliable than phenol tests for assessing both exposure and uptake of benzene. Normal values of phenol in urine (10 mg/liter or less) were found in nearly all those cases in which benzene was detected in the blood.
Screening for occupational health hazards in the rubber industry. Part I
Authors: Weeks James L. , Peters John M. , Monson Richard R.
Published: April 2007

Multiphasic health testing (MHT) is often offered to populations of workers usually with the objective of identifying individuals who may be ill. Results are typically not analyzed in relation to estimates of workplace exposure. We describe the results of combining MHT with industrial hygiene assessment of workplace exposures as a method of identifying possible health hazards rather than merely potentially ill individuals. MHT was offered to all production and maintenance workers employed at a tire manufacturing plant. Of 954, 744 participated. We measured worker exposure to respirable particulates, solvent vapor, and noise. We computed the frequency of positive screens among workers classified by exposure and compared these frequencies with expected values adjusted for confounding variables including age, sex, race, and smoking and drinking habits. Workers exposed to higher concentrations of respirable particulates exhibited signs of respiratory and gastrointestinal morbidity. Workers exposed to emissions from heated, uncured rubber undergoing plastic deformation reported chest tightness on return to work. We conclude that combining MHT with assessment of workplace exposure is a valid method for identifying possible occupational health hazards.
Screening for occupational health hazards in the rubber industry. Part II: Health hazards in the curing department
Authors: Weeks James L. , Peters John M. , Monson Richard R.
Published: April 2007

Multiphasic health testing was provided to 744 rubber workers at a tire manufacturing plant. Sixty‐two white males from this population had worked longest in the curing department. Personal exposure to respirable particulates was measured for curing press operators. Outcome on screening tests for curing workers was compared with that of 280 white males at this same plant who had never worked in departments known to include jobs where they could have been exposed to respiratory health hazards. Employment in the curing department is associated with shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheeze, loss of FEV‐1 and FVC, decline of FEV‐1/FVC, and tingling and numbness in the extremities. These associations are stronger with increased duration of employment in the curing department. This paper further demonstrates the potential for using multiphasic health testing combined with measurements of workplace exposure for identifying occupational health hazards.
Amphibole fibers in a taconite mine and in the lungs of the miners
Authors: Gylseth Bjørn , Norseth Tor , Skaug Vidar
Published: April 2007

Fibers of the amphibole mineral series have been demonstrated in the dust from an open taconite ore mine. Though the total dust levels in some places are high, exposures to fibers are below one fiber/cc. The energy dispersive X‐ray spectra of the amphibole fibers correspond to those of cummingtonite‐grunerite, hornblende, or actinolite. The same type and size distribution of fibers were found during post mortem analyses of lung tissue from two previously exposed miners. The pathological examination revealed an undifferentiated small cell carcinoma of left lung as well as pulmonary fibrosis in one of the cases. In the second case a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of left lung was found along with silicosis.
Developments in education in occupational medicine in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lee W. R.
Published: April 2007

Postgraduate medical education in the United Kingdom has changed. Now, five years of undergraduate training merely prepare a doctor for postgraduate training, whatever his specialty will be. After undergraduate training (and a year in hospital) all doctors do three years General Professional Training followed by some four years Higher Specialist Training.

Occupational physicians do the same General Professional Training as physicians or primary care general practitioners. Their Higher Specialist Training lasts four years and is based on supervised practical experience in the factory or other place of work. After the first two years of this they take an examination covering the broad field of occupational medicine (AFOM). After the next two years of supervised practical experience the doctor has to present evidence of special study and can then become a specialist (MFOM).

In the U.K. about 70% of occupational physicians work part time. Their supervised practical experience is therefore spread over a longer period. Many stop at the AFOM. If, later in their career, they change to full time in occupational medicine, they can proceed to the specialist qualification (MFOM).

Most part‐timers do other work and therefore cannot go away to one of the few universities that provide courses for the AFOM. Those who live near one of the few universities can go on day release. A “distance teaching” project has been started to take teaching material on occupational medicine such as audio tapes, tape slides, and video tapes to these doctors. It will be supplemented by local seminars and short courses at universities.
Point of view. Occupational safety and health: The years ahead
Authors: Hollinshead Ariel C.
Published: April 2007

Many lawyers, scientists, lawmakers, and industrial and labor leaders have expressed concern about the escalating problems in dealing with occupational safety and health. This paper discusses problems, explores the ways in which the current administration may deal with the issues, and suggests a course of action.
Long‐term occupational lead exposure, chronic nephropathy, and renal cancer: A case report
Authors: Lilis Ruth
Published: April 2007

The case of a 61 ‐year‐old male with repeated episodes of overt clinical lead poisoning and courses of chelation therapy during his 34 years of employment in a secondary lead smelter is presented. Renal function impairment with elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and with markedly reduced glomerular filtration rate was detected several years before the discovery of a clear cell adenocarcinoma of the right kidney. After successful surgical removal of the tumor, the patient's renal function continued its previous trend of slow deterioration.
Byssinosis — An historical perspective
Authors: Corn Jacqueline Karnell
Published: April 2007

Based on the history of the growing awareness and recognition of ailments associated with the manufacture of cotton, it is concluded that recognition of byssinosis in the United States came late. In the American south byssinosis existed in an industry and within a social framework that helped to retard the acceptance of byssinosis as an undesirable but controllable disease. As late as the 1960s, United States medical opinion declared the disease nonexistent in American textile mills. In 1970, the scientific community showed that byssinosis existed in the United States. Mobilization of public opinion, changes in social attitudes, new scientific evidence, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act led to the setting of a standard to control and eradicate byssinosis. Controversy and debate over policy have brought the impact of scientific, sociopolitical, and economic inputs into health policy decisions, the altering perceptions of hazard, and the continually changing definition of risk into focus.
Evaluation of the neurophysiologic effects of 1,2‐propylene glycol dinitrate by quantitative ataxia and oculomotor function tests
Authors: Horvath Edward P. , Ilka Richard A. , Boyd James , Markham Thomas
Published: April 2007

1.2‐Propylene glycol dinitrate (PGDN), a nitrated ester found in the torpedo propellant Otto Fuel II, has been suspected of causing neurologic and cardiovascular effects. This study evaluated the possible acute and chronic neurophysiologic toxicity of PGDN in U.S. Navy torpedo facilities. The test procedures included a medical and occupational history, neuro‐opthalmologic examination, and quantitative tests of both oculomotor function and ataxia. A study population of 87 workers chronically exposed (CE) to PGDN during torpedo maintenance procedures was compared to a group of 21 controls (CON). Although workers often complained of vascular effects (headaches, nasal congestion), no evidence of chronic neurotoxicity was found, even among a subgroup of workers (CESUB) with the longest total duration of exposure.

To detect possible acute effects, 29 subjects from the study group were tested before and immediately after PGDN exposure during a torpedo maintenance procedure or turnaround (TA). These personnel had a statistically significant decline in saccade velocity and a prolongation of saccade delay time, even though most peak airborne concentrations of PGDN were well below 0.2 ppm.
Pulmonary function in firefighters: A six‐year follow‐up in the boston fire department
Authors: Musk A. W. , Peters J. M. , Bernstein L. , Rubin C. , Monroe C. B.
Published: April 2007

Tests of ventilatory capacity, objective cough, and standardized respiratory questionnaires were used in a prospective study to measure the effect of firefighting on pulmonary function in a cohort of 951 white Boston firefighters between 1970‐1976. During the six years of follow‐up, the mean annual decrements in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were 36 and 29 ml per year, respectively. At the end of the study in 1976, the mean FEV1 for this group was 98.3% of the level predicted for healthy nonsmoking adults, while the FVC was 97.8%. Current cigarette smoking was associated with an increased prevalence of bronchitis, a loose cough, reduced levels of FEV1 and FVC, and increased longitudinal changes in FEV1 and FVC. The longitudinal changes and current levels of FEV1 and FVC were not correlated with any index of firefighting exposure in active firefighters. Increased use of protective respiratory apparatus and previously described selection effects within the Boston Fire Department appear to be protecting this group of firefighters from long‐term effects of smoke exposure as measured by these techniques.
Incremental value of oblique chest radiographs in the diagnosis of asbestos‐induced pleural disease
Authors: Baker Edward L. , Greene Reginald
Published: April 2007

To assess the value of oblique chest radiographs in the diagnosis of asbestos‐related pleural disease, we identified 100 asbestos‐exposed construction workers and provided separate interpretations of the postero‐anterior (PA), left anterior oblique (LAO), and right anterior oblique (RAO) projections using the International Labour Office (ILO) system. We found that the LAO projection identified left‐sided pleural thickening more effectively than the PA view and the RAO view improved diagnosis of right‐sided disease comparably. Of 62 cases of bilateral pleural thickening, only 43 (68%) were diagnosed by the PA projection alone. The increased diagnostic efficiency of approximately 50% in identifying bilateral pleural thickening appears to justify the routine use of oblique chest films in screening asbestos‐exposed populations. Since bilateral pleural thickening among asbestos‐exposed workers is an indicator of significant asbestos exposure and increased risk of other asbestos‐induced conditions, early detection of this abnormality can lead to interventions designed to reduce asbestos‐related morbidity and mortality.
Electrophysiologic changes in workers with “low” blood lead levels
Authors: Bordo Bianca , Massetto Nicoletta , Musicco Massimo , Filippini Graziella , Boeri Renato
Published: April 2007

In spite of numerous studies, the minimum level of lead exposure at which “sub‐clinical” electrophysiologic abnormalities appear is still under discussion. Furthermore, it has not been clarified whether the electrophysiologic changes are directly related to PbB levels or to duration of exposure. This study was conducted on a group of 62 subjects occupationally exposed to lead with average blood lead levels below 50 μg/100 ml and durations of exposure of less than 10 years. A reduction of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities and sensory action potential amplitude of the median nerve was found in the subjects exposed to lead, as compared with a control group. Such abnormalities were already present in workers with the lowest blood lead levels, but were more severe in workers whose blood lead levels had exceeded 70 μg/100 ml, even if this occurred only once in the last two years. The electrophysiologic changes did not correlate with duration of exposure but occurred very soon after initial exposure to lead.
Assessment of lead health hazards in a body shop of an automobile assembly plant
Authors: Lilis Ruth , Valciukas José A. , Kon Steven , Sarkosi Laszlo , Campbell Carla , Selikoff Irving J.
Published: April 2007

This study of an occupationally lead‐exposed group in the automobile assembly industry (body shop employees) has provided information with regard to current and recent lead‐exposure levels characteristic for these operations. Comparison with findings in other, previously studied occupational groups (secondary smelter workers) indicated that current and recent lead exposure was significantly lower in the autobody shop employees.

Prevalence of symptoms was found to be higher than in a control, non‐lead‐exposed group of maintenance workers in the same plant, but the differences reached the level of statistical significance only sporadically. Long‐term effects on renal function, as reflected in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, were documented to be significant in this group of autobody shop employees. When compared with two secondary lead smelter populations previously studied, correlations between indicators of renal function, BUN and creatinine, and duration of lead exposure were consistently higher in the secondary lead smelter populations than in the group of autobody‐shop employees, although duration of lead exposure was greater in the latter.

These findings are consistent with a dose‐response relationship with regard to renal function impairment due to lead absorption. An increased prevalence of hypertension, especially diastolic, was also found, probably the consequence of renal effect.
Radiographic progression of asbestosis
Authors: Suoranta Hannu , Huuskonen Matti S. , Zitting Anders , Juntunen Juhani
Published: April 2007

A group of 85 patients with roentgenological evidence of asbestosis were examined on two occasions within a three‐ to four‐year interval, first in 1976‐1977 and again in 1979‐1981. During this follow‐up period, the asbestosis (interstitial pulmonary fibrosis) of 26 (31%) showed progression. The cases with either moderate or advanced fibrosis showed progression more often than those who initially had manifested only slight fibrosis. Included in the group whose interstitial fibrosis showed radiographic progression were asbestos sprayers and cigarette smokers.
The role of macrophages and immunocytes in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases due to mineral dusts
Authors: Pernis Benvenuto , Vigliani Enrico C.
Published: April 2007

There is considerable evidence of generalized stimulation of the immune system in pulmonry dust diseases. This stimulation involves both the T‐ and the B‐arms of the immune system. A reasonable explanation of this immune stimulation resides in an effect of the mineral dusts on the macrophages. This effect is likely to be mediated by the production of interleukin‐1. Since the same substance also stimulates fibroblasts, a unified view of the pathogenesis of pulmonary dust diseases is now possible.
Periodic urine cytology surveillance of bladder tumor incidence in dyestuff workers
Authors: Yamaguchi Naohito , Tazaki Hiroshi , Okubo Toshiteru , Toyama Toshio
Published: April 2007

The validity of urine cytology surveillance of occupational bladder tumor incidence was evaluated by reviewing the clinical history of nine bladder tumor cases found in dyestuff plant workers. A bladder tumor surveillance system has been organized for workers (179 active and 65 retired) who had been exposed to benzidine or beta‐naphthylamine in the plant. The system consists of two‐stage tests: periodic urine cytology as the first‐stage screening test, followed by, in suspicious cases, urological examinations as second‐stage tests. The urine cytology surveillance was found to be useful for two reasons: first, it detected tumors in five out of six cases surveyed by the system, and second, four cases screened by cytology had tumors curable by transurethral operation, while other cases underwent cystectomy.

Calculated average latent periods from the first and last exposure was 26.4 years (SD = 6.0) and 14.0 years (SD = 6.2), respectively. This time period indicates that the surveillance system should continue to be used for the exposed group even after workers have ceased being exposed.
An outbreak of xylene intoxication in a hospital
Authors: Klaucke Douglas N. , Johansen Martin , Vogt Richard L
Published: April 2007

On January 3, 1980 an outbreak of illness occurred in 15 employees of a small community hospital. Symptoms included headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness or vertigo; the duration of illness ranged from 2 to 48 hours. The employees who became ill all worked in areas of the hospital served by one central ventilation system. None of the 180 persons working in other parts of the hospital developed symptoms requiring medical care. Less than 1 hour before the outbreak occurred, 1 liter of liquid xylene had been discarded down a sink drain in the pathology laboratory. Simulation experiments confirmed that xylene vapor could have been drawn into the room that contained the fan unit of the ventilation system. This outbreak illustrates an unusual route of exposure to a widely used laboratory chemical.
Mortality study of persons exposed to dioxin in a trichlorophenol‐process accident that occurred in the BASF AG on November 17,1953
Authors: Thiess A. M. , Frentzel‐Beyme R. , Link R.
Published: April 2007

Twenty‐seven years after an accident which occurred in the BASF, Ludwigshafen plant in 1953, a mortality study of persons exposed to dioxin in an uncontrolled reaction during a trichlorophenol process was undertaken. The follow‐up was 100% successful and involved 74 persons. Overall mortality (21 deaths) did not differ in this group from the rate expected in three external reference populations or from that observed in two internal comparison groups, where 18‐20 deaths were observed. Of the 21 deceased persons, 7 had cancer, compared with 4.1 expected. In addition, two other cases of cancer (one bronchial carcinoma, and one carcinoma of the prostate) are still alive. Three deaths due to stomach cancer, at ages 64, 66, and 69 years, were found, compared with 0.6 expected from regional mortality data. One stomach cancer occurred among 148 individuals in the two comparison cohorts.
Lung cancer and smoking in a group of iron ore miners
Authors: Edling Christer
Published: April 2007

Several studies have shown that miners, in both uranium and nonuranium mines, have an increased lung cancer mortality, probably caused by exposure to radon and its daughters. The excess mortality has been observed primarily among smoking miners but some recent studies have also indicated a considerably increased risk among nonsmoking miners. This study, among a group of iron ore miners, was undertaken to further elucidate the somewhat unclear and presumably complex relationship of mining, smoking, and lung cancer. The results show a 16‐fold increase in lung cancer mortality among miners versus nonminers. Even nonsmoking miners seem to be at a rather high risk of developing lung cancer, but there was a tendency for the most heavy smoking miners to die earlier and to have a slightly shorter induction‐latency period for development of lung cancer than was found among the nonsmoking miners.
Occupational fluorosis through 50 years: Clinical and epidemiological experiences
Authors: Grandjean Philippe
Published: April 2007

Fifty years ago, in 1932, skeletal fluorosis was discovered as an occupational disease in cryolite workers in Copenhagen, Denmark. Following the initial reports, new cases were identified in other industries, such as the production of aluminum and superphosphate fertilizer. In light cases of fluorosis, the bone changes are often associated with nonspecific joint and muscle pains, but the disease may be entirely asymptomatic. The fluorideinduced osteosclerosis seems to be reversible, but the long‐term significance of fluoride accumulation in the body is not known. Family cases of dental fluorosis have been described in children of female cryolite workers. In addition, skeletal changes have occurred in long‐term residents near fluoride‐emitting industries, and in hot areas with high, natural fluoride levels in the drinking water. Skeletal fluorosis has only played a minor role in the discussion concerning fluoridation of drinking water, however. Changing and increasing uses of fluorides have led to a renewed interest in this occupational disease.
Occupational exposure to asbestos: Population at risk and projected mortality‐1980–2030
Authors: Nicholson William J. , Perkel George , Selikoff Irving J.
Published: April 2007

