bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A striking deposition of mineral particles in the lungs of a farmer: A case report
Authors: Gylseth Bjøhrn , Stettler Lloyd , Mowè Gunnar , Skaug Vidar , Lexow Peter
Published: April 2007

The object of this study was to analyze mineral particles in lung tissue from a farmer who underwent lobectomy due to a lung tumor and relate these analytical findings to occupational exposure and histopathological and clinical diagnoses. Despite no clear evidence of previous occupational dust exposure, heavy deposits of birefringent particles and slight pulmonary fibrosis were found during histopathological examination. Extracts from the lung tissue were analyzed by electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis for mineral particles. The major components of the dust were identified as mica, talc, and silica. Minor components included asbestos fibers and rutile fibers. Some of these fibers were coated by ferroproteins. Mica, quartz, feldspars (plagioclase), and rutile fibers were found in the soil from the farmer's potato storehouse. Based on these findings it is assumed that the slight pulmonary fibrosis is probably caused by the different mineral particles deposited.
Mortality among rubber workers: VII. Aerospace workers
Authors: Delzell Elizabeth , Monson Richard R.
Published: April 2007

This study evaluated cause‐specific mortality among 3,161 men who were employed in the aerospace division of a rubber manufacturing company. Compared to other production workers at the plant, aerospace workers in deicer and fuel cell manufacturing jobs experienced a 60% excess of deaths from lung cancer. Deicer and fuel cell workers who were under 65 years of age had lung cancer rates that were approximately twice those of other rubber workers of comparable age. Aerospace division employees also had elevated rates of bladder cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. However, detailed analyses suggested that, with the exception of lung cancer, these cancer excesses were not likely to be attributable to employment in the aerospace division.
Mortality among rubber workers: VIII. Industrial products workers
Authors: Delzell Elizabeth , Monson Richard R.
Published: April 2007

This report compares the mortality experience of 6,533 men employed in the industrial products division of a rubber manufacturing company with that of U.S. males and of other rubber workers. For most causes of death the mortality rates of industrial products workers were lower than those of U.S. males and similar to those of other rubber workers. Relative to other rubber workers, men in the industrial products division had a 50% excess of deaths from lymphoma, a 90% excess of deaths from multiple myeloma, and a 20% excess of deaths from bladder cancer during the study period. The excesses of lymphoma and multiple myeloma were strongest during recent follow‐up in 1970–78 (observed/expected deaths: 10/4.3 for lymphoma; 10/4.4 for multiple myeloma), whereas bladder cancer mortality was not excessive during this calendar period.
Biochemical and electrophysiological study of subjects with a history of past lead exposure
Authors: Corsi G. , Bartolucci G. B. , Fardin P. , Negrin P. , Manzoni S.
Published: April 2007

The effects of lead on porphyrin metabolism and peripheral nervous system were studied in a group of 38 subjects who had not been exposed for a period of time, ranging from 3 to 27 years. The mean values for blood lead (PbB), chelated lead(PbUEDTA), and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) were found to be significantly higher in the subjects with past lead exposure than in controls. In all cases the neurological examination was negative. The mean values for maximum motor conduction velocity (MMCV) and conduction velocity of the slower fibers (CVSF) of the ulnar and peroneal nerves were found to be significantly lower in the subjects with past lead exposure than in the control group of 23 subjects standardized for age. Signs of partial denervation were present in four cases, with two presenting a decrease of the motor conduction velocity (MCV) as well. No correlation was found between electrophysiological findings and biochemical indicators of dose and effect. The length of exposure showed a significant negative correlation only with the MMCV of the ulnar nerve. A significant difference from controls standardized for age was observed only in subjects with exposure of more than 6 months for all the electromyographic (EMG) parameters. It does not appear that the EMG findings could depend upon modest lead deposits still present in the organism; they should rather give evidence to the permanent effect of alterations that occurred during the prolonged exposure to lead.
The rules of the game: An analysis of Osha's enforcement strategy
Authors: Rappaport Stephen M.
Published: April 2007

Although OSHA promulgates standards for chemical exposures on the basis of workers' relative risk of acquiring chronic disease, it interprets the limits as absolute levels never to be exceeded. This poses a dilemma to the gathering of useful information which can be used to assess and reduce exposures, because employers can maximize compliance outcomes by minimizing exposure monitoring. The result is that, in the absence of adequate information, the working population's true risk of acquiring disease is essentially unknown and average exposures of several times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) can be declared in compliance. The dilemma could be resolved if OSHA would define compliance in terms of one or more parameters of the cumulative exposure distribution. Since OSHA's current method of assessing risks is based upon average exposures, enforcement of the PEL as the limit of each worker's true mean exposure would be internally consistent. This change could have the effect of encouraging employers to monitor exposures since the confidence interval surrounding the mean can be narrowed with increased sample size.
Chromosome studies in human subjects chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water
Authors: Vig B. K. , Figueroa M. L. , Cornforth M. N. , Jenkins S. H.
Published: April 2007

A two‐year study was carried out on human subjects of various ages and backgrounds who had been drinking water containing more than 0.05 mg/liter (0.05 ppm) arsenic for a period of at least five years. The main aim was to correlate the frequency of chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in the lymphocytes with the amount of arsenic in the water. In addition, we explored the incidence of skin cancer, fetal wastage, and genetic or developmental abnormalities. Several other variables—eg, coffee, wine, and cigarette consumption; sex, residence (rural vs urban); and exposure to chemicals, smelters, or pesticides—were also taken into consideration. The data on chromosome aberrations (104 exposed and 86 control individuals) and on sister chromatid exchanges (98 exposed and 83 control individuals) did not show that arsenic at concentrations used by our population (>0.05 mg/liter) has any effect on these parameters. Similarly, no other health effects of arsenic at these concentrations were found.
The incidence and progression of pneumoconiosis over nine years in U.S. coal miners: I. Principal findings
Authors: Attfield M. , Reger R. , Glenn R.
Published: April 2007

Chest radiographs, taken at a 9‐year interval for 1,261 U.S. coal miners, were read for pneumoconiosis side‐by‐side by six readers in a controlled trial. Incidence and progression of small, rounded opacities were consistent with levels predicted from dose‐response curves developed by the British Pneumoconiosis Field Research interpolated at a concentration derived from U.S. compliance levels mandated over the last 9 years. The results imply that the level of pneumoconiosis in U.S. miners is being reduced through application of the current 2 mg/m3 standard. The long developmental period for pneumoconiosis necessitates that further study be undertaken to verify this finding and to determine whether 2 mg/m3 is an appropriate regulatory dust level for the prevention of category 2 or greater simple pneumoconiosis over a 35‐year period.
The incidence and progression of pneumoconiosis over nine years in U.S. coal miners: II. Relationship with dust exposure and other potential causative factors
Authors: Attfield M. , Reger R. , Glenn R.
Published: April 2007

Examination of the incidence and progression of pneumoconiosis over 9 years in 1,261 nationally distributed U.S. coal miners has been undertaken in relationship to potential causative factors. Use has been made of a large body of data on dust levels collected by the Mine Safety and Health Administration principally for compliance purposes. Reported dust levels were low and generally under the current 2 mg/m3 standard. No link between dust level and disease progression could be detected. Some evidence was seen that radiological change was related to dust exposures prior to the study in both coal and noncoal mines, and thus experienced before the current dust standards were mandated. Neither migration of miners nor mining method appeared to be associated with disease incidence or progression. None of these findings can be taken as final, as the period of study is short and the number of cases of pneumoconiosis few. Further study is under way to obtain more reliable information over a longer period of follow‐up.
Cytotoxicity and negligible genotoxicity of borax and borax ores to cultured mammalian cells
Authors: Landolph Joseph R.
Published: April 2007

The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of refined borax and borax ores were studied in cultured mammalian cells. In V79 Chinese hamster cells, C3H/10T1/2 mouse embryo fibroblasts, and diploid human foreskin fibroblasts, crude borax ore, kernite ore, and refined borax were all cytotoxic. The lowest concentrations at which cytotoxicity was observed were 0.02 mg/ml and 0.1 mg/ml for borax ore in C3H/10T1/2 and human fibroblasts, respectively, 0.2 mg/ml for kernite ore in both cell types, and 0.1 mg/ml for refined borax in both C3H/10T1/2 and human fibroblasts. The cytotoxicity was dose dependent above these concentrations. The concentrations of borax ore, kernite ore, and refined borax that reduced the relative plating efficiency to 50% were approximately 3.2, 1.6, and 0.8 mg/ml, respectively, in human fibroblasts and were 0.8 mg/ml for all three substances in C3H/10T1/2 cells. All three borax samples were not significantly mutagenic in assays for mutation to ouabain resistance in human fibroblasts and C3H/10T1/2 cells and were at most only weakly mutagenic in an assay for mutation to 8‐azaguanine resistance in V79 Chinese hamster cells. Refined borax did not induce neoplastic transformation in C3H/10T1/2 cells. Crude borax ore and kernite ore induced weak transformation that was not dose‐dependent and was not reproducible in another experiment. Therefore, borax and its ores are cytotoxic to mammalian cells at high (mg/ml) concentrations and are at most weakly mutagenic but not significantly oncogenic as measured in a cell transformation assay.
Surveillance of workers exposed to mercury vapour: Validation of a previously proposed biological threshold limit value for mercury concentration in urine
Authors: Roels Harry , Gennart Jean‐Philippe , Lauwerys Robert , Buchet Jean‐Pierre , Malchaire Jacques , Bernard Alfred
Published: April 2007

