bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does occupational exposure to silica cause lung cancer?
Authors: Goldsmith David F. , Guidotti Tee L. , Johnston Donald R.
Published: April 2007

Silica is not generally considered to be a carcinogen, however, occupations characterized by high exposure to crystalline silica have excessive rates of lung cancer mortality. Respiratory cancer excesses have been reported from North America and from Europe for the following dusty trades in which exposure to silica is a common factor: iron and steel foundry workers, steel casting workers, sand blasters, metal molders, nonuranium miners, and ceramic workers. These findings have been reinforced by two reports from the Swedish Pneumoconiosis Register and the Ontario Ministry of Labor indicating that silicotics have statistically significant risks of lung cancer mortality. Animal studies suggest that silica can be an initiating carcinogen or can act as a cocarcinogen or promoter when combined with benzo(a)pyrene. We propose three candidate hypotheses and two pathways for silicocarcinogenesis.
Histologic differences in occupational risks of lung cancer incidence
Authors: Morton William E. , Treyve Edward L.
Published: April 2007

A five‐year total community study of lung cancer incidence by occupation revealed that 1) virtually all the cases occurred in smokers; 2) all major histologic types of lung cancer were strongly associated with smoking behavior; 3) in most high‐risk occupations the significant elevations of risk were limited to one or two histologic types, a specificity suggestive of the importance of workplace carcinogen exposure; and 4) both sensitivity and specificity of the search for occupations with lung cancer hazards were greatly increased by use of histologic type rates rather than total lung cancer rates. The epidemiologic differences among histologic types suggest that the lung cancers might be a group of neoplastic diseases which share a major risk factor (smoking) in common but which differ in respect to exposure to other carcinogens. Eventual control of our lung cancer epidemic will require the allocation of much greater resources to documentation of the occupational risks.
Exposures and mortality among chrysotile asbestos workers. Part II: Mortality
Authors: Dement John M. , Harris Robert L. , Symons Michael J. , Shy Carl M.
Published: April 2007

A retrospective cohort mortality study was conducted among a cohort of 1,261 white males employed one or more months in chrysotile asbestos textile operations and followed between 1940 and 1975. Statistically significant excess mortality was observed for all causes combined (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 150), lung cancer (SMR = 135), diseases of the circulatory system (SMR = 125), nonmalignant respiratory diseases (SMR = 294), and accidents (SMR = 134). Using estimated fiber exposure levels in conjunction with detailed worker job histories, exposure‐response relationships were investigated. Strong exposure‐response relationships for lung cancer and asbestos related non‐malignant respiratory diseases were observed. Compared with data for chrysotile miners and millers, chrysotile textile workers were found to experience significantly greater lung cancer mortality at lower lifetime cumulative exposure levels. Factors such as differences in airborne fiber characteristics may partially account for the large differences in exposure response between textile workers and miners and millers.
Exposure to asbestos: Psychological responses of mesothelioma patients
Authors: Lebovits Allen H. , Chahinian A. Philippe , Holland Jimmie C.
Published: April 2007

Thirty‐eight patients with a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma participated in a semistructured interview to evaluate asbestos exposure, acquisition of increased risk information, and retrospective reporting of cognitive and behavioral reactions (particularly smoking behavior) to risk information. Twenty‐eight patients (74%) had direct occupational contact with asbestos, and six patients (16%) reported indirect nonoccupational exposure to asbestos. Only two (10%) of the directly exposed patients acquired risk in formation from professional sources prior to diagnosis of mesothelioma. The most frequently reported reaction to learning of increased risk of cancer was a denial of the risk by minimizing personal exposure. Few patients reported being concerned about the information of increased risk. Smoking behavior did not change as a result of risk information, nor was there any increase in visits to physicians. Guidelines for psychosocial management of at‐risk groups are recommended.
Some immunological studies on coalworkers with and without pneumoconiosis
Authors: Robertson Maura D. , Boyd Janice E. , Fernie June M. , Davis J. M. G.
Published: April 2007

This work formed part of a series of studies devised to investigate immunological markers which it was considered might reflect individual susceptibility to the development of coalworkers' pneumoconiosis and especially progressive massive fibrosis.

Estimations of T and B lymphocytes and white blood cell counts (WBCC) were performed on blood samples from 324 coalworkers grouped according to radiographic category of pneumoconiosis, age, and smoking habits. A subgroup of 43 men was further screened for both humoral anti‐lung antibodies (ALA) and direct lymphocyte‐mediated cellular cytotoxicity (LMCC) towards human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HEL). In addition 673 serum samples obtained during a previous study of autoimmune factors in coalworkers were screened for humoral antibodies to HEL cells.