Estimates have been made of the numbers of cancers that are projected to result from past exposures to asbestos in a number of occupations and industries. From 1940 through 1979, 27,500,000 individuals had potential asbestos exposure at work. Of these, 18,800,000 had exposure in excess of that equivalent to two months employment in primary manufacturing or as an insulator (> 2‐3 f‐yr/ml). 21,000,000 of the 27,500,000 and 14,100,000 of the 18,800,000 are estimated to have been alive on January 1, 1980.

It is further estimated that approximately 8,200 asbestos‐related cancer deaths are now occurring annually. This will rise to about 9,700 annually by the year 2000. Thereafter, the mortality rate from past exposure will decrease, but still remain substantial for another three decades.
The interaction of ethyl alcohol and industrial chemicals
Authors: Hills Bruce W. , Venable Herbert L.
Published: April 2007

A serious, relatively unrecognized, occupational health problem involves the interaction of ethyl alcohol and chemical agents used in industry. Workers who drink alcohol and are exposed to certain chemical agents may experience adverse health effects such as nausea, dizziness, headache, and liver damage. This report reviews the synergistic interactions of ethanol with compounds such as the thiurams, amides, oximes, halogenated hydrocarbons, and metals. Also discussed is the effect of ethanol as a cofactor with vinyl chloride in the etiology of cancer.
Carbon disulfide‐induced neuropsychiatric changes in grain storage workers
Authors: Peters Henry A. , Levine Ross L. , Matthews Charles G. , Sauter Steven L. , Rankin John H.
Published: April 2007

The clinical and neuropsychiatric features of seven workers from the grain storage industry are described. All were exposed to fumigants, especially carbon disulfide and malathion. Clinical manifestations included cogwheel rigidity, resting and action tremor. peripheral neuropathy, pyramidal tract signs, an EEG pattern of sleep apnea, and characteristic measurable neurobehavioral dysfunction. Similar signs and symptoms due to carbon disulfide exposure in the viscose rayon industry strongly supported the conclusion that these grain storage workers were suffering from carbon disulfide poisoning. Malathion exposure probably had a contributing role. We conclude that exposure to these fumigants poses a serious occupational risk to the nervous system.
Screening for lead toxicity among autobody repair workers
Authors: Rose David N. , Cummings Curtis E. , Molinaro John , Fertig Andra
Published: April 2007

Fifty‐one workers in 10 small, neighborhood autobody repair shops were screened for lead toxicity using blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels and work history questionnaires. Those with high ZPP levels (greater than 50 μg/dl) had further studies, including blood lead determinations. The shops were dusty with ground putty dust (lead‐free) and paint spray (lead content range 0–40%). Thirteen (26%) workers had mildly elevated ZPP levels (all were full‐time sander/sprayers) though few had symptoms and none had elevated blood lead levels. Eighteen controls, workers in other occupations, had normal ZPP levels. Air monitoring during inactive periods failed to reveal high lead levels (range 0–28 μg/m2). These data suggest that workers in autobody repair shops are at risk of lead toxicity but the exposure and biologic effects are less than in many other industries that utilize lead.
Exposures and mortality among chrysotile asbestos workers. Part I: Exposure estimates
Authors: Dement John M. , Harris Robert L. , Symons Michael J. , Shy Carl M.
Published: April 2007

A detailed study of plant processes and dust control methods over the period 1930–1975 was conducted in an asbestos textile plant processing chrysotile. Linear statistical models for reconstructing historic dust exposure levels, taking into account textile processes, dust control measures, and job assignments, were developed. Parameters of these statistical models were estimated using 5,952 industrial hygiene sampling measurements covering the period 1930–1975. For most textile operations, exposure levels were significantly reduced by about 1940, when most engineering dust control measures were in place. Results of the exposure estimates indicated “precontrol” exposure levels to range from 3 to 78 fibers/cc with typical levels well above 10 fibers/cc. After textile operations were provided with dust control measures, estimated exposure levels ranged from 3 to 17 fibers/cc and were usually in the range of 5 to 10 fibers/cc. These exposure estimates were combined with an assessment of mortality among workers at this plant to investigate exposure‐response relationships. Exposure‐response results are presented in the companion manuscript in this volume.