A cross‐sectional epidemiological study was carried out among subjects exposed to mercury (Hg) vapour, ie, a group of 131 male workers (mean age: 30.9 yr; average duration of exposure, 4.8 yr) and a group of 54 female workers (mean age, 29.9 yr; average duration of exposure 7 yr). The results were compared with those obtained in well‐matched control groups comprising 114 and 48 male and female workers, respectively. The intensity of current Hg vapour exposure was rather moderate as reflected by the levels of mercury in urine (HgU) (mean and 95th percentile: males 52 and 147 μg/g creatinine; females 37 and 63 μg/g creatinine) and of mercury in blood (mean and 95th percentile: males 1.4 and 3.7 μg/dl; females 0.9 and 1.4 μg/dl). Several symptoms mainly related to the central nervous system (memory disturbances, depressive feelings, fatigue, irritability) were more prevalent in the Hg‐exposed subjects. They were, however, not related to exposure parameters. In both male and female Hg‐exposed workers no significant disturbances were found in short‐term memory (audioverbal), simple reaction time (visual), critical flicker fusion, and colour discrimination ability. Only slight renal tubular effects were detected in Hg‐exposed males and females, ie, an increased urinary β‐galactosidase activity and an increased urinary excretion of retinolbinding protein. The prevalence of these preclinical renal effects was more related to the current exposure intensity (HgU) than to the duration of exposure and was detected mainly when HgU exceeds 50 μg/g creatinine. Changes in hand tremor spectrum recorded with an accelerometer were found in the Hg‐exposed males only. The prevalence of abnormal values for some hand tremor parameters (total velocity and total displacement in the 2‐50‐Hz band) was mainly increased in male workers exposed for more than 10 yr. Unlike the renal tubular effects, the preclinical signs of tremor were more related to the integrated exposure than to the current exposure. Since the female workers, who have been exposed to Hg vapour levels usually insufficient to increase their HgU levels above 50 μg/g creatinine, did not exhibit any change in hand tremor pattern, the results of the present study tend to validate our previously proposed biological threshold limit value of a HgU of 50 μg/g creatinine for workers chronically exposed to mercury vapour.
Medical and industrial hygiene characterization of the cotton waste utilization industry
Authors: Engelberg Alan L. , Piacitelli Gregory M. , Petersen Martin , Zey John , Piccirillo Richard , Morey Philip R. , Carlson Mark L. , Merchant James A.
Published: April 2007

We studied 260 workers in the cotton waste utilization industry and 310 “blue‐collar” control workers from nondusty industries in the same geographic area of the United States by respiratory symptom questionnaire and by pre‐ and postshift spirometry. We excluded 75 cotton workers and 75 control workers from statistical analysis because of prior hazardous occupational exposures. Plant‐wide, 8‐hour time‐weighted average exposures ranged from 0.28 mg/m3 to 7.80 mg/m3. The overall prevalence of symptoms compatible with byssinosis was 5.9% in cotton workers and 4.7% in the controls. Cotton workers with less than 2 years of employment had a significantly greater prevalence of bronchitis than their control counterparts. The cotton workers with 2 years or more of employment had significantly greater prevalences of bronchitis, shift decrement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of ≥ 10%, and FEV1/FEV1‐predicted < 80%, than their control counterparts. Regression analysis showed that for matched cotton and control workers, the percentage decrement in FEV1 over the shift was significantly greater for cotton workers; and that in all cotton workers, longevity in industry had a negative effect on the before‐shift forced vital capacity (FVC). This study suggests that there are both acute and chronic effects of cotton exposure in the cotton waste utilization industry.
Fertility of male workers exposed to mercury vapor or to manganese dust: A questionnaire study
Authors: Lauwerys Robert , Roels Harry , Genet Pierre , Toussaint Guy , Bouckaert André , de Cooman Serge
Published: April 2007

The fertility of male workers exposed to mercury vapor or to manganese dust was assessed with the use of the questionnaire developed by Levine et al [1980]. In the mercury group (concentration of mercury in urine ranging from 5.1 to 272.1 μg/g creatinine), no statistically significant difference was found between the observed number of children and that expected on the basis of the reproductive experience of a well‐matched control group. On the contrary, by comparison with their corresponding controls, the manganese‐exposed workers exhibited a statistically significant deficit in the number of children during their period of exposure to the metal. The airborne concentration of manganese dusts at the different workplaces ranged from 0.07 to 8.61 mg/m3 with a geometric mean of 0.94 mg/m3.
Mortality of a municipal worker cohort: I. Males
Authors: Vena John E. , Sultz Harry A. , Fiedler Roger C. , Barnes Robert E. , Carlo George L.
Published: April 2007

A retrospective cohort mortality study was conducted on 11,499 full‐time municipal employees of the City of Buffalo, New York, who were employed at least one day between January 1, 1950 and October 1, 1979 and worked a minimum of five years. This paper outlines the method of the study and presents the all cause and cause‐specific mortality for the male cohort of 10,128. Statistically significant deficits in mortality are seen for infectious diseases, diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the respiratory system, and all external causes. Statistically significant increased mortality is seen for both malignant and benign neoplasms. All cause mortality was significantly lower than expected for professional, manager, and clerical workers. White‐collar workers exhibit a decreased risk of mortality from all diseases of the circulatory system, all diseases of the respiratory system, and all external causes of death. No statistically significant increased or decreased risk of mortality from specific cancer sites is seen for white‐collar workers. Blue‐collar workers show statistically significant deficits in mortality from infectious dieseases, all diseases of the circulatory system, all respiratory diseases, and all external causes. Blue‐collar workers exhibit statistically significant increases for benign and malignant neoplasms and in particular, malignant neoplasms of the esophagus, large intestine, and rectum. The meaning of these findings will be clarified through analyses of specific worker groups.
Pancreas cancer is unrelated to the workplace in Los Angeles
Authors: Mack Thomas M. , Peters John M. , Yu Mimi C. , Hanisch Rosemarie , Wright William E. , Henderson Brian E.
Published: April 2007

From 1975 to 1981, 490 cases of exocrine adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, representative of those occurring in the working‐age population of Los Angeles County, were compared to matched neighborhood controls. Among the items of information obtained from each subject was a lifetime job history and a history of specific workplace exposures; this came directly from both case and control in 124 pairs. Although the matched cases and controls were generally comparable, they were not matched with respect to job history. While other strong risk factors for pancreas cancer were found in the same study, no significant or suggestive differences in the jobs or perceived chemical or process exposures between cases and controls were found. Those minor differences which were found did not suggest credible mechanisms of carcinogenesis when examined in detail. Our study does not point to the workplace as an important determinant of pancreas cancer in the economically diversified urban area of Los Angeles.
Silica, pneumoconiosis, and carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Heppleston A. G.
Published: April 2007

The current argument about the carcinogenicity of inhaled silica is not clarified by reliance on morbidity and mortality experience divorced from or incompletely related to data on environmental exposure. Human evidence provides the ultimate basis for assessing such risks, and numerous studies of the effects of inhaling dusts rich or poor in silica content on the prevalence of pulmonary carcinoma have been performed on large series of cases from major mining areas of the world. When due allowance is made for substances inhaled concomitantly with exposure to silica and for personal pollution by cigarette smoking, the weight of evidence is against a carcinogenic role for uncombined silicon dioxide. Moreover, pneumoconiosis due to compact mineral particles does not appear to determine the onset of lung cancer. Cellular behaviour suggests reasons for the different responses to compact and fibrous particles acting alone.
Respiratory predictors of disability days: A five year prospective study of U.S. coal miners
Authors: Ames Richard G. , Trent Roger B.
Published: April 2007

A 5‐year prospective analysis tests the hypothesis that coal miners who have impaired respiratory health also experience greater numbers of disability days due to occupational injury. Occupational and respiratory health information collected for the period 1977 through 1981 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on 1,118 U.S. underground coal miners was linked to coal miner injury records collected under a mandatory reporting system by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Respiratory impairment, based on spirometric measures, and a questionnaire measure of chronic bronchitis symptoms, after adjustment for cigarette smoking and total years of underground mining, did not provide statistically significant prediction of average disability days. In addition, respiratory impairment did not predict the number of episodes of occupational injuries resulting in days lost from work.
Inhibition of rna synthesis by benzene metabolites and their covalent binding to dna in rabbit bone marrow mitochondria in vitro
Authors: Kalf George F. , Snyder Robert , Rushmore Thomas H.
Published: April 2007

Mitoplasts from rabbit bone marrow cells in vitro incubated with benzene metabolites showed a concentration‐dependent inhibition of mitochondrial RNA synthesis. The 50% molar inhibitory concentration for each metabolite was determined to be p‐benzoquinone, 2 × 10−6; phenol, 2.5 × 10−5; hydroquinone, 5 × 10−5; catechol, 2 × 10−3; benzene, 1.6 × 10−2. Activated metabolites of radiolabeled benzene covalently bound to mitochondrial DNA in vitro. Labeled deoxynucleosides, enzymatically produced from DNA isolated from mitoplasts prelabeled in DNA with [3H]dGTP and exposed to [14C]benzene in vitro, were chromatographed on a Sephadex LH‐20 column to obtain deoxynucleoside‐adducts. The elution profiles indicated that mtDNA contained seven deoxyguanosine‐adducts. A similar experiment in which the mtDNA was prelabeled with [3H]dATP indicated that two deoxyadenosine‐adducts of mt DNA were formed from benzene in vitro. Tentative identification of several deoxyguanosine‐adducts indicates that p‐benzoquinone, hydroquinone, phenol, and 1,2,4‐benzenetriol produced from benzene form adducts with guanine.
Gallium‐67 citrate imaging in underground coal miners
Authors: Kanner Richard E. , Barkman H. William , Rom William N. , Taylor Andrew T.
Published: April 2007

Twenty‐two underground coal workers with 27 or more years of coal dust exposure were studied with gallium‐67 citrate (Ga‐67) imaging. Radiographic evidence of coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) was present in 12 subjects. The Ga‐67 scan was abnormal in 11 of 12 with, and 9 of 10 without, CWP. The Ga‐67 uptake index was significantly correlated with total dust exposure (p < 0.01) and approached significant correlation with the radiographic profusion of the nodules (0.10 > p > 0.05). There was no correlation between Ga‐67 uptake and spirometric function, which was normal in this group of patients; furthermore, increased lung uptake of gallium did not indicate a poor prognosis in subjects no longer exposed to coal dust. While coal dust exposure may be associated with positive Ga‐67 lung scan in coal miners with many years of coal dust exposure, the scan provided no information not already available from a careful exposure history and a chest radiograph. Since Ga‐67 scanning is a relatively expensive procedure we would recommend that its use in subjects with asymptomatic CWP be limited to an investigative role and not be made part of a routine evaluation.
Long‐term follow‐up after single toxic exposure to trichloroethylene
Authors: Feldman Robert G. , White Roberta Firnhaber , Currie Jon N. , Travers Patricia Hyland , Lessell Simmons
Published: April 2007

In an earlier report [Feldman and Lessell, 1967], neurologic fndings following acute intoxication to trichloroethylene were presented. Facial anesthesia, asymmetric pupillary responses, and electrical evidence of sensorimotor neuropathy accompanied neuropsy‐chological deficits, manifested by difficulty in solving sequential problems and poor memory affecting the acquisition of new information. Twelve years after the initial exposure, patches of hypalgesia over the malar eminences persisted and corneal reflexes remained absent, although sensation in the snout region was totally normal. Neuropsy‐chological test results continued to demonstrate impaired attention and short‐term memory as well as diminished visuospatial organization and sequencing, 16 years after exposure. In addition, MMPI profile and interview suggested continued depressive symptomatology. Eighteen years after exposure, findings included paresthesia and hypalgesia in the malar area of the face as well as myokymia of the facial muscles. Facial nerve latency studies were normal as were pattern shift visual evoked responses. The patient continued to have large pupils that reacted asymmetrically to light. In the right eye, contraction was synchronous in all segments of the sphincter. In the left eye, there was segmental contraction, suggestive of a tonic pupil. This report offers evidence of long‐term residual oculomotor and ciliary reflex dysfunction as well as impaired neuropsychological performance as a result of acute TCE intoxication.
Rapid progression of silicosis in slate pencil workers: II. A follow‐up study
Authors: Saiyed H. N. , Chatterjee B. B.
Published: April 2007

Findings of the follow‐up examination of slate‐pencil workers after 16 months are described. The progression of silicosis with this short duration was very rapid with high mortality among those who had conglomerate silicosis at the initial examination. Twenty‐three workers had died during this period at a mean age of only 34.7 years, with a mean duration of exposure of 11.9 years. This high mortality is attributed to exposure to high concentrations of silica dust leading to early onset of PMF at a relatively young age. The progression of silicosis within this period was related to the intensity and duration of dust exposure, and also to the severity of silicosis found at the initial examination. Smoking habits had an adverse, though statistically nonsignificant, effect on the evolution of silicosis.
Competition and despecialization: An analytical study of occupational health services in San Diego, 1974–1984
Authors: Guidotti Tee L. , Kuetzing Brenda H.
Published: April 2007

Occupational health care services are changing in response to rapid changes in health care organization generally; this trend is not reflected in the occupational medicine literature. San Diego is a large and rapidly developing metropolitan area with a balance of heavy, light, and service industries and is relatively isolated and self‐contained in health services, making it useful for monitoring health services trends. We examined local trends in the supply of health services as reflected by facilities, manpower, and other indicators between 1974 to 1984. We also assembled findings of local market surveys and certain other sources into a profile of occupational health care resources in the metropolitan area. Corporate medical departments did not keep up with the growth of industry over the decade; freestanding “industrial medicine clinics,” by contrast, began with a single facility and proliferated to 13. In the last three years, freestanding “urgent care centers” entered the health care market in force and now outnumber industrial medicine clinics. Despite an overall massive increase in the number of physicians in the area, occupational physicians with specialty credentials or eligibility remained few and primarily based in institutions, while the number of uncertified physicians and of medical groups accepting occupational medicine referrals increased considerably. Employers reported approval of acute care, traditional screening, and employee assistance services far more often than of preventive services, but if they approved of a service, they usually provided it, except in the case of employee assistance services. We conclude that the role of preventive services and of trained personnel in delivering occupational health care is declining, rather than increasing, in the face of competition and changes in the general health care system. Corporate and in‐plant medical services are not keeping up with the growth of industry, and no class of health facility matched the growth of industrial medical clinics except urgent care centers, with which they are beginning to compete. The implications of this study for occupational medicine as a specialty, for the standards of patient care, and for the role of prevention is a matter of grave concern if they reflect national trends. Further studies of occupational health services are urgently needed to assess the significance of these findings.
Styrene vapor control systems in FRP yacht plants
Authors: Todd William F.
Published: April 2007

The production of large (greater than 25‐ft) fiber‐reinforced plastic (FRP) yachts has presented problems of styrene exposure in excess of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure level (OSHA PEL) of 100 ppm. Also, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is currently recommending a 10‐hour workshift, 40‐hour workweek time weighted average (TWA) of 50 ppm for styrene. Meeting this challenge will require a system of engineering, work practice, personal protective equipment, and monitoring control measures.

NIOSH has performed a study of the engineering controls in three FRP yacht plants. Work practices and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were also considered in the evaluation. The three systems evaluated included a dilution system, a local ventilation system, and a push‐pull ventilation system. The cost of constructing and operating these systems was not evaluated in this study. Study results indicated that each type of ventilation system can meet the present PEL of 100 ppm styrene; however, it is not certain that these systems can meet a lower PEL of 50 ppm styrene.
Occupational lead exposure aboard a tall ship
Authors: Landrigan Philip J. , Straub Wesley E.
Published: April 2007

To evaluate occupational exposures to lead in shipfitters cutting and riveting lead‐painted iron plates aboard an iron‐hulled sailing vessel, we conducted an environmental and medical survey. Lead exposures in seven personal (breathing zone) air samples ranged from 108 to 500 μg/m3 (mean 257 μg/m3); all were above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard of 50 μg/m3. In two short‐term air samples obtained while exhaust ventilation was temporarily disconnected, mean lead exposure rose to 547 μg/m3. Blood lead levels in ten shipfitters ranged from 25 to 53 μg/dl (mean, 37.8 μg/dl); levels in three of these workers exceeded the upper normal limit of 40 μg/dl. Blood lead levels in shipfitters were significantly higher than in other shipyard workers (mean 10.0 μg/dl; p < 0.001). Smoking shipfitters (mean, 47 μg/dl) had significantly higher lead levels than nonsmokers (mean, 32 μg/dl; p = 0.03). Lead levels in shipfitters who wore respirators were not lower than in those who wore no protective gear (p = 0.68). Four shipfitters had erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) concentrations above the adult upper normal limit of 50 μg/dl. A close correlation was found between blood lead and EP levels (r = 0.70). Prevalence of lead‐related symptoms was no higher in shipfitters than in other workers. No cases of symptomatic lead poisoning were noted. These data indicate that serious occupational exposure to lead can occur in a relatively small boatyard.
Health hazards of natural and introduced chemical components of boatbuilding woods
Authors: Jagels Richard
Published: April 2007

The major components of untreated wood—cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin—have not been implicated as toxicants, but extractive substances, especially in heartwood, can be toxic. Decay‐resistant woods are more likely to contain irritants or sensitizers than nondurable woods. Short‐term exposures to certain wood dusts may result in asthma, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, or allergic dermatitis, but long‐term effects may include nasal cancer and Hodgkin's disease. Some thermophilic microorganisms found in wood are human pathogens, and septic splinters (chromomycosis) and inhalation of ascomycete spores from stored wood chips have been implicated in human illnesses. Reconstituted wood can contain formaldehyde resins, which pose health risks in enclosed humid areas. Pentachlorophenol (PCP)‐treated wood is particularly toxic—short‐term exposures to PCP‐treating solutions can lead to aplastic anemia and mortality, while diseases such as Hodgkin's disease are associated with long‐term exposures. Since much commercial lumber is dipped in PCP, the separation of the chronic effects of wood dust from PCP exposure is difficult. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)‐ and ammoniacal copper arsenite (ACA)‐treated wood may leach arsenic. CCA‐treated wood is potentially safer, since it contains the pentavalent arsenic, which is a common constituent in the environment. ACA contains the trivalent arsenic, which is more toxic.
Sensitization in traumatized skin
Authors: Meneghini Carlo L.
Published: April 2007

Patch tests with the standard series of chemical allergens were performed on 8,230 patients having various dermatoses. The frequency of contact sensitization among categories of dermatoses varied markedly. While only 21% of persons whose diagnosis was occupational contact dermatitis reacted allergically to at least one chemical, reactions were observed in 70% of those whose skin had been damaged by mechanical traumas. Cuts, wounds, and abrasions incurred on the job, while not very serious injuries per se, should be regarded as having greater clinical importance insofar as they increase the likelihood of contact sensitization to allergens.
Chemical and mechanical trauma to the skin in a rubber fabricating facility
Authors: Klemme Jay C.
Published: April 2007

Frequent hand‐washing using organic solvent caused chronic irritation on the hands of workers in a rubber fabricating facility. Mechanical traction applied to the skin of the thumbs and fingers and scrubbing of chemically traumatized skin during washing appeared to contribute to fissuring and nail bed separation.
Dermatoses acquired by solid‐waste handlers
Authors: Gellin Gerald A.
Published: April 2007

A clinical evaluation of the skin changes and injuries among refuse (waste) collectors in San Francisco was conducted in 1983. Almost 75% had palmar calluses—a result of repeated pressure and friction. Those workers who protected their hands with gloves had practically normal skin, with minor or absent calluses.

The majority of waste collectors sustained work‐related injuries each year. These consisted mainly of sprains, abrasions and lacerations, fractures, and eye injuries.

Based on the injury rate, waste collection is a hazardous occupation. The skin is invariably traumatized.
Low humidity and microtrauma
Authors: Rycroft R. J. G.
Published: April 2007

Low‐humidity dermatoses arise in the work place as a result of low water content of the air. At a relative humidity of 10% or less, the horny layer becomes rigid and brittle. The combination of low humidity, high temperature, and, frequently, rapid air movement dehydrates the outer stratum corneum. This leads to pruritus and, finally, to low‐grade eczema. A roughened, scaly stratum corneum becomes more susceptible to mechanical trauma. Microtrauma from small particles can aggravate the dry scaly dermatosis. Low‐humidity lesions resolve quickly with the simple expedients of routine use of moisturizers and/or raising the relative humidity.
The effects of repeated mechanical trauma in the meat industry
Authors: Finkel Madelon Lubin
Published: April 2007

Meat handlers are more prone to traumatic hand lesions and wound infections than most other occupational groups. This paper deals with the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which is thought to be a major occupationally related condition affecting thousands of workers engaged in repetitive hand motion tasks. The literature reveals a high prevalence of CTS among meat handlers. Additional epidemiological research is needed. Further, it is important to educate workers about the signs, symptoms, and causes of CTS.
Prevalence of dermatologic disease in the United States: A review of the national health and nutrition examination survey, 1971–1974
Authors: Johnson Marie‐Louise , Roberts Jean
Published: April 2007

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1971–1974, provides the only data on the prevalence of dermatologic disease in the United States. Details are given about specific diagnoses, disability, disfigurement, discomfort, and the relationship of skin change to environmental and occupational exposure. One‐third of the individuals, which extrapolates to 60 million Americans, had dermatological problems that should have been seen at least once by a physician. Of those, at least a third considered their skin problems to be a handicap, 10% a handicap to employment or housework. These data provide a basis for evaluating the effect of environment and occupation and should be of interest to those concerned with chronic effects of mechanical injury to the skin.
Techniques for assessing the vulnerability and repair capacity of human skin in vivo
Authors: Grove Gary L.
Published: April 2007

Techniques have been developed for studying age‐associated changes in human skin, including its vulnerability to external insults and its capacity for healing. Possible application of these methods for studying the effects of repeated mechanical trauma to the skin of workers is discussed. The methods include procedures for inflicting standardized superficial wounds and nonintrusive techniques for measuring damage, rate of skin repair via measurement of transepidermal water loss, and characterization of altered surface features using image analyses. These approaches have the great advantage of allowing quantification.
Methodologies to produce and assess standardized trauma to the skin
Authors: Marks R. , Black D.
Published: April 2007

In order to learn how mechanical trauma affects the skin, it is necessary to establish quantitative relationships between the degree of trauma and the extent of the biological response. This requires the development of novel techniques and instrumentation. In this paper, two new techniques for applying standardized increments of trauma to the skin are presented. Methods for measuring the effects on the skin surface and on skin function are described.
Suction blisters
Authors: Kiistala Urpo
Published: April 2007

Suction‐induced blisters serve as good models for studying skin physiology and repair mechanisms. Methods for producing experimental blisters were discussed.
Clinical features to stage alveolitis in asbestos workers
Authors: Bégin R. , Cantin A. , Berthiaume Y. , Boileau R. , Bisson G. , Lamoureux G. , Rola‐Pleszczynski M. , Drapeau G. , Massé S. , Boctor M. , Breault J. , Péloquin S. , Dalle D.
Published: April 2007

To analyze the clinical features of asbestos‐induced alveolitis and stage its activity, we evaluated 217 asbestos workers by the usual clinical, radiological, and functional parameters and computerized gallium 67(Ga) lung scan; we obtained bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in 33 and lung biopsy in 6. In addition, we scored the profusion of lung rales and correlated it with other parameters of severity of asbestosis. In the 55 workers without asbestosis and normal 67Ga scan, BAL analyses were comparable to those of controls. Of the 56 without asbestosis but increased 67Ga lung uptake, BAL analyses in 8 documented a predominantly macrophagic alveolitis (confirmed on lung biopsy in 3), with the highest levels of BAL fibronectin. In the 106 workers with asbestosis, 67Ga lung uptake was increased in 75; BAL in 17 demonstrated a macrophagic and neutro‐philic alveolitis with elevated fibronectin levels. Lung biopsy in 3 of the latter workers documented peribronchiolar fibrosing alveolitis. Rale scores in all workers or in those without asbestosis did not correlate with 67Ga scores; they correlated fairly well with profusion of parenchymal opacities (Rs = 0.42) and rigidity of the lung pressure‐volume curve (Rs = 0.39). Thus, 67Ga lung uptake is an early indicator of chronic macrophagic alveolitis in asbestos workers, which usually progresses to asbestosis. In the disease, profusion of lung rales constitutes a simple clinical mode of assessment of disease severity that correlates better with radiological and functional parameters than with parameters of alveolitis.
Asbestos exposure, smoking habits, and cancer incidence among production and maintenance workers in an electrochemical plant
Authors: Hilt Bjørn , Langåd Sverre , Andersen Aage , Rosenberg Jan
Published: April 2007

The incidence of cancer was studied in a cohort of 287 men who were exposed to asbestos at a nitric acid production plant from 1928 onwards. During the observation period from 1953 through 1980 all cancer cases among the cohort members were identified in The Cancer Registry. For the whole cohort 42 cases of cancer were observed versus 30.6 expected. The figures for cancer of the lungs and pleura combined were 17 observed versus 3.7 expected. The corresponding figures for a heavily exposed subcohort were 11 observed and 1.2 expected. In that group there was also an increased incidence of colon cancer with 3 cases observed against 0.8 cases expected. Within the whole cohort four cases of pleural and one case of peritoneal malignant mesothelioma were found. There was also an increased incidence of malignant melanoma of the skin with 3 cases observed against 0.6 expected. For cancer cases that were registered as of unknown origin there were 7 cases observed and 1.4 expected. There was no increased rate ratio for cancer at any site before 20 years after the first asbestos exposure. The smoking habits of all cohort members were recorded and the relative rates for lung cancer were calculated in relation to smoking habits. In common with previous studies the results indicate a multiplicative model for the interaction between asbestos exposure and smoking in regard to lung cancer risk.
Spontaneous abortions among women employed in the plastics industry
Authors: Lindbohm Marja‐Liisa , Hemminki Kari , Kyyrönen Pentti
Published: April 2007

A matched case‐control study was done to analyze whether certain occupational exposures in the plastics industry were related to the risk of spontaneous abortions. Information on spontaneous abortions (cases) and births (controls) was obtained from the hospital discharge register; data on occupational exposures were obtained from the occupational health services of the workplaces. No increased risk of spontaneous abortions was observed among workers processing polymerized plastics or heated plastics made of vinyl chloride or of styrene. Owing to the low statistical power of the study, only strong effects can be ruled out. The odds ratio for workers actually processing polyurethane was increased (1.9, not statistically significant), and that for all workers in polyurethane‐processing factories was significantly increased (3.0, p = 0.02). The finding needs to be investigated further in future studies.
Mortality of a municipal worker cohort: II. Females
Authors: Vena John E. , Cookfair Diane L. , Fiedler Roger C. , Barnes Robert E.
Published: April 2007

Women have become an increasingly important segment of the total work force, yet there are very few published occupational mortality studies of female workers. This paper reports the findings of a retrospective cohort mortality study of 1,371 full‐time female municipal employees of the City of Buffalo, New York, who were employed at least 1 day between January 1, 1950, and October 1, 1979, and who worked a minimum of 5 years. Vital status was ascertained for 88% of the female cohort, resulting in the identification of 214 observed deaths. This predominantly white‐collar, service‐oriented female cohort demonstrated significantly lower mortality than that expected based on U.S. mortality rates for white females. This strong “healthy‐worker effect” was consistent across the time period of the study, across cause‐specific mortality especially for all malignant neoplasms and all diseases of the circulatory system, and across different worker groups. Findings are discussed in light of the methodological issues involved in occupational studies of female workers.
An analysis of mortality follow‐up through the national death index for a cohort of refinery and petrochemical workers
Authors: Acquavella J. F. , Donaleski D. , Hanis N. M.
Published: April 2007

Along with our submission to the National Death Index (NDI) of a cohort of more than 23,000 petrochemical and refinery workers, we included 1,449 known U.S. deaths to determine the completeness of death ascertainment through the NDI. A number of factors that may affect follow‐up were examined including sex, race, age, and reporting area. Overall, NDI detected 97.1% of known deaths. Follow‐up was slightly better for males (97.2%) than for females (92.0%) and was significantly better for whites (97.6%) than for nonwhites (92.0%). Analyses by reporting area showed very complete follow‐up from all locations (93.4%–100%) except for the New York City area (71.4%). These findings indicate that NDI is an extremely useful source for vital status follow‐up, though follow‐up may be somewhat less complete for certain subgroups of an occupational study cohort.
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Authors: Steenlanddegs Kyle , Beaumont Jay
Published: April 2007

Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure. To test the hypothesis, we have studied death benefit records of 1,905 members of the Granite Cutters Union. A proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted, using U.S. deaths as a comparison population. Statistically significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs, 43.7 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs, 19.3 exp). Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs, 1.9 exp) and arthritis (5 obs, 1.5 exp). A significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs, 13.0 exp). For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess was observed (97 obs, 81.1 exp, PMR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.97–1.46). A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR) showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.89–1.33). Lung cancer mortality also failed to show any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure. Although no significant excess of lung cancer was observed for the entire silica‐exposed cohort, there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk of lung cancer, based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate.
An unusual type of keratopathy observed in polyurethane workers and its reproduction in experimental animals
Authors: Potts Albert M. , Rouse Elizabeth F. , Eiferman Richard A. , Au Pin C.
Published: April 2007

We have reported two cases of keratopathy in polyurethane workers that appear to be identical to those described by previous authors. We have been able to produce similar findings in the corneas of cats by exposing the eyes of anesthetized animals to the vapor of two of the amines used as catalysts in polyurethane manufacture. We were unable to reproduce these results with toluene diisocyanate. Therefore we support the previous suggestion that the amine catalysts are responsible for the distinctive keratopathy in polyurethane workers. We are unable to substantiate the claim that toluene diisocyanate is responsible for this phenomenon.