The only correlation found between category of pneumoconiosis and alterations in WBCC, percentage or absolute numbers of lymphocytes, or the presence of anti‐lung antibodies was a decrease in a subgroup of T lymphocytes with increasing severity of pneumoconiosis. The major factor influencing these parameters in this study was the smoking status of the man. Smokers showed increased WBCC and lymphocyte numbers and a higher frequency of ALA and LMCC when compared with nonsmokers.
Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in welders of mild steel: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Keimig Deborah Gellerman , Pomrehn Paul R. , Burmeister Leon F.
Published: April 2007

Pulmonary function measurements, respiratory symptoms, smoking history, and occupational history were obtained from 91 male welders of mild steel, with mean welding exposure of 108 months, and 80 male factory controls. Nonsmoking welders compared to nonsmoking controls reported higher frequencies of respiratory symptoms and the differences were statistically significant for two symptoms: phlegm, and episodes of cough and phlegm. In comparisons of smoking welders and smoking controls, no significant differences were found in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Nonsmoking welders and smoking welders, compared to respective controls, did not have significantly decreased mean values of forced vital capacity or forced expired volume in 1 sec. Mean mid‐expiratory flow rates and forced expiratory flow rates at 75% of forced vital capacity were lower, but not significantly different, for welders, compared to controls. These decrements in peripheral flow rates could be trivial or they could represent the initial stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long‐term follow‐up, provided by a large prospective study, is needed to make this distinction.
Proportionate mortality among US shoeworkers, 1966–1977
Authors: Decouflé Pierre , Walrath Judy
Published: April 2007

Proportionate mortality for various causes was examined among 3,754 decedents (2,144 men, 1,610 women) who had worked in shoe manufacturing plants represented by either of two labor unions in the US. None of the shoeworker deaths were attributed to nasal cancer, whereas 2.2 were expected on the basis of general population data. Mortality from leukemia and cancer of the urinary bladder was not unusual in either sex or either union. However, deaths from cancers of the liver and gallbladder combined were significantly increased among male and female members of one union. Three deaths from mesothelioma were seen among members of this same union. Rectal cancer mortality was higher than expected among men and women in both unions. The findings are at variance with previous reports of high risks of certain cancer sites among shoeworkers. However, results for liver and gallbladder cancer and mesothelioma suggest the possibility that other previously unsuspected hazards may have been present in certain areas of the US shoe industry.
Cadmium induced metal fume fever: Results of inhalation challenge
Authors: Johnson J. Sue , Kilburn Kaye H.
Published: April 2007

Inhalation challenges were performed on a patient who had developed symptoms of metal fume fever, after six years of welding. Vital signs, white blood cell count and differential, nasal smears, chest X‐ray, and pulmonary function tests were monitored during each inhalation challenge. There was no significant reaction to methylcholine, or to fumes of zinc, copper, and mild steel. Significant restrictive ventilatory impairment, leucocytosis, fever, and symptoms of metal fume fever were noticed after exposure to fumes of silver solder containing twenty four percent cadmium.
Occupational cadmium exposure and renal status
Authors: Falck Francis Y. , Fine Lawrence J. , Smith Ralph G. , McClatchey Kenneth D. , Annesley Thomas , England Barry , Schork Anthony M.
Published: April 2007

With chronic low‐level exposure to cadium (Cd) the kidney is considered to be the organ at risk. Thus, permissible exposure levels (PEL) should be established to protect against the risk of renal dysfunction for a working lifetime. In this study, the prevalence of renal dysfunction among 33 male subjects exposed to Cd fumes at and below the current PEL of 100 μgCd/m3 for at least 21 years, was 21 % (adjusted for confounding factors). The average cumulative time‐weighted exposure in subjects with abnormal renal function was 1137 μg/m3 years, which was significantly different (p = .02) from subjects with normal renal function. These findings are consistent with those of other investigators and suggest that the current PEL does not protect against the risk of renal dysfunction, secondary to Cd fume exposure, for a working lifetime (≅ 40 years).
Liquid chromatography of urinary porphyrins for the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to porphyrinogenic substances
Authors: Colombi Antonio , Maroni Marco , Ferioli Adalberto , Valla Carla , Coletti Giuseppina , Foà Vito
Published: April 2007

Very sensitive and precise analytical methods for measuring total porphyrin excretion and the relative amounts of different porphyrins in urine are required in order to monitor the biological effects of porphyrinogenic substances in workers and the general population. Many analytical steps of a HPLC method for measuring porphyrins as methyl esters in urine have been perfected. Sensitivity is 0.1 μg/1 for each type of porphyrin, and average recovery is 92% in the range of 50–450 μg/liter porphyrins. The coefficient of variation is 3.4% within a series and 12.5% between series. Chemical oxidation before analysis and appropriate storing of the samples are the key points in achieving high quality results. The urinary excretion of porphyrins in healthy male workers varies within the range 21 to 161 μg/liter (95% limits of a group of 78 subjects). Concomitant factors, like drug use or liver disorders, were found to alter urinary porphyrin excretion. The proposed method permits the detection of extremely small alterations in porphyrin excretion resulting from occupational exposure to industrial chemicals such as, for example, mild coproporphyrinuria or early stages of chemical porphyria induced by polyhalogenated arylhydrocarbons.
Organic chemicals and malignant melanoma
Authors: Wright William E. , Peters John M. , Mack Thomas M.
Published: April 2007

