bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled short‐time terpene exposure induces an increase of the macrophages and the mast cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Johard Urban , Larsson Kjell , Löf Agneta , Eklund Anders
Published: April 2007

Eight healthy nonsmoking volunteers underwent terpene exposure (450 mg/m3 air) on 4 different occasions within a 2 week period. Total exposure time was 12 hours. Before and after the sequences of exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. Twenty hours after the exposure there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase of the alveolar cell concentration (median pre‐exposure value 76 × 106 cells/L, post‐exposure value 126 × 106 cells/L), predominantly due to an increment of the macrophages (from 72 × 106 cells/L to 121 × 106 cells/L). The mast cells also increased from 1/10 to 5/10 visual fields. No elevated concentrations of albumin, fibronectin, hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid), and tryptase were observed. We conclude that terpene exposure, in a concentration regarded as moderate, induces an acute alveolar cellular reaction in healthy subjects. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unusual sex ratio of births to carbon setter fathers
Authors: Milham Samuel
Published: April 2007

In the years of 1980–1990, there were 139 birth records filed in Washington State on which father's occupation was designated as “carbon setter,” a job title specific to aluminum reduction plants of the prebake type. Fifty‐three (53) of these records specified sex of the birth as male, while 86 records specified sex of the infant as female. This gives a sex ratio of 0.381, which is a significant departure from the usual sex ratio at birth (proportion male + 0.512). Surveillance of sex ratio by paternal occupation is a simple method of monitoring for genotoxicity. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory function in workers employed in the glassblowing industry
Authors: Zuskin Eugenija , Butkovic Dragan , Schachter E. Neil , Mustajbegovic Jadranka
Published: April 2007

A group of 80 men employed in the glassblowing industry was studied in order to investigate the effect of this occupational exposure on respiratory function. Eighty nonexposed workers were included in the study as a control group. Glassblowers had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis, nasal catarrh, chronic sinusitis, and nasal bleeding than control workers; length of employment in the industry did not affect the prevalence of symptoms. Many of the glassblowers complained of work shift related symptoms. Measurement of lung function among glassblowers showed there were significant increases in the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the maximum flow rates at 50% and 25% of FVC on maximum expiratory flow volume (MEFV) curves (FEF50, FEF25) across the work shift. Glassblowers had significantly larger preshift FVC and forced expiratory volume in 1‐second (FEV1) measurements when compared to controls. Additionally, residual volume (RV) and RV/TLC% for the glassblowers were significantly increased while the diffusing capacity (DLCO) was normal (when compared to predicted values). Our data indicate that employment in the glassblowing industry contributes to the development of chronic respiratory findings. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mortality of urban firefighters in alberta, 1927–1987
Authors: Guidotti Tee L.
Published: April 2007

The mortality experience of firefighters has been an active topic of investigation. Collateral toxicological evidence suggests that certain causes of death are likely to be associated with firefighting: lung cancer, heart disease, and obstructive pulmonary disease. To date there has not been a clear and consistent demonstration of excess risk due to occupational exposure for these outcomes, but certain other cancers, including genitourinary, colon and rectum, and leukemias, lymphomas, and myeloma, appear to be consistently elevated. A major unproven hypothesis is that risk increased following the introduction, in the 1950s, of combustible plastic furnishing and building materials known to generate toxic combustion products. Mortality by cause of death was examined for two cohorts totalling 3,328 firefighters active from 1927 to 1987 in Edmonton and Calgary, the two major urban centers in the province of Alberta, Canada, examining associations with cohort (before and after the 1950s) and years of service weighted by exposure opportunity. The study attained 96% follow‐up of vital status and over 64,983 person‐years of observation, yielding 370 deaths. Mortality from all causes was close to the expected standardized mortality ratio (96; 95% confidence limits (CL) 87, 107) as was that for heart disease (110; 95% CL 92, 131), and neither was statistically significant at the p < 0.05 level (N.S.). Excesses were observed for all malignant neoplasms (127; 95% CL 102, 155, p < 0.05) and for cancer of lung (142; 95% CL 91, 211, N.S.), bladder (315; 95% CL 86, 808, N.S.), kidney and ureter (414; 95% CL 166, 853, p < 0.05), colon and rectum (161; 95% CL 88, 271, N.S.), pancreas (155; 95% CL 50, 362, N.S.) and leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma (127; 95% CL 233, N.S.); obstructive pulmonary diseases (157; 95% CL 79, 281, N.S.). Fire‐related causes showed a marked excess (486; 95% CL 233, 895, p < 0.01), but external causes overall showed a marked excess (486; 95% CL 233, 895, p < 0.01), but external causes overall showed a significant deficit (66; 95% CL 49, 87, p < 0.05). The lung cancer excess was confined to Edmonton; there was no consistent association with duration of employment, exposure opportunity, or cohort of entry (before or after the 1950s) except that the highest risk was observed among Edmonton firefighters with over 35 weighted years. The excess of cancers of the urinary tract was observed mostly among firefighters entering service after 1950, appeared to increase with length of service and exposure opportunity, and was observed in both cities. An occupational association with heart disease and chronic pulmonary disease is not supported in this study on this population. An effect on lung cancer is not obvious, but may be present in the highest exposure group; a weak effect for lung cancer confounded by stronger effects cannot be ruled out. Associations of firefighting with cancers at genitourinary sites and with fire‐related injury are strongly suggested in this population. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fouling one's own nest revisited
Authors: McDiarmid Melissa A. , Weaver Virginia
Published: April 2007

Transport of Hazards from the workplace to the home by workers is a previously recognized but poorly addressed public health problem. Particularly disturbing are the childhood intoxications which may result from such paraoccupational exposure. Work clothes and shoes appear to be a common vehicle for hazard transport in recently reported cases as they were in the past, although other “markers” for potential paraoccupational exposure may be derived from case reviews. These include: poor workplace hygiene, occupational intoxications in adult workers, and the “cottage industry” phenomenon. These markers are reviewed in the context of recently reported cases and strategies are suggested to mitigate these easily preventable exposures. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health characteristics by longest held occupation and industry of employment: United States, 1980
Authors: Cooper Sharon P. , Buffler Patricia A. , Lee Eun Sul , Cooper Charles J.
Published: April 2007

Occupational and industrial hazards are unevenly distributed in the workplace. National estimates for selected health indices of persons aged 17 years and over in the civilian noninstitutionalized population are presented for categories of longest held occupation and industry of employment. These estimates were based on data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in the 1980 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the Occupational Supplement, the first survey to collect data on longest held, in addition to current, occupation and industry of employment. Data on length of longest held job, limitation of activity, disability days, incidence of acute conditions, persons injured, hospitalizations, and utilization of medical and dental services are presented. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Five‐year follow‐up study of hearing loss at several locations within a large automobile company
Authors: Lee‐Feldstein Anna
Published: April 2007

This longitudinal epidemiologic study was designed to investigate hearing loss over a 5‐year period among noise‐exposed employees of a large automobile company and to assess effectiveness of hearing conservation programs at locations representing the spectrum of operations (assembly, light manufacturing, heavy manufacturing and machining, metal fabrication, and founding). Based on computerized audiometric test data, the study summarizes methodology developed for measuring occupational hearing loss and its application in evaluating programs at these locations, which had maximal 8‐hr time‐weighted average (TWA) noise exposures ranging from 104 to 110 dB(A). Methods presented here provide for consideration of age and hearing level of study subjects at baseline audiogram and clearly demonstrate the extent of hearing loss during the study period. Among five study locations, the average hearing loss at 2,000–4,000 Hz in the worst‐loss ear ranged from 3.4 to 6.2 dB over the follow‐up period; after adjustment for presbycusis, the loss was less than 2 dB at all but one location, which showed a loss of nearly 4 dB. In comparison to a control group of nonnoise‐exposed employees, hearing conservation programs at four of the five locations were judged to be effective. One location, a metal fabrication plant with a large percentage of employees having an 8‐hr TWA noise exposure over 90 dB(A), was particularly noted for the effectiveness of its program. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupation and lung cancer risk among women in Northern China
Authors: Wu‐Williams Anna H. , Xu Z. Y. , Blot William J. , Dai X. D. , Louie Rachel , Xiao H. P. , Stone B. J. , Sun X. W. , Yu S. F. , Feng Y. P. , Fraumeni Joseph F. , Henderson Brian E.
Published: April 2007

Lifetime occupational histories were obtained in a case‐control study of 965 female lung cancer patients and 959 controls selected from the general population in Shenyang and Harbin, People's Republic of China, where most women have worked outside the home. After adjusting for smoking, we found a significantly increased risk of lung cancer associated with employment involving the manufacture of transportation equipment (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0, 2.6), in particular the manufacturing of automobiles (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.4, 6.4). Metal smelting and treatment workers were at an increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0, 2.1); the highest risks were observed among metal surfacers (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.1, 9.0) and currently employed foundry workers (OR = 13.0, 95% CI = 1.7, 99.4). On the other hand, about a 50% decreased risk of lung cancer was observed among those employed in textile industries or as leaders of state and party organizations. Based on self‐reports, exposures to coal dust and smoke from burning fuel at the workplace were also significant risk factors. The findings were similar when the analyses were confined to nonsmokers and were comparable across the major cell types of lung cancer. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational risks for primary liver cancer in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chow Wong‐Ho , McLaughlin Joseph K. , Zheng Wei , Blot William J. , Gao Yu‐Tang
Published: April 2007

Using occupational data for over 3,400 primary liver cancer cases diagnosed between 1980 and 1984 reported to the Shanghai Cancer Registry, and employment information from the 1982 census for the Shanghai population, standardized incidence ratios were computed to generate leads to occupational risks of liver cancer. Among men, a statistically significant excess number of cases was observed for chemical processors, textile workers, wood workers, blacksmiths and machine‐tool operators, and material handlers and dock workers. Increased incidence of liver cancer also was observed among female transport equipment operators. These findings indicate that a number of similar occupations are associated with increased risk of primary liver cancer in western countries and China. Although causal inferences cannot be drawn from these data, our study adds to the limited evidence of the potential role of occupational exposures in liver carcinogenesis. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Survey of glycol ether use in Taiwan, 1991
Authors: Lin Chia‐Ku , Chen Ruey‐Yu
Published: April 2007

Glycol ethers (including glycol ether esters) are a group of solvents with medium‐high boiling points and low evaporation rates, possessing solvent characteristics of alcohol/ether functions (or ether/ester functions). They have been widely used in coatings and other industrial products for more than half a century. Recently, E‐series glycol ethers have been found to show reproductive and teratogenic toxicity, and throughout much of the world they are being replaced by the so‐called P‐series glycol ethers.

In responding to the impact of the worldwide transition from E‐ to P‐series glycol ethers, the current status of glycol ether use in Taiwan was studied. This study focuses on the type and quantity of these solvents being used, worker and public knowledge about their hazards, and possible changes in government regulations being considered.

In this study, we found that large quantities of E‐series glycol ethers were imported and used in Taiwan. The best estimates are: 2‐ME, 2,500 tons; 2‐EE, 1,200 tons; 2‐EEA, 5,000–8,000 tons; 2‐BE, 8,000 tons annually in 1991. For P‐series glycol ethers, only about 2,500 tons are being used. Lack of knowledge about the potential toxic effects of the E‐series glycol ethers is very common among users, regulatory agencies, academic institutes, and the general public. It is hoped that the results of this study, along with educational efforts, government regulations, and provision of technical services, will help prevent Taiwan from becoming a dumping site for these toxic chemicals. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the national cancer program and proposed reforms
Authors: Epstein Samuel S.
Published: April 2007

A statement by some 68 prominent national experts in industrial medicine, carcinogenesis, epidemiology, and public health, released at a February 4, 1992 press conference in Washington, D.C., charged that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has confused the public by repeated claims of winning the war against cancer. In fact, age standardized incidence rates have increased sharply over recent decades, while ability to treat and cure most cancers has not materially improved. Furthermore, the NCI has minimized evidence for increasing cancer rates which are largely attributed to smoking and to diet. In so doing, NCI trivializes the importance of occupational carcinogens as non‐smoking‐attributable causes of lung and other cancers, and ignores the tenuous and inconsistent evidence for the causal role of diet per se and also the important role of carcinogenic dietary contaminants. Reflecting this near exclusionary blame‐the‐victim theory of cancer causation, with support from the American Cancer Society and industry, the NCI discounts the role of avoidable involuntary exposures to industrial carcinogens in air, water, food, the home, and the workplace. The NCI has also failed to provide scientific guidance to Congress and regulatory agencies on fundamental principles of carcinogenesis and epidemiology, and on the critical need to reduce avoidable exposures to environmental and occupational carcinogens. Contrary to NCI, analysis of their $2 billion budget reveals very limited allocations for research on primary cancer prevention, and for occupational cancer which receives only $19 million annually, 1% of NCI's total budget. Problems of professional mindsets in NCI leadership—fixation on diagnosis, treatment, and basic research (much of questionable relevance) and the neglect of cancer prevention—are exemplified by the composition of the Executive President's Cancer Panel and the National Cancer Advisory Board. Contrary to the explicit mandate of the National Cancer Act, the Board is virtually devoid of recognized authorities in occupational and environmental carcinogenesis. These problems are further compounded by institutionalized conflicts of interest reflected in the composition of past Cancer Panels, and of the current Board of Overseers of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NCI's prototype comprehensive cancer center, with their closely interlocking financial interests with the cancer drug and other industries. Comprehensive reforms of NCI policies and priorities are overdue. Implementation of such reforms is, however, unlikely in the absence of further support from industrial medicine professionals, which is here solicited, besides action by Congress and concerned citizen groups. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Classification of radiographs for pneumoconiosis: The Canadian pneumoconiosis reading panel
Authors: Muir D. C. F. , Julian J. A. , Roos J. O. , Maehle W. M. , Chan J. , Mountain W. , Morgan W. K. C.
Published: April 2007

A method of providing experience for readers in the classification of radiographs for pneumoconiosis is described. It is based on an exchange of films by mail, with provision for ongoing feedback of results. The effects of this feedback on reading levels is described. The method is suitable for readers who are unable to attend major centers for formal instruction, and has the additional advantage of continual monitoring of reading levels. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utility of the complete blood count in routine medical surveillance for ethylene oxide exposure
Authors: Lamontagne Anthony D. , Christiani David C. , Kelsey Karl T.
Published: April 2007

The 1984 OSHA Standard for ethylene oxide (EtO) mandates medical surveillance under various circumstances. When performed, medical surveillance for EtO must include a complete blood count (CBC) with differential leukocyte count. This requirement is based on reports of EtO‐associated absolute lymphocytosis and other hematologic effects. This paper describes our experiences in providing EtO medical surveillance for a 300 bed hospital over a 6 year period. We observed an apparent relative lymphocytosis which persisted over 3–4 years in sterilization workers with documented TWA personal EtO exposures averaging 0.07 ppm. In addition, three workers had a history of acutely toxic overexposure to EtO as a result of a sterilizer malfunction. These workers became symptomatic following the high accidental overexposure, but did not show absolute lymphocytosis or altered patterns in the relative lymphocytosis. Finally, a cross‐sectional comparison of the CBC data from the EtO‐exposed workers to data from non‐EtO‐exposed hospital workers showed no significant differences, ruling out an association of the relative lymphocytosis with EtO exposure. These observations led us to review the basis for the inclusion of the CBC in routine EtO medical surveillance. Our experience, review of the literature on EtO‐associated lymphocytosis and anemia, and review of the literature on the use of the CBC with differential as a screening test suggest that the leukocyte differential may not be useful in routine medical surveillance for EtO exposure. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Youth, race, and labor: Working kids and historical ambivalence in twentieth century America
Authors: Rosner David
Published: April 2007

As a society, we share assumptions that exhibit a profound historical ambivalence regarding young people at work. On the one hand, we all acknowledge that there is something socially and morally reprehensible about forcing children to toil. Many of us see child labor as a vestigial remnant of the harshest aspects of the Industrial Revolution. On the other hand, we also continue to see work as a sign of the moral and social health of a community and hence, we see employment among the young as a stabilizing and redemptive activity. Especially when addressing the nation's poor, urban and African‐American populations, youth unemployment is almost universally understood as a root cause of social unrest and community breakdown. This paper outlines some of the historical arguments about children in the work force and raises the question about the national resolve to seriously address this issue. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health hazards to children in agriculture
Authors: Wilk Valerie A.
Published: April 2007

Children comprise a significant portion of the agricultural workforce and are exposed to many workplace hazards, including farm machinery, pesticides, poor field sanitation, unsafe transportation, and fatigue from doing physically demanding work for long periods. Migrant farmworker children face the additional hazard of substandard or nonexistent housing in the fields. Children account for a disproportionate share of agricultural workplace fatalities and disabling injuries, with more than 300 deaths and 27,000 injuries per year. The most common cause of fatal and nonfatal injury among children in agriculture is farm machinery, with tractors accouting for the greatest number. Remedies to the problems of child labor must take into account family economics and the need for child care. Labor law reform and rigorous enforcement of existing laws and of workplace health and safety requirements are vital to better protect the children and adults working in agriculture. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Child and adolescent injury in the United States: How occupational injuries fit in
Authors: Christoffel Katherine Kaufer
Published: April 2007

Injury is the leading cause of death in adolescence, with the highest rates for 15‐ to 19‐year‐olds, an age span also marked, for many, by entry into the workforce. Occupational injuries affecting youth occur in the context of the larger problem of injury affecting children and adolescents. An understanding of the broader context can help to guide efforts to control occupational injuries.

Nonfatal injuries vastly exceed fatal ones, but more is known about the latter. Injuries are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for ages 1 to 44 years. The proportion of child and adolescent deaths due to injury has risen for several decades; injury rates have been stable while deaths from natural causes have declined. Injury patterns vary with age, race, and sex, and also internationally. The two leading causes of injury deaths for U.S. adolescents are motor vehicle occupant injury (related largely to alcohol) and homicide (related largely to firearms).

Contemporary injury prevention approaches focus on means to prevent the transfer of damaging amounts of energy to potential victims. The most effective approaches are passive (engineering/environmental) and/or require one‐time‐only behaviors.

Prevention of child and adolescent occupational injuries will need to build on approaches that have been successful for other child and adolescent injuries, as well ones that have been successful for adult occupational injuries. A multidisciplinary approach will be needed. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Children at work: Prevention of occupational injury and disease
Authors: Lemen Richard A. , Layne Larry A. , Castillo Dawn N. , Lancashire Jeffrey H.
Published: April 2007

Because children are an isolated population that generally lacks a collective political voice, it is up to the rest of society to look after their well‐being. The grim economic circumstances that plague impoverished nations around the world have resulted in many young children having to work to help their families survive. Often, these children have no choice but to work in dangerous places and under generally appalling conditions. Even in wealthy countries like the United States, the problems associated with child labor are a legitimate threat to our single most important investment for the future—the safety and health of our children. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Remedies to the problem of child labor: The situation in the apparel industry
Authors: Mazur Jay
Published: April 2007

When you realize how long the problem of child labor has been around, anyone who ventures into the terrain of remedies obviously needs a long memory and not a little optimism. What have we tried? What has worked? And what has not worked? To answer these questions, we must first look at how we have diagnosed the problem. Some say that the return of child labor is due to the present recession. Hard‐pressed businesses are looking for cheap and cheaper labor. Sweatshops proliferate. When the recession recedes, so will child labor. If it were that simple, we could all congratulate ourselves on having conducted this enlightened symposium and go home without worrying much more about the problem. The magic hand of the market, in due course, will straighten it all out. Let me tell you something about the apparel industry in New York where new laws and strict enforcement make the only difference. Over 80% of OSHA inspections were triggered by the state's Apparel Task Force. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Child labor legislation in New York State: A 1990s update
Authors: Barbaro Frank J.
Published: April 2007

Presented here are the salient features of the provisions of the child labor law that New York State passed. The article confronts a basic question: “Should we have child labor at all?” © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congressional approaches toward remedies to problems of child labor
Authors: Simonson Joy R.
Published: April 2007

Hearings by the Employment and Housing Subcommittee and nationwide “sweeps” by the Labor Department focused attention in 1990 on the growing problem of child labor. Fast food and retail establishments employ the majority of minors and were found to have the most violations. Although the bulk of violations affected hours of work (too many or too late), many involved prohibited hazardous occupations. Reform measures were introduced in the House and the Senate. They would limit hours of work during school weeks for 16–17‐year‐olds, require school work permits, improve protection of farm workers, increase civil and criminal penalties for willful violations, and provide for national reports on employment of and injuries to workers under age 18. As of May 1992, the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources has voted out its bill, but floor action has not been scheduled. The House Subcommittee on Employment Standards has taken no action. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
A follow‐up study of laboratory animal exposed workers: The influence of atopy for the development of occupational asthma
Authors: Sjöstedt Lars , Willers Stefan , Ørbