bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of lead on blood pressure in occupationally nonexposed men
Authors: Wolf C. , Wallnofer A. , Waldhor T. , Vutuc C. , Meisinger V. , Rudiger H. W.
Published: April 2007

To determine if low‐level exposure to lead has an effect on arterial blood pressure, demographic and clinical data of a group of 507 males without any occupational exposure to lead were analyzed in a retrospective study. The following variables were included in the analysis: age, height, weight, nicotine consumption, alcohol intake, blood lead, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and erythrocyte count. The effects of the variables age, weight, height, alcohol intake, nicotine consumption, and blood lead on blood pressure were investigated by stepwise linear regression analysis. The diastolic as well as the systolic blood pressure was significantly influenced by Body Mass Index, age, and alcohol. A significant effect of lead could be found only for diastolic blood pressure. None of the possible interactions were significant enough to merit inclusion in the statistical model. Regarding the strength of the effects on diastolic blood pressure we find that lead ranks after age, weight. In conclusion, this study shows that lead has an effect on diastolic arterial blood pressure in a survey of a group of middle‐aged, occupationally nonexposed men.
Establishment size and risk of occupational injury
Authors: Oleinick Arthur , Gluck Jeremy V. , Guire Kenneth E.
Published: April 2007

For many years, the annual survey of occupational injuries and illnesses by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has consistently reported, without explanation, that injury rates in the smaller establishments (<50 employees) are substantially lower than those for midsize establishments (100‐499 employees). Also during those years, a remarkable increase has been reported in the injury rate in large companies, following the imposition of stiff fines for failure to keep required injury records. The rate patterns are identical for Michigan and the country in general. We investigated possible causes for lower injury rates in small establishments since such rates are inconsistent with reports of higher fatality rates in small establishments in the mining, construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries and higher, or at least comparable, injury rates for small establishments in the mining industry. They are also inconsistent with increased turnover and decreased availability of occupational safety services in small companies. Moreover, injury severity, as measured by missed worktime, is greater for workers in small establishments. We investigated the possibility that interactions of workforce or injury characteristics with establishment size could explain the rate differences. We also reviewed the available literature to see whether differences in labor turnover rates could explain the BLS findings. Graphical and statistical analyses of the 1988 CPS Annual Demographic File, a sample of employed persons in the U.S. workforce, failed to identify any associations between workforce characteristics and enterprise size that would explain the lower rates. Similarly, graphical and statistical analyses of all Michigan workers incurring a compensable injury in 1986 failed to indicate any associations between injury characteristics and establishment size that would explain the lower rates. The potential role of labor turnover on the injury rate was analyzed from data in the literature on turnover rate by establishment size and risk of injury by time on the job. None of these analyses explains the lower injury rates reported for small establishments. This leaves underreporting of injuries from small establishments as a substantial possibility. If small establishments were subject to the same injury incidence rates as midsize establishments, then the 1986 survey for Michigan may have missed as many as 54,000 injuries (and far more nationally). We suggest that BLS undertake methodological studies to validate the completeness of reporting from small establishments. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distinguishability of the Video Display Terminal (VDT) as a source of magnetic field exposure
Authors: Nair Indira , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2007

Magnetic field strength or its surrogate has been used as the measurement of exposure in all studies involving field exposure. Video display terminals (VDTs) are considered a minor source on this scale because its field strengths lie in the low range of magnetic fields. Several experiments show, however, that field strength may not be the only relevant variable in determining exposure. This paper explores the use of a method based on “effects functions” to determine the extent to which the VDT can be distinguished from other sources. It is shown that VDT exposure may be of consequence if exposure depends on certain types of time variation of the field. Because of the incompleteness of science in this area, this is a demonstration of a method rather than an actual demonstration of VDT as a significant source of exposure. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of mortality in the construction industry in the United States, 1984–1986
Authors: Robinson C. , Stern F. , Halperin W. , Venable H. , Petersen M. , Frazier T. , Burnett C. , Lalich N. , Salg J. , Sestito J. , Fingerhut M.
Published: April 2007

Construction, one of the larger industries in the United States, employs 7.6 million workers, many in skilled trades occupations. Previously published data about potential worksite exposures and mortality of construction site workers are limited. We analyzed occupation and industry codes on death certificates from 19 U.S. states to evaluate mortality risks among men and women usually employed in construction occupations. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) for cancer and several other chronic diseases were significantly elevated among 61,682 white male construction workers who died between 1984 and 1986. Men younger than age 65, who were probably still employed immediately prior to death, had significantly elevated PMRs for cancer, asbestos‐related diseases, mental disorders, alcohol‐related disease, digestive diseases, falls, poisonings, traumatic fatalities that are usually work‐related, and homicides. Elevated PMRs for many of the same causes were observed to a lesser degree for black men and white women whose usual industry was construction. In addition, women experienced excess cancer of the connective tissue and suicide mortality. Various skilled construction trades had elevated PMRs for specific sites, such as bone cancer and melanoma in brickma‐sons, stomach cancer in roofers and brickmasons, kidney and bone cancer in concrete/terrazzo finishers, nasal cancer in plumbers, pulmonary tuberculosis in laborers, scrotal cancer and aplastic anemia in electricians, acute myeloid leukemia in boilermakers, rectal cancer and multiple sclerosis in electrical power installers, and lung cancer in structural metal workers. Using a standard population of blue collar workers did not result in fewer elevated PMRs for construction workers. Despite lifestyle differences and other limitations of the study, the large numbers of excess deaths observed in this study indicate the need for preventive action for construction workers. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Childhood cancer and paternal exposure to ionizing radiation: A second report from the oxford survey of childhood cancers
Authors: Sorahan Tom , Lancashire Robert J. , Temperton David H. , Heighway W. Peter
Published: April 2007