Chemists with cancer were interviewed to generate hypotheses that might explain an apparent excess of malignant melanoma in chemists in Los Angeles County (LAC). The chemists were identified by the LAC Cancer Surveillance Program, a population‐based cancer registry. Interviews that included information on work history and exposure to specific chemicals were conducted by telephone. Chemists with melanoma were found to be better educated than chemists with other cancers and they reported more work with organic chemicals. They also cited more exposure to multiple chemicals, solvents, plastics, pesticides, benzoyl peroxide, and ionizing radiation. Although differences in educational level may account for the differences in exposure reported by cases and controls, the hypotheses that specific chemical exposures are related to melanoma occurrence are plausible and deserve further study. We also suggest that this method of generating hypotheses about cancer causes using cases identified from registries could be used more extensively.
An historical prospective study of mortality within a cohort of gas distribution workers
Authors: Liveright Timothy , Stanbury Martha
Published: April 2007

An historical prospective study of mortality within a cohort of 1,410 gas distribution workers was conducted. This cohort was followed for ten years (1971–1980) and data on 118 deaths were obtained. Five‐year (1973–1977) averages of both St. Louis and United States age‐specific mortality figures were used to create “expected” mortality rates for comparison with the observed deaths in the cohort. Analyses of the cohort were done according to: 1) person‐years contributed during the study period (the “age‐attained” method) and 2) the number of years from commencement of work in the company until the end of the study period (1980) or death (the “latency” method). Using both the “age‐attained” and “latency” methods of analysis, Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) were calculated for all causes of death, all malignant neoplasms, and for cardiovascular disease and malignant neoplasms of the respiratory and digestive systems. In no case was the SMR found to be beyond the range of what would be expected in the “standard” populations. While the present study does not contradict the negative findings of the one previous investigation of mortality of gas distribution workers, the limitations of small cohort size, reliance on death certificates and non‐industrial comparison populations make any conclusions at best provisional.
Musculoskeletal diseases in lumber and wood products workers as identified through hospital records surveillance
Authors: Burkart John A.
Published: April 2007

Currently available computerized hospital records from four hospitals in Southwest Oregon were utilized for occupational health surveillance by administering brief occupational questionnaires to hospitalized male patients. Patients with occupational exposure to the lumber and wood products industries showed statistically significant increased risks of hospitalization for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. The technique of using routine hospital records for occupational health surveillance has utility as a simple, inexpensive, but systematic tool for monitoring occupational populations.
External inspiratory resistance of protective respiratory devices: Effects on physical performance and respiratory function
Authors: Lerman Y. , Shefer A. , Epstein Y. , Keren G.
Published: April 2007

Twenty subjects wearing protective respirators were studied during submaximal exercise (80% of Vo2max) on a treadmill. The protective devices were fitted with canister filters of low expiratory resistance and different inspiratory resistances: (0.3, 1.8, 2.8, 3.4, 3.9, and 4.6 cm H2O x sec/liter). The effect of inspiratory resistance on physical endurance, various physiological parameters, and subjective sensations was examined. With the increase in inspiratory resistance, a significant decrease in physical performance, decrease in tidal volume, increased ratio of inspiratory to expiratory time, increased peak inspiratory pressure, and increased CO2 retention were observed. The difficulty in inspiration correlated significantly to inspiratory resistance and seems to be the main reason for cessation of the effort. No acceptable upper limit for the inspiratory resistance of the canister filters was found. Any decrease in the inspiratory resistance of the mask's filter enhanced endurance and performance.
Occupational styrene exposure: Environmental and biological monitoring
Authors: Apostoli P. , Brugnone F. , Perbellini L. , Cocheo V. , Bellomo M. L. , Silvestri R.
Published: April 2007

Occupational exposure to styrene was studied by environmental and biological monitoring in 22 workers employed in a fiberglass reinforced plastic factory. The mean environmental styrene concentration in individual workplaces ranged from 120 to 684 μl/l. Blood styrene, which was tested at the end of the work shift, ranged from 450 to 3700 μg/l. Urinary mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acid, which were determined at the end of the work shift, ranged from 133 to 2100 and from 107 to 685 mg/l, respectively. Environmental styrene exposure was better correlated with styrenemia than with mandelicuria and phenylglyoxylicuria considered either individually or together. The ratio between environmental and blood styrene showed that styrenemia was, on average, 3.3–4.9 times higher than environmental styrene concentration.
Asbestosis and tuberculosis
Authors: Segarra‐Obiol Francis , Lopez‐lbañez Pedro , Nicolas Joaquin Perez
Published: April 2007

The frequent association between silicosis and tuberculosis has been known for a long time. However, the possible interrelationship between asbestosis and tuberculosis is not entirely clear, and some reports on the subject are contradictory. The incidence of tuberculosis was determined in three groups of people: 1) those with asbestosis, 2) those exposed to asbestos dust but without asbestosis, and 3) healthy people without pneumo‐coniotic exposure. Chest X‐rays of 2,846 workers surveyed in this department between 1976 and 1980 were reviewed. Since only one case of active tuberculosis was detected, residual tuberculosis was the type encountered and this was diagnosed solely on its radiological signs. The incidence of tuberculosis was: 3.87% (N = 257) for group 1; 3.45% (N = 1,215) in group 2; and 3.93% (N = 1,374) for group 3. Statistical analysis confirms the lack of significant differences in the incidence of tuberculosis in the three groups. From these findings, it is concluded that asbestosis is not an influential factor in the appearance and development of tuberculosis.
The worker as teacher
Authors: Abrams Herbert K.
Published: April 2007

The worker is the major source of information about job hazards. Frequently, workers themselves discover new occupational diseases. Physicians need to regard the worker as a member of the occupational health team.
Health status of workers with past exposure to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin in the manufacture of 2,4,5‐trichlorophenoxyacetic acid: Comparison of findings with and without chloracne
Authors: Moses Marion , Lilis Ruth , Crow K. D. , Thornton John , Fischbein Alf , Anderson Henry A. , Selikoff Irving J.
Published: April 2007

Chloracne was found in 52% of 226 workers in a 1979 cross‐sectional survey at a plant where 2,4,5‐trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5‐T) had been manufactured from 1948 to 1969. Mean duration of residual chloracne was 26 years, and in 29 subjects, it had been present for 30 years. A significant increased prevalence of abnormal gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and higher mean GGT were found in those with chloracne, compared to those without. Although mean triglyceride values were higher in those with chloracne, the difference was not statistically significant. Neurological examination showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of abnormal sensory findings in those with chloracne. Increased prevalence of angina and reported myocardial infarction in those with chloracne was not significant when age‐adjusted. Increased prevalence of reported sexual dysfunction and decreased libido in those with chloracne compared to those without was statistically significant after age adjustment. No differences were found between those with and without chloracne in serum cholesterol, total urinary porphyrins, or in reproductive outcome.
Toxicological characteristics of refinery streams used to manufacture lubricating oils
Authors: Kane Meryl L. , Ladov Edwin N. , Holdsworth Charles E. , Weaver Neill K.
Published: April 2007

In the past, reports on the tumorigenic potential of lubricating oils in experimental animals have poorly defined the materials under study. In this paper the results of mouse skin painting studies with 46 clearly defined samples of refinery streams associated with lubricating oil processing show that modern conventional solvent refining of distillates removes tumorigenic potential while conventional acid refining may not. Furthermore, dewaxing, hydrofinishing, and clay treatments do not appear to mitigate the tumorigenicity of the lubricant distillates. Lubricant processing has changed over the years and assessments of the carcinogenicity of present‐day lubricating materials must be based on knowledge of modern processing.
The origin and basis of threshold limit values
Authors: Paull Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2007

The concept of establishing a “threshold limit” for contaminants of industrial air is based on the principles of establishing: (1) quantitative relationships between the magnitude and duration of exposure to an industrial substance and the nature and magnitude of the response of the worker, and (2) a limiting level of exposure to potentially hazardous agents, when there exists no significant threat to health. This paper focuses on the origin of this concept, and traces the history and development of thought concerning the founding principles upon which it is based. The TLVs have undergone a remarkable evolution, from values denoting concentrations of contaminant producing overt signs of acute toxicity, to those concentrations to which nearly all workers may be exposed for their working lifetime without experiencing adverse health effects.
Exposure‐effect and exposure‐response relationships between occupational exposure to styrene and neuropsychological functions
Authors: Mutti Antonio , Mazzucchi Anna , Rustichelli Paolo , Frigeri Graziano , Arfini Giuseppe , Franchini Innocente
Published: April 2007

A neuropsychological test battery was administered to 50 workers exposed to styrene and to 50 sex‐, intelligence‐, and age‐matched controls. The main styrene metabolites, ie, mandelic acid (MA) and phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA), were measured as exposure indices in the urine collected on Saturday mornings, just before neuropsychological testing. Exposure‐response and exposure‐effect relationships were found between the intensity of the exposure (as reflected by the sum of MA and PGA) and the scores of the neuropsychological tests. Verbal learning skills were significantly impaired in workers with a sum of MA and PGA higher than 150 mmole/mole creatinine, corresponding to styrene airborne concentrations higher than 25 ppm (mean daily exposure). Logical memory and visuo‐constructive abilities were shown to be significantly affected in workers with MA and PGA higher than 300 mmole/mole creatinine, corresponding to exposure levels of more than 50 ppm of styrene in air.
Two cases of liver angiosarcoma among polyvinyl chloride (PVC) extruders of an italian factory producing PVC bags and other containers
Authors: Maltoni Cesare , Clini Corrado , Vicini Ferruccio , Masina Alceste
Published: April 2007

Two cases are reported of liver angiosarcoma occurring among polyvinyl chloride (PVC) extruders from a small Italian factory producing PVC bags and other containers. The possibility that PVC extrusion carries a risk of liver angiosarcoma is important because of the very large number of people working with extruding, manufacturing and handling PVC, as compared with the number of people working in PVC polymerization and/or VC production. In the past, the level of vinyl chloride (VC) concentration in PVC extrusion workplaces has been thought to be “safe”.
Cancer mortality among shoe and leather workers in Massachusetts
Authors: Garabrant David H. , Wegman David H.
Published: April 2007