Paternal occupational data already collected as part of the Oxford Survey of Childhood Cancers have been reviewed. Information on paternal occupation was available for 14.869 children dying from cancer in England, Wales, and Scotland in the period 1953‐81 and for an equal number of matched controls. The importance of fathers working, at any time before or after conception of the survey child, in any of the following occupations was assessed: radiologists (clinical), surgeons and anesthetists, veterinary surgeons, dental surgeons, nuclear industry workers, industrial radiographers. There was no indication that preconception employment in any of these occupations was more important than postconception employment with regard to the risks of all childhood cancers or all childhood leukemias. Findings were consistent with neither paternal preconception exposure to external ionizing radiation nor exposure to unsealed sources of radionuclides being an important risk factor for childhood leukemia or for the overall grouping of all childhood cancers. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High frequency of metalworkers among patients with seminomatous tumors of the testis: A case‐control study
Authors: Rhomberg W. , Schmoll H. J. , Schneider B.
Published: April 2007

Occupational analyses were conducted between 1971 and 1978 comparing 165 cases of testicular cancer in the Hannover region of Germany with 187 controls without neoplastic diseases admitted to the Hannover University Medical School during the same period. The results showed a significantly higher risk of metal workers developing seminomas and mixed seminomatous tumors compared to the controls (odds ratio 2.05; 1.17–3.58). There was a lack of risk for the nonseminomatous tumors as a whole group, and cases with a history of metal work may have a decreased risk for embryonal carcinomas. No definite single noxious substance responsible for the development of testicular tumors could be detected. In view of the results in animal experiments, cadmium and zinc are especially considered in the discussion. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory effects of chronic hydrogen sulfide exposure
Authors: Richardson David B.
Published: April 2007

A cross‐sectional study investigated whether the exposure of sewer workers to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was associated with reduced lung function. Sixty‐eight sewer workers and 60 water treatment workers performed spirometric tests. Job titles were used to classify the sewer workers according to presumed H2S exposure, and water treatment workers served as a comparison population presumed to have no occupational exposure to H2S. There was a statistically significant difference in mean FEV1/FVC values between sewer and water treatment workers of similar age, height, race, and smoking habits (−3.1, s.e. = 1.4). This deficit was greatest (−5.7, s.e. = 2.0) for sewer workers presumed to have high H2S exposure. Nonsmoking sewer workers presumed to have high H2S exposure achieved only 89% of their predicted FEV1/FVC value, whereas nonsmoking water treatment workers achieved nearly 98% of their predicted FEV1/FVC value. In conclusion, this study found evidence that chronic low level exposure to H2S may be associated with reduced lung function. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss. Inc.
Collection of a single alveolar exhaled breath for volatile organic compounds analysis
Authors: Pleil Joachim D. , Lindstrom Andrew B.
Published: April 2007

Measurement of specific organic compounds in exhaled breath has been used as an indicator of recent exposure to pollutants or as an indicator of the health of an individual. A typical application involves the collection of multiple breaths onto a sorbent cartridge or into an evacuated canister with the use of a relatively complex sampling apparatus. A new method has been developed wherein a single exhaled breath is directly transferred from the mouth into an evacuated 1 1 or 1.8 1 stainless steel SUMMA® canister. The single breath canister (SBC) method avoids the necessity for a complex sampling system requiring maintenance and cleaning and allows easy collection of samples. Additionally, it is possible to collect a rapid sequence of samples from a subject to establish the elimination curve subsequent to an exposure to specific volatile organic compounds with a theoretical resolution of adjacent breaths. The SBC method was compared to an accepted canister based sampling system to assure comparability and then used to demonstrate its utility by measuring the absorption and elimination of chloroform during and after exposure to chlorinated shower water. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Commentary. Finnish Institute of Occupational Health Asbestos Program 1987–1992
Authors: Huuskonen M. S. , Koskinen K. , Tossavainen A. , Karjalainen A. , Rinne J.‐P. , Rantanen J.
Published: April 2007