A proportional mortality analysis of death certificates of 2,798 shoe and leather workers demonstrated a statistically significant excess of bladder cancer among female shoe workers (PMR + 2.51, 95% confidence interval 1.23 to 5.12). A case‐referent analysis of 289 leather workers, on whom detailed occupational information was available, demonstrated an association of lung cancer with work in leather‐tanning jobs (odds ratio + 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 16.2).
Basophilic stippling of red blood cells: A nonspecific finding of multiple etiology
Authors: Cheson Bruce D. , Rom William N. , Webber Roseanne C.
Published: April 2007

Basophilic stippling of red blood cells (BSC) has been noted in lead intoxication since 1899 and has been considered a classic laboratory sign of lead poisoning since that time. BSC are inclusions of aggregated ribosomes found only in the red blood cells and may be confused with siderotic (iron) granules, Heinz Bodies, or even reticulocytes. BSC are an inconstant finding in lead intoxication. In a review of peripheral blood smears from 1,000 consecutive internal medicine patients, we found BSC in 27%. These occurred in a variety of malignant, rheumatologic, hematologic, cardiovascular, and other diseases, frequently with an associated anemia. BSC may even be found in a small percentage of normal people; thus, it must be emphasized that BSC is a nonspecific finding. Furthermore, BSC has been replaced by blood lead (since the 1940s) and zinc protoporphyrin (since the 1970s) levels for biologic monitoring of lead‐exposed workers.
Cancer mortality among woodworkers
Authors: Stellman Steven D. , Garfinkel Lawrence
Published: April 2007

The mortality experience of 10,322 men employed in woodworking industries was compared with that of 406,798 nonwoodworkers. All subjects were enrolled in an American Cancer Society study and followed prospectively from 1959 through 1972. Age‐adjusted rates of death from all causes and from all cancers were not higher in the woodworker group, but excess rates were observed for cancers of the lung, stomach, and bladder, as well as nonmelanoma skin cancer and possibly leukemia. Woodworkers experienced significantly decreased rates of colon‐rectum cancer and coronary heart disease. The elevated cancer rates could not be explained by cigarette smoking habits. If anything, there is evidence to suggest a possible interaction between employment in woodworking trades and heavy cigarette smoking, in increasing the risk of lung and bladder cancer.
Decreased lung function in long‐term asbestos cement workers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ohlson Carl‐Göran , Rydman Tore , Sundell Lennart , Bodin Lennart , Hogstedt Christer
Published: April 2007

The effect on lung function of exposure in an asbestos cement plant was investigated in male workers, employed more than 10 years. The exposed group was selected to exclude subjects with pneumoconioses and ex‐smokers and consisted of 77 smokers and 48 never‐smokers. Referents were chosen from plants where asbestos had not been in use and restricted to those without X‐ray signs of chest disease. The primary type of asbestos used was chrysotile and the general dust level in the two decades 1950–1970 seems to have been around 10 mg/m3 while the asbestos fiber concentration averaged 2 fibers/ml. The mean differences between exposed and referents were statistically significant for forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume, ‐0.25 and ‐0.30 liters, respectively, after adjustment for age, height, tracheal area, and smoking category. No significant differences were detected between those with and without pleural plaques. Smokers and never‐smokers were similarly affected. In conclusion, the group exposed to dust with comparatively low asbestos fiber concentration had a minor impairment of lung function, mainly due to obstructive changes.
Employment rehabilitation: Outcome and prediction
Authors: Sheikh Kazim , Mattingly Stephen
Published: April 2007

Several factors have been shown to influence return to work after chronic disability, but little is known about their independent effect. There is also some disagreement about what constitutes successful resettlement in work. To establish the predictors of an early return to stable employment, 1,565 rehabilitees discharged from two employment rehabilitation centers in England were followed for at least 1 year. Nineteen entry characteristics and six outcome measures were analyzed by the canonical correlation method. Results in the two groups of rehabilitees were fairly similar. Three variables contributed most to the outcome measure: getting a job, delay in starting work, and employment status at the time of follow‐up. Factors associated with a successful outcome were motivation, a low level of physical disability, short duration of unemployment before rehabilitation, completion of rehabilitation course, and a low level of general unemployment in the home area of the rehabilitee.
Cancer mortality among workers exposed to formaldehyde
Authors: Liebling Tina , Rosenman Kenneth D. , Pastides Harris , Griffith Ruth G. , Lemeshow Stanley
Published: April 2007

Proportionate mortality among workers exposed to formaldehyde was analyzed among employees of a large chemical plant in Western Massachusetts. Twenty‐four such decedents, all males, were identified through union records, reports of former coworkers, and a systematic review of obituaries in local newspapers. Work histories were obtained from seniority lists. Race‐age‐sex‐adjusted proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were significantly elevated for cancer of the colon based on United States. county, and county cancer mortality proportions (PMR = 702, 424, 333, p ≤ 0.05). as were PMRs for the category buccal and pharyngeal cancer (PMR = 870, 952, 833. p < 0.05). This study provides evidence of formaldehyde's carcinogenicity. These findings are at variance with a previous report of the mortality experience of workers at the same plant from an earlier period.
Evidence for hematotoxicity and tumorigenesis in rats exposed to 100 ppm benzene
Authors: Snyder Carroll A. , Goldstein Bernard D. , Sellakumar Arthur R. , Albert Roy E.
Published: April 2007

A group of 40 Sprague‐Dawley rats was exposed to 100 ppm benzene for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for life. Another group of 40 rats received air under the same exposure regimen. During the exposures, treated rats exhibited continuously depressed peripheral erythrocyte and lymphocyte counts. Although the incidences of these peripheral cell depressions were statistically significant, the magnitudes of the depressions were not. Histopathologic evaluation revealed that splenic hemosiderin pigments were much more prevalent in exposed rats than in controls, indicating either red cell hemolysis or ineffective erythropoiesis. The mortality‐corrected tumor incidences between exposed and control mice were not statistically different. However, several exposed rats died with tumors that, because of their rare spontaneous incidence, are most likely treatmentrelated. Four rats died with liver tumors, two died with zymbal gland carcinoma, and one died with chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Mortality from cancers of major sites in female radium dial workers
Authors: Stebbings James H. , Lucas Henry F. , Stehney Andrew F.
Published: April 2007

The female radium dial workers have now experienced significant mortality from cancers other than the bone sarcomas and head carcinomas long known to be radium induced. The relationships of radium exposure to mortality from cancers of the stomach, pancreas, colon, rectum, liver, lung, breast, cervix, and corpus uteri, and from leukemia were studied in 1,285 pre‐1930 dial workers. Mortality was compared with that expected from rates for US white females, with and without adjustment for local area mortality rates, and with mortality in dial workers exposed from 1930 to 1949. For the 693 cases whose body content of radium has been measured since 1955, dose‐response relationships of cancer to systemic intake of radium and duration of employment were examined. Liver, pancreatic, cervical, and uterine cancers were clearly unrelated to radium exposure. Other cancers of the digestive tract appeared to be indirectly, if at all, associated with work in radium facilities. Lung cancer requires further investigation; inhalation exposures of the dial workers were reviewed. Analyses of the breast cancer data uncovered several observations inconsistent with the previously suggested causal association with radium exposure. Multiple myeloma was also reviewed. A threefold excess risk of death due to multiple myeloma has occurred, but is more closely correlated with duration of employment (a surrogate for external gamma radiation) than with radium intake.
Immunological aspects of asbestosis: Patients' neurological signs and asbestosis progression
Authors: Huuskonen Matti S. , Räsänen Jorma A. , Juntunen Juhani , Partanen Timo
Published: April 2007

This study is a component of a long‐term, follow‐up study aimed at evaluation of immunological and neurological findings with regard to the early detection of malignancies among patients at high risk of developing cancer.

One hundred fifteen patients with diagnosed asbestosis were examined neurologically and immunologically (rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, C3 and C4 and circulating immune complexes). Patients with nervous system involvement (63 cases; 55%) revealed no significant immunological differences when compared with the other patients except for a more common presence of antinuclear antibodies among patients without nervous system involvement (21% vs 6%, p < 0.05). Significantly increased Wa‐Ro titers (> 1/128) were found for 3–4% of the patients whose asbestosis was either progressive or not as to radiological fibrosis, whereas only 0.4% of the blood donors had a significantly increased Wa‐Ro titer. The respective figures of latex agglutination (> 1/32) were found for 14–19% of the asbestosis patients whereas in 0.8% of the blood donors. The mean level of C3 was higher among progressive than nonprogressive asbestosis cases (1.48 vs 1.34, p < 0.05). Patients with radiographic progression of asbestosis had higher IgG‐antinuclear antibody titers than the patients without progression.
Local neurotoxicity of methyl methacrylate among dental technicians
Authors: Seppäläinen Anna Maria , Rajaniemi Risto
Published: April 2007

Dental technicians often handle methyl methacrylate bare‐handed before the polymerization reaction, and the monomer can penetrate the skin during the process. Nerve conduction velocities were determined in 20 dental technicians who had slight neurological complaints and in 18 healthy control persons. The motor and sensory conduction velocities in the forearm sections were normal and similar in both the study and the control group. Dental technicians had significantly slower distal sensory conduction velocities from the digits I, II and III on the right hand and also from the radial aspects of the digits II and III on the left hand than did the controls. Findings are considered to represent mild axonal degeneration on the areas with the closest and most frequent contact with methyl methacrylate.
Cancer mortality patterns by work category in three texas oil refineries
Authors: Thomas Terry L. , Waxweiler Richard J. , Crandall Michael S. , White Deborah W. , Moure‐Eraso Rafael , Fraumeni Joseph F.
Published: April 2007

A previous proportionate mortality ratio analysis revealed elevated mortality from brain tumors, stomach cancer, leukemia, and other cancers among OCAW members employed in three Texas oil refineries. In order to evaluate these findings, complete work histories of cases and a matched set of controls who died from other causes of death were obtained from company personnel records. Work histories were summarized by classifying each job title and department entry into one of several broad work categories of refinery unit operations. A worker was considered “exposed” to a work category if he was known to have worked at least 1 day in the category 15 or more years prior to his death. Maximum likelihood estimates of the relative risk for brain tumor, stomach cancer, and leukemia were calculated by work category using a procedure for matched case‐control data. No strong associations for brain tumor risk were seen with any work categories. A slight association for leukemia was seen among workers in the Treating category, which included unit operations that reduce the level of aromatic and sulfur constituents of petroleum products and combine them with additives to improve their quality. Stomach cancer risk was elevated among maintenance workers and workers exposed to lubricating oils and paraffin wax processing.
Organophosphate and carbamate pesticide poisoning: The usefulness of a computerized clinical information system
Authors: Lerman Y. , Hirshberg A. , Shteger Z.
Published: April 2007

Organophosphate (OP) and carbamate poisoning are still a worldwide health problem causing numerous fatalities in humans. Physicians who have no clinical toxicological experience with these compounds may have difficulties in promptly identifying the etiologic agent and managing the acute phase of the poisoning. We describe the potential use of a computerized medical information system that includes clinical data on 236 cases of OP and carbamate poisoning, and may improve the management of such poisoning. The methods of constructing the system, the first results of using the system, and the medical institutions that can benefit from such systems are discussed.
Neuropsychological function following mild exposure to pentaborane
Authors: Hart Robert P. , Silverman Joel J. , Garrettson Lorne K. , Schulz Charles , Hamer Robert M.
Published: April 2007

Neuropsychological tests and self‐report personality inventories were administered to 14 workers and rescue squad personnel approximately 2 months following mild exposure to pentaborane, a highly toxic volatile liquid boron hydride. Performance decrements were evident on 5 of 11 neuropsychological tests, including Block Design and measures of sustained attention and recent memory. Neuropsychological deficits were not related to emotional changes reported on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist nor to the presence of CT scan abnormality. These results indicate mild residual brain dysfunction following pentaborane intoxication, including possible dysfunction in subcortical regions mediating memory processes and in cortical areas mediating visuo‐spatial abilities.
Multiple myeloma, leukemia, and cancer of the ovary in cosmetologists and hairdressers
Authors: Spinelli J. J. , Gallagher R. P. , Band P. R. , Threlfall W. J.
Published: April 2007

In order to evaluate occupational mortality, age standardized proportional mortality ratios (PMR) were calculated for 160 female cosmetologists and hairdressers and 1,001 male barbers and hairdressers utilizing cause of death and occupation statements from British Columbia death registrations collected from 1950 to 1978. Female cosmetologists had elevated risks of death from multiple myeloma (PMR = 619, p = .03) and ovarian cancer (PMR = 204, p = .09). Male barbers and hairdressers had no corresponding elevated risk of myeloma but had a significantly high risk of death from leukemia (PMR = 188, p = .05). Further detailed studies of these occupations would be worthwhile to confirm and extend these findings.
Ethylene oxide: An overview of toxicologic and epidemiologic research
Authors: Landrigan Philip J. , Meinhardt Theodore J. , Gordon Jane , Lipscomb Jane A. , Burg Jeanne R. , Mazzuckelli Lawrence F. , Lewis Trent R. , Lemen Richard A.
Published: April 2007

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a reactive epoxide and potent biocide. It is used widely in gas sterilization of hospital equipment. An estimated 75,000 health care workers in the United States have potential exposure. EtO binds covalently to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and has been shown in 13 species to cause point mutations. Apparently, as a consequence of its alkylating ability, EtO exposure can result in chromosomal damage. In monkeys EtO exposure produces increased frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and chromosomal aberrations. In man, five cytogenetic studies have shown dose‐related increased frequencies of either SCE or chromosomal aberrations; in one study SCEs developed after regular exposures lasting less than five minutes per day. EtO is a reproductive toxin. In adult male rats, exposure produces decreased fertility, increased fetal deaths, and heritable chromosomal translocations. In pregnant female rats and rabbits, exposure causes increased fetal losses, and in one study in pregnant mice exposure was associated with increased numbers of malformed fetuses. In male monkeys EtO causes dose‐related reductions in sperm count and sperm motility. In pregnant women, one study suggests that brief occupational exposure twice daily in concentrations of 20 ppm or above was associated with increased spontaneous abortions. EtO is carcinogenic to animals. In rats it causes dose‐related increases in mononuclear cell leukemias, peritoneal mesotheliomas, and cerebral gliomas. In man, exposure has been associated in two epidemiologic studies with increased leukemias: 3 leukemias observed versus 0.2 expected in one study, and 2 observed versus 0.14 expected in the other; two additional small studies of limited power found no excess leukemias. Quantitative risk assessment indicates that from 634 to 1,093 excess deaths from cancer will occur per 10,000 workers exposed to EtO at 50 ppm over a working lifetime, and that 12 to 23 excess cancer deaths will occur per 10,000 workers exposed at 1 ppm. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that EtO be regarded as a potential human carcinogen. NIOSH has recommended that eight‐hour time‐weighted average exposure to EtO be less than 0.1 ppm and that short‐term peak exposure not exceed 5 ppm for more than ten minutes per working day.
Adverse health effects of ethylene oxide and occupational exposure limits
Authors: Sheikh Kazim
Published: April 2007

The proposed revision of the US standard for occupational exposure to ethylene oxide has recently been topical and controversial. Most of the recent experimental and epidemiological evidence of health effects, which provoked lowering the permissible exposure limit, appears to be unreliable and insufficient for risk assessment.
Tumor markers and neurological signs in asbestosis patients
Authors: Järvisalo J. , Juntunen J. , Huuskonen M. S. , Kivistö H. , Aitio A.
Published: April 2007

Ninety asbestosis patients were examined clinically with special emphasis on the function of the peripheral and the central nervous system. Serum specimens were analyzed for carcinoembryonic antigen(s) (CEA), ferritin, and β2‐microglobulin (β2m) content. The patients were classified into four subgroups: (1) those with peripheral neuropathy, (2) those with involvement of central nervous system, (3) those with both types of neurological signs, and (4) those with normal neurological status. The levels of serum CEA, ferritin, and β2m were elevated in all four subgroups. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the prevalence of elevated values of the three tumor markers (equal or above the following limits: CEA, 5 μg/liter; ferritin, 400 μg/liter, and β2m, 3 mg/liter). The patients currently smoking had a higher level of serum CEA than nonsmokers or exsmokers, but the differences were not statistically significant. In the subgroup that comprised those asbestosis patients in whom the disease could be considered progressive according to the ILO 1980 classification of the chest radiographs, the mean level of CEA in serum was higher than that of the patient group without such progression of the disease (p < 0.05, Student's t test).

Although the prevalence of abnormal neurological signs was high in these asbestosis patients, no obvious correlation was found between the neurological findings and the tumor markers studied.
An environmental and medical study of byssinosis and other respiratory conditions in the cotton textile industry in Egypt
Authors: Noweir Madbuli H. , Noweir Kamal H. , Osman Hassan A. , Moselhi Mohamed
Published: April 2007

This study was conducted in a typical Egyptian textile plant located in Alexandria. Male workers from all operations (N = 506) were examined and their dust exposures were assessed. Results showed that airborne dust concentrations were very high and that the plant fraction is mostly concentrated in respirable dust. Byssinosis prevailed in 21% of workers in opening and cleaning sections and in 13% in carding and combing rooms, but was found in none of the workers in drawing, twisting, and spinning operations, in only 1.1% in weaving, and in 3.1% of workers in other “auxiliary” occupations. The rare prevalence of byssinosis among the latter workers' groups was attributed to the workers' continuous exposure without fixed weekend interruption, the personal and family history of exposure to cotton, the low proportion of plant materials in dust evolved in related operations, the fine quality of Egyptian cotton, and/or the population characteristics of Egyptian workers. Reduction in FEV1.0 at the end of the first work shift after absence from work occured more often than byssinosis, which indicates the importance of this test for the early detection of effects of cotton dust exposure. It is suggested that a nationwide study in the cotton textile industry is indicated.
Leukemia incidence by occupation in the portland‐vancouver metropolitan area
Authors: Morton William , Marjanovic Danijela
Published: April 2007

During a 15‐year period in an urban area with over a million inhabitants, we identified 1,678 cases of leukemia among residents aged 16 or older. Case finding was done according to the methods of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) SEER program. Usual occupation was coded by a system based on the U.S. Census Bureau classification. According to age‐standardized incidence rates for persons aged 16–67, significant excess leukemia risks were found for 14 male and 8 female occupation categories, with the larger number of male excess risk situations due to nonlymphatic leukemia. Lymphatic leukemia risks were significantly elevated among dentists, school teachers of both sexes, auto mechanics, gas station attendants, female assembly workers, and female laundry and dry cleaning workers. Nonlymphatic leukemia risks were significantly elevated among machinists, other metal tradesmen, heavy equipment operators, textile operatives, meat cutters, cannery workers, construction laborers, freight and stock handlers, policemen, and firemen. Risks of both types of leukemia were significantly elevated among registered and practical nurses and lumber mill workers. This study has not identified specific etiologic agents and exposures, but applied investigations aimed at disease control by prevention of cases are now possible in this community. Nationwide surveillance and control are recommended.
Cancer and occupation in Massachusetts: A death certificate study
Authors: Dubrow Robert , Wegman David H.
Published: April 2007

This study examines cancer mortality patterns by occupation for white males in Massachusetts using 1971–1973 death records. Its purpose is to identify occupation‐cancer associations that, when interpreted in conjunction with results from other studies and hypotheses about potential occupational carcinogens, can serve as leads for more definitive etiological investigations.

Sixty‐two malignancy categories (including grouped categories) were investigated for each of 397 occupational categories (including grouped categories) using an age‐standardized mortality odds ratio approach.

An important finding was the association between lung cancer and a large number of occupations for which there is support from other epidemiologic studies and/or for which there are reasonable hypotheses as to possible carcinogenic exposures. These occupations include truck drivers, painters, machinists, automobile mechanics, plumbers, cooks, fishermen, heated metal workers, sheet metal workers, and brickmasons/stone‐masons/tile setters.