In 1987–1992, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) implemented a nationwide asbestos program aimed at preventing asbestos‐related risks in good cooperation with governmental authorities, industry, trade unions, the health care and insurance systems, and mass media. The goals were to minimize all exposure to asbestos, identify people exposed at work, and improve the diagnostics of asbestos diseases, especially cancers. The program entailed several concrete actions and extensive dissemination of information, training, services, and scientific research. As proposed by the State Asbestos Committee, new use of asbestos products was banned and strict regulations were applied to renovation and inspection of old buildings. The screening study of asbestos‐induced diseases included 18,943 current and retired workers from house building, shipyard, and asbestos industries. Pleural and parenchymal changes were found in 4.133 persons (22%), who were referred to further clinical examinations as suspected cases of an occupational disease. It was estimated that past exposure of asbestos among the Finnish population of 5 million causes > 150 mesotheliomas and lung cancers annually, totalling > 2,000 asbestos‐induced cancer deaths by the year 2010. Although several major control actions were made or started during the program, the bulk of the preventive work still lies ahead.
Wood dust and sino‐nasal cancer: Pooled reanalysis of twelve case‐control studies
Authors: Demers Paul A. , Kogevinas Manolis , Boffetta Paolo , Leclerc Annette , Luce Danièle , Gérin Michel , Battista Guiseppe , Belli Stefano , Bolm‐Audorf Ulrich , Brinton Louise A. , Colin Didier , Comba Pietro , Hardell Lennart , Hayes Richard B. , Magnani Corrado , Merler Enzo , Morcet Jean‐François , Preston‐Martin Susan , Matos Elena , Rodella Stefania , Vaughan Thomas L. , Zheng Wei , Vainio Harri
Published: April 2007

In order to examine the relationship between wood dust and sino‐nasal cancer, data from 12 case‐control studies conducted in seven countries were pooled and reanalyzed. The relative risks associated with wood‐related jobs and with exposure to wood dust, measured using a job exposure matrix based on occupation and industry titles, were examined using logistic regression. The combined data set consisted of 680 male cases, 2,349 male controls, 250 female cases, and 787 female controls. A high risk of adenocarcinoma among men was associated with employment in wood‐related occupations (odds ratio [OR] = 13.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.0‐20.0) and the risk was greatest among men who had been employed in jobs with the highest wood dust exposure (OR = 45.5, 95% CI = 28.3‐72.9) and increased with duration of exposure. The risk of adenocarcinoma also appeared elevated among women employed in wood‐related jobs (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 0.5‐12.3), but the small number of exposed cases precluded detailed analysis. Women in wood dust‐exposed jobs appeared to have an excess of squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.8‐5.5) which increased with duration of exposure. An increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma in men was seen only among those employed for 30 or more years in jobs with exposure to fresh wood (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1‐5.0). The results of this analysis provide strong support to the association between exposure to wood dust in a variety of occupations and the risk of sino‐nasal adenocarcinoma and are consistent with the results of individual participating studies, although the magnitude of the excess risk varied. The evidence in regard to squamous cell carcinomas was ambiguous and there was a great deal of heterogeneity observed in individual study results. This may be due to differences in risk associated with exposure to hardwoods and softwoods or with other, as yet to be identified, aspects of exposure.
Exposure‐response analysis of mortality among coal miners in the United States
Authors: Kuempel Eileen D. , Stayner Leslie T. , Attfield Michael D. , Buncher C. Ralph
Published: April 2007

The quantitative relationship between exposure to respirable coal mine dust and mortality from nonmalignant respiratory diseases was investigated in a study of 8,878 working male coal miners who were medically examined from 1969 to 1971 and followed to 1979. Exposure‐related mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards modeling for underlying or contributing causes of death and modified lifetable methods for underlying causes. For pneumoconiosis mortality, the lifetable analyses showed increasing standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with increasing cumulative exposure category. Significant exposure‐response relationships for mortality from pneumoconiosis (P < 0.001) and from chronic bronchitis or emphysema (P < 0.05) were observed in the proportional hazards models after controlling for age and smoking. No exposure‐related increases in lung cancer or stomach cancer were observed. Pneumo coniosis mortality was found to vary significantly by the rank of coal dust to which miners were exposed. Miners exposed at or below the current U.S. coal dust standard of 2 mg/m3over a working lifetime, based on these analyses, have an elevated risk of dying from pneumoconiosis or from chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
A classification scheme for aggregating u.s. census occupation and industry codes
Authors: Schnitzer Patricia G. , Teschke Kay , Olshan Andrew F.
Published: April 2007

The use of occupation as a surrogate for workplace exposures when more specific information is unavailable is common yet is particularly challenging in studies involving many diverse occupations. A classification scheme that aggregates workers based on similar job tasks and potential exposures was developed for use in a Canadian study, and its adaptation for a similar U.S. study is described. The 56 occupational categories and 1980 U.S. census occupation and industry codes used to create each are presented. The scheme was developed using the distribution of occupations and industries in two limited study populations, and no exposure measurements were taken in its preparation. However, the aggregation of jobs with similar exposures has practical utility in the analysis of a large number of specific occupations, each with a small number of workers. As a result, the scheme presented can provide a starting point for researchers facing this task in the analysis of case‐control occupational data.
Endemic work‐related febrile respiratory illness among construction workers
Authors: Epling Carol A. , Rose Cecile S. , Martyny John W. , Zhen Boguang , Alexander William , Waldron James A. , Kreiss Kathleen
Published: April 2007

Construction workers building Denver International Airport (DIA) reported work‐related respiratory and flulike symptoms of several months duration. We performed a cross‐sectional interview study of 495 randomly selected DIA workers from six contractors in comparison with preplacement workers. We defined cases as workers with two work‐attributed lower respiratory symptoms and one work‐attributed systemic symptom. Case rates were significantly higher among DIA workers (34%) compared with those who had never worked at DIA (2%). Risk factors for illness included exposure to fireproofing (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.95–9.08), work in tunnels and adjoining areas (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.84–5.12), length of DIA employment (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46–0.92), and preexisting bronchitis (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.17–5.05). Our industrial hygiene investigation revealed alkaline dust (pH 11) present at a worksite associated with elevated risk of illness, and we identified airborne Penicillium mold widely distributed indoors at DIA. Clinical evaluation of 26 self‐identified symptomatic DIA employees, including bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsy in 10, revealed work‐related asthma in three workers and histologic evidence of chronic bronehitis in four who had never smoked. We concluded that future investigations of endemic work‐related febrile respiratory illness among construction workers should evaluate its association with indoor exposure to dusts from alkaline fireproofing, Penicillium mold, mycotoxins, and bacterial bioaerosols.
Upper airway symptoms and function in wood surface coating industry workers
Authors: Holmström Mats , Granstrand Per , Nylander‐French Leena A. , Rosén Gunnar
Published: April 2007

Respiratory and ocular effects from exposure to airborne contaminants in workers employed in the manufacture of wood products using ultraviolet radiation curing (UV) or acid curing (AC) of surface coating were investigated. Surface coating line or finishing workers exclusively employed in one or both processes were compared to a control group. Symptoms of exposure were investigated by questionnaire and medical examination. Nasal, pharyngeal, and ocular symptoms of discomfort, but not lower airway, were common among all exposed groups. These symptoms were most frequent in UV line workers and finishers of UV surface‐coated wood products. Mucociliary clearance was significantly slower in UV line workers. Significantly higher olfaction thresholds were observed in UV line and AC line workers and finishers of UV/AC surface‐coated wood products. Low levels of organic solvents and coating dusts (composed in part of wood dust, chemical composition unknown) were measured in the workers' breathing zones. Although remarkable improvements have been made in both AC and UV surface coating, additional control measures to eliminate airborne contaminants and improved work practices are required.
Autonomic and central nervous system effects of lead in female glass workers in china
Authors: Murata Katsuyuki , Araki Shunichi , Yokoyama Kazuhito , Nomiyama Kazuo , Nomiyama Hiroko , Tao Yong‐Xian , Liu Shi‐Jie
Published: April 2007

To clarify the effects of lead on autonomic and central nervous system functions, electrocardiographic R‐R interval variability (CVRR) as well as visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (VEP and BAEP) were measured in 36 female workers exposed to lead (exposed group) and in 15 female textile workers (unexposed group). The C‐CVLF, C‐CVHF (two component CVs of the CVRR reflecting sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, respectively), and LF/HF ratio (indicator of sympatho‐vagal balance) were also computed from component spectral powers by means of autoregressive spectral and component analyses. The exposed group had engaged in glass work for 2‐17 (mean 7.8) years. Blood lead (BPb) concentrations were 25.8–79.3 (mean 55.6) μg/dl in the exposed group and 4.7‐8.6 (mean 6.3) μg/dl in the unexposed group. The CVRR, C‐CVLF, C‐CVHF, and LF/HF ratio in the exposed group were significantly lower than those in the unexposed group. Also, the exposed group had more complaints of subjective symptoms and signs than did the unexposed group. On the other hand, no significant differences in either VEP or BAEP latencies were found between the two groups. It is suggested that autonomic nervous function is more susceptible to lead than visual and auditory nervous functions; lead affects sympathetic activity more strongly than parasympathetic activity.
Determinants of disability in illnesses related to agricultural use of organophosphates (OPS) in California
Authors: Weinbaum Zipora , Schenker Marc B. , O'Malley Michael A. , Gold Ellen B. , Samuels Steven J.
Published: April 2007

Organophosphate (OP)‐related illness data reported to the Worker Health and Safety Branch (WH&S) at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA, now Cal‐EPA) in the years 1984–1988 were examined. Eight hundred and seventy‐eight cases with systemic illness and 199 cases of skin disease or eye injury were identified. Systemic cases were divided into two outcome groups: (1) “severe,” disability and/or hospitalization days (n = 361), and (2) “mild,” no disability or hospitalization days (n = 372). For the remainder (n = 145) or 16.5% of the cases, illness severity could not be determined. Using multiple logistic regression, independent predictors of “severe” illness were identified among the systemic cases. Workers coming in contact with OP residue on commodities or in the field (“exposed to residue” or ER) (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 3.03–7.07) and mixer/loaders/applicators (MLA) (OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 2.72–6.07) were at significantly increased risk of severe illness when compared with cases exposed to OP application drift. Cases with a Spanish surname were also at increased risk of severe illness (OR = 1.8,95% CI = 1.25–2.73). Increased numbers of OPs per exposure were also associated with severe illness (p < 0.001).

Among cases who were exposed to only one OP, severe systemic cases were more likely than mild systemic cases to be associated with exposure to diethyl than dimethyl compounds (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.09–2.38). Severe systemic cases were also more likely than severe skin/eye cases to be associated with exposure to OPs with high toxicity (OR = 5.5, 95% CI = 2.42–12.60) and with exposure to diethyl groups (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.90–12.00). These findings suggest that reducing exposure to OP residues, to OPs with diethyl groups, and to multiple OPs, and exposure during mixer/loader/ applicator activities would reduce the risk of OP‐related illness.
Prospective evaluation of associations between hearing sensitivity and selected cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Fuortes Laurence J. , Tang Shenghui , Pomrehn Paul , Anderson Charlie
Published: April 2007

The prospective decline of hearing sensitivity was evaluated in an occupational cohort of university blue collar workers in relation to age, gender, occupational and nonoccu‐pational noise exposure, smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Each of these were associated with loss of hearing sensitivity univariately. When controlling for age and historical noise exposure in a multiple regression model, systolic blood pressure and cholesterol level were independently associated with decline in auditory sensitivity.
Noise‐induced hearing loss, nationality, and blood pressure
Authors: Sokas Rosemary K. , Moussa Mohamed A. A. , Gomes James , Anderson J. A. D. , Achuthan K. K. , Thain A. B. , Risheh Zuhair Abu
Published: April 2007

Noise exposure has been associated with increased catecholamine production and blood pressure elevation in laboratory studies and in human volunteers. Epidemiologic studies have given conflicting results. In order to determine whether noise‐induced hearing loss predicts a rise in blood pressure, we reviewed occupational medicine records in an occupational health center serving three companies where noise exposure is commonly found. Height, weight, blood pressure, and screening audiometry are obtained as par of routine occupational health screening, and the results of the screening visit are abstracted from written clinical records. The results of pure tone screening audiometry are reported in nonstandardized fashion (Normal, WNL, NAD, for example, for normal). We reviewed records from 1990 and 1991 inclusive. One investigator, blind to blood pressure status, assigned each record to “no hearing loss,” “not codable,” or “hearing loss assumed to be due to noise” on the basis of the written audiometry report. Hearing loss due to causes other than noise was considered not codable. No attempt was made to quantify severity of hearing loss. Two hundred and sixteen charts were excluded as “not codable,” 1,535 were classified as having no hearing loss, and 610 had some degree of hearing loss, most probably due to noise exposure. To adjust for confounding covariates, multiple regression analysis was used and indicated that hearing status improves the regression model for predicting diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.04), following age, nationality, body mass index (BMI), and month of testing, although the effect is small. Stratification by age and BMI revealed increased diastolic pressure in the group with hearing loss under age 45, regardless of obesity. Only age and BMI significantly improved the regression model for systolic blood pressure for the group as a whole. However, when large national groupings were evaluated independently, noise‐induced hearing loss was associated with higher systolic and diastolic readings among Asians (n = 539) and Sub‐Saharan Africans (n = 75), with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.18 to 0.32. Noise‐induced hearing loss failed to improve the blood pressure regression model for Europeans/North Americans (n = 150), Arabs (n = 1020), or North Africans (n = 352). In this study, hearing loss attributed to industrial noise exposure appears to be associated with elevated resting blood pressure only within certain ethnic groups.
A pilot study of take‐home lead exposure in new jersey
Authors: Czachur Michelle , Stanbury Martha , Gerwel Barbara , Gochfeld Michael , Rhoads George G. , Wartenberg Daniel
Published: April 2007

Studies in various industries have found an association between worker exposure to lead and elevated blood lead levels in workers' children, but the magnitude of this problem is unknown. In an effort to characterize this problem further, a pilot study was undertaken to obtain blood lead levels of children of lead‐exposed workers with elevated blood lead levels who had been reported by laboratories to the New Jersey Department of Health. Fifteen workers' families participated in this study, including 28 children. Thirty‐two percent of the children were found to have blood lead levels ≧ 10 μg/dl, the level of concern set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for medical monitoring. This finding is in contrast to population‐based data collected from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey, where the overall prevalence of blood lead levels ≧ 10 μg/dl was only 4.5%.
Cancer risk due to occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Nadon Louise , Siemiatycki Jack , Dewar Ron , Krewski Daniel , Gérin Michel
Published: April 2007

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) demonstrate carcinogenic activity in animal models. Although some epidemiologic studies have implicated PAHs as risk factors for human cancer, the evidence reported to date has not been consistent. The purpose of this report is to describe the associations between occupational exposure to PAHs in the workplace and each of 14 types of cancer. A population‐based, case‐control study was carried out in Montreal to investigate associations between a large variety of environmental and occupational exposures on the one hand, and several types of cancer on the other. A detailed job history was obtained from each subject along with information on a number of potential confounders. Each job history was reviewed by a team of experts, who used this information to construct a corresponding history of occupational exposures. Among the PAH exposures considered were benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and five categories of PAHs defined on the basis of the source material, namely, wood, petroleum, coal, other sources, and any source. Altogether, 3,730 cancer patients and 533 population controls were interviewed and their job exposure histories coded. For each of 14 types of cancer analyzed, three control groups were available: other cancer patients, population controls, and the pooled set of cancer and population controls. The associations between 14 cancer types and 6 PAH exposures were analyzed using logistic regression methods. For most types of cancer evaluated, there was no evidence of excess risk due to PAHs at the levels encountered in the occupations in which PAH exposure has been prevalent in the Montreal area. For a few cancer sites–the esophagus, the pancreas, and the prostate gland–there were suggestions of excess risk; these observations are noteworthy hypotheses for further investigation. For lung cancer, there appeared to be an increased risk due to PAHs among nonsmokers and light smokers, but not among heavy smokers.
Mortality patterns among women in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry
Authors: Beall Colleen , Delzell Elizabeth , Macaluso Maurizio
Published: April 2007

This retrospective follow‐up study evaluated the mortality experience of 11,271 women employed in a large motor vehicle manufacturing company in 1973. Company computerized personnel records were used to identify subjects and to obtain their employment histories. Follow‐up through December 31, 1985, was conducted using company, state, and national data sources. The mortality rates of the cohort were compared with the rates of the U.S. general population of white or black women, adjusting for age and calendar time and using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) as the measure of association. The overall mortality rate of the cohort was lower than the U.S. rate by 15% among whites (SMR = 85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 78–93) and by 40% among blacks (SMR = 59, CI = 49–70). Among whites, the low mortality rate was due primarily to deficits of noncancer deaths, although a 32% deficit also was observed for breast cancer (SMR = 68, CI = 48–92). Black female workers had 40% fewer deaths than expected overall, and their all cancer SMR also was below expectation (SMR = 82, CI = 60–109). Despite evidence of a strong healthy worker effect among women in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, the study found excesses of lung cancer among white women in assembly jobs (SMR = 158, CI = 107–226) and of pancreatic cancer among white assembly workers in upholstery and trim operations (SMR = 302, CI = 97–704).
Occupational respiratory cancer and exposure to asbestos: A case‐control study in a cohort of workers in the electricity and gas industry
Authors: Imbernon E. , Goldberg M. , Bonenfant S. , Chevalier A. , Guénel P. , Vatré R. , Dehaye J.
Published: April 2007

Cancers of the pleura, lung, and larynx between 1978 and 1989 among active male workers of Electricité de France‐Gaz de France were studied in association with asbestos exposure using a case‐control design nested within the cohort of workers of the company. The cohort included about 1,400,000 person‐years, corresponding to a mean of 117,000 men per year. Exposure to asbestos and to some potential occupational confounders selected among agents from groups I, IIa, and IIb of the International Agency for Research on Cancer was assessed by a job‐exposure matrix specific to the company. During the observation period, 12 cases of pleural cancer, 310 cases of lung cancer, and 116 cases of larynx cancer were registered in the cancer register of the company social security department. Four controls per case, matched for year of birth, were randomly selected among the cohort. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios. A first analysis was conducted in order to assess the validity of the job‐exposure matrix by investigating already known relationships between asbestos exposure and asbestosis. For asbestosis, a strong exposure‐response relation was found with an odds ratio (OR) of 57.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 17.0–194.0] in the highest exposure group. There was an elevated risk of pleural cancer (OR, 4.8, CI, 1.2–19.8). For lung cancer, significant ORs of 2.0 (CI, 1.3–3.2) and 1.9 (CI, 1.2–3.0) were found among the two highest cumulative exposure groups; adjustement for confounders slightly decreased the ORs. Squamous cell neoplasm of the lung was associated with asbestos exposure. The association between larynx cancer and asbestos exposure showed a tendency towards a nonsignificant increase in ORs in the highest cumulative exposure categories; this tendency disappeared when adjusting for occupational confounders. This study showed that occupational exposure to asbestos could increase the risk of pleural and lung cancer in a sector in which exposure levels are not considered to be high compared with other industrial settings.
Occupational risk factors for lung cancer in tianjin, china
Authors: Wang Qing‐Sheng , Boffetta Paolo , Parkin D. Maxwell , Kogevinas Manolis
Published: April 2007

Information about occupation and industry of cancer patients is routinely recorded in the Cancer Registry of Tianjin, People's Republic of China. Occupational risk factors of lung cancer for the period of 1981‐1987 were assessed using other cancers as controls. For each occupation and industry, workers employed in it were considered exposed and were compared with all other workers. Elevated risks were found for a number of industries for both sexes, including, in particular, the textile, wood, metal, and construction industries. Results by occupation were similar to those by industry. Smoking scores were calculated for various occupations on the basis of a separate population survey in Tianjin. Smoking cannot explain the elevated odds ratios in males, while among females a strong correlation was observed between smoking scores and lung cancer odds ratios, suggesting a confounding effect.
Pancreatic cancer among workers processing synthetic resins
Authors: Selenskas Sandra , Teta M. Jane , Vitale Joseph N.
Published: April 2007

A nested case‐control study was conducted to investigate whether an excess of pancreatic cancer, identified in a cohort mortality study with follow‐up from 1946 through 1988. was associated with potential workplace exposures at a New Jersey plastics manufacturing and research and development facility. The study population included 28 male pancreatic cancer cases and 140 randomly selected controls, matched on year of birth and at risk (alive) at the time of the case death. Using plant work history records, department assignments for the two groups were compared according to duration and time since first assignment. Workers assigned to a work area that processed vinyl resins and polyethylene (PE) were shown to be at increased risk. Men assigned more than 16 years to this department had a significantly increased risk ratio of 7.15 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.28–40.1). No excess was seen with shorter duration assignments. Seven of the nine cases began working in this area in the 1940s. Average latency was 32 years, and all but three cases worked 20 years or more in this unit. Over the study period, significant exposure‐related process changes occurred, in addition to the use of numerous chemical additives. Although vinyl and PE processing operations could not be analyzed separately, the pancreatic cancer excess is more likely to be related to vinyl processing. Identification of a causative agent or combination of agents would require investigations with more detailed exposure information.
Update of the mortality experience of employees with occupational exposure to 1,2‐dibromo‐3‐chloropropane (DBCP)
Authors: Olsen Geary W. , Bodner Kenneth M. , Stafford Beth A. , Cartmill Janice B. , Gondek Michael R.
Published: April 2007

DBCP (1,2‐dibromo‐3‐chloropropane), a nematocide, was used in the United States from the mid‐1950s until 1977. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricted and eventually banned its use after the 1977 discovery of DBCP‐induced sterility in production workers. The present study is an update of the mortality (1957–1989) experience of a cohort of 548 male employees who had potential for exposure in the production and formulation of DBCP. While adjusting for age, calendar‐year, and pay status of all other Midland‐area Dow Chemical male employees, there were 68 total observed deaths in the cohort compared to 72.1 expected (Mantel Haenszel Relative Risk 0.9, 95% Confidence Interval 0.7–1.2) and 19 deaths from all malignancies compared to 19.0 expected (RR 1.0, 95% CI 0.6–1.6). Of the a priori anatomic cancer sites of interest, there were no deaths from stomach, liver, kidney, testes, or nasal cavity cancers. Altogether, there were 7 deaths from lung cancer compared to 6.6 expected (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.5–2.3). Among the 81 employees with exposure categorized as direct for 1 or more years, there were 3 observed lung cancer deaths compared to 0.9 expected (RR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1–9.6). Smoking was a confounding factor in the interpretation of this observation. Although the present analysis nearly doubled the number of person‐years from the original study, the conclusions remain limited by the cohort's size and duration of follow‐up.
Prevalence and predictors of asthma in working groups in British Columbia
Authors: Siracusa Andrea , Kennedy Susan M. , Dybuncio Anne , Lin Fung J. , Marabini Alessandra , Chan‐Yeung Moira
Published: April 2007

We evaluated the prevalence of asthma and its predictors in studies of several male working groups: 619 cedar sawmill, 724 grain elevator, 399 pulpmill, 798 aluminum smelter, and 1,127 unexposed workers. These workers had taken part in health studies for assessment of chronic respiratory effects of various workplace exposures between 1979 and 1982. The American Thoracic Society Adult Questionnaire (ATS‐DLD‐78) was used for these studies. Allergy skin tests were also performed. The participation rates were > 80%. The overall prevalance of physician‐diagnosed asthma was 4.6%, and current asthma 3%. The prevalence of asthma after employment in the current industry, as a surrogate for work‐related asthma, was 3.9 times higher in cedar sawmill workers, 2.2 times higher in pulpmill and aluminum smelter workers, and 1.7 times higher in grain elevator workers compared with unexposed workers. Atopy and a positive parental history of asthma, but not smoking, were important risk factors for asthma before the onset of first employment. Also, for asthma after employment in the current industry, atopy and a positive parental history of asthma were important risk factors. Smoking was associated with a significant reduction in the risk for asthma after employment in the current industry. Within specific work groups, the prevalence of atopy was significantly higher among pulpmill workers with asthma after employment in current industry than those without asthma. Conversely, cedar sawmill workers who had asthma after employment in the current industry were nonatopic and nonsmokers.
Three cases of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia with bullae seen in schoolteachers
Authors: Ohtsuka Yoshinori , Munakata Mitsuru , Homma Yukihiko , Masaki Yoshitaka , Ohe Masashi , Doi Isamu , Amishima Masaru , Kimura Kiyonobu , Ishikura Hiroshi , Yoshiki Takashi , Kawakami Yoshikazu
Published: April 2007

We encountered three patients with chronic interstitial pneumonia with many bullae in the lower lung fields whose lifetime occupation was teaching school. Pathological examination of autopsy lungs of these patients revealed interstitial pneumonia and multiple bullae throughout the lungs, including the lower lobe. Since blackboard chalk has been used as a popular writing material among teachers in Japan, the mineral contents in the lungs of two of the three cases and four control cases with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) (whose occupations were not teaching) were analyzed. The amount of deposition of total dust, inorganic dust, non‐SiO2 inorganic dust, and calcium was significantly higher in the lungs of two schoolteachers compared with those of the control lungs. The amount of free silica in case 1 and alpha‐quartz in case 3 were also significantly higher than in the controls. Two thirds of the chalk produced in Japan is still made from gypsum and involves small amounts of silica and other minerals, in addition to calcium. These findings indicated the deposition of chalk in the lungs of these patients with interstitial pneumonia and multiple bullae.
Bronchiolitis obliterans in an animal feed worker
Authors: Spain Blake A. , Cummings Oscar , Garcia Joe G. N.
Published: April 2007

A nonsmoking animal feed worker developed severe irreversible airflow obstruction during a 2‐year occupational exposure to organic matter, microorganisms, proteolytic enzymes, and both amorphous and synthetic silicates. Her pulmonary dysfunction failed to improve despite removal from the workplace and treatment with bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Open lung biopsy demonstrated peribronchiolar inflammation, scarring within the small airways, and neolumen formation, findings consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans. Energy dispersive analysis of both the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as the biopsy specimens revealed the presence of silicate particles, suggesting a potential link between the silica exposure and the pathologic findings. This case suggests bronchiolitis obliterans can occur as a consequence of occupational exposure in the animal feed industry. In addition, this entity should henceforth be considered when evaluating symptomatic patients with exposure to amorphous and synthetic silicates.
Immunological reactions and respiratory function in wool textile workers
Authors: Zuskin Eugenija , Kanceljak Bozica , Mustajbegovic Jadranka , Godnic‐Cvar Jasminka , Schachter E. Neil
Published: April 2007

Immunological status and respiratory function were studied in a group of 64 wool textile workers (52 women and 12 men). A group of 46 workers not exposed to wool dust served as a control for the respiratory symptoms and immunologic testing. Skin testing was performed with different wool allergens (domestic and Australian) as well as with common allergens. Ventilatory capacity was measured in wool workers on Mondays before and after the work shift. The prevalence of positive skin tests to all allergens was higher in wool than in control workers, although the difference was statistically significant only for washed domestic wool (wool workers: 42.2%; control workers: 19.6%; p < 0.05). Increased serum IgE levels were more frequent in wool (26.6%) than in control workers (3.1%) (p<0.01). In wool textile workers there was a high prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms. Significant across‐shift reductions in ventilatory capacity tests, as well as abnormal baseline lung function, were recorded in wool textile workers. Individual data demonstrated that many of the wool workers had FEF25 lower than 70% of predicted. In general, the prevalence of symptoms and the lung function abnormalities did not correlate with the results of specific (wool) skin tests. Our data indicate that exposure to wool dust in some workers may be associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and impairment of lung function. Immunologic abnormalities, although frequent in this group, do not appear to be associated with the severity of these changes.
Respiratory cancer and other chronic disease mortality among silicotics in california
Authors: Goldsmith David F. , Beaumont James J. , Morrin Lynne A. , Schenker Marc B.
Published: April 2007

Silicotics have increased mortality from tuberculosis (TB) and from nonmalignant respiratory diseases (NMRD), including silicosis and silicotuberculosis. Since the publication of the International Agency for Research on Cancer monograph in 1987 indicating that silica was a probable human carcinogen, there has been an extensive debate about the cancer risks among silicotics. The authors identified 590 claims for silicosis among a registry of lung diseases compiled from California Workers' Compensation cases from 1945 to 1975. Using state vital records, we determined the mortality risks from 1946 to 1991. Our findings confirmed that these claimants had a significantly elevated risk for all causes of death with a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 1.30 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18, 1.43); TB had a SMR of 56.35 (95% CI = 41.10, 75.40) and NMRD a SMR of 3.80 (95% CI = 3.11, 4.60). Cancers of the trachea, bronchus, and lung had a SMR of 1.90 (95% CI = 1.35, 2.60). For malignancies of the large intestine, there was a previously unreported SMR of 2.08 (95% CI = 1.14, 3.50). Mortality from all diseases of the heart was significantly less than expected with a SMR of 0.68 (95% CI = 0.55, 0.83); cancers of the prostate and lymphatic system were also significantly low with SMRs of 0.26 (95% CI = 0.03, 0.94) and 0.17 (95% CI = 0.04, 0.97), respectively. Workers with silicosis should be warned about these chronic disease risks, and prevention efforts to control occupational silica dust exposure should become a higher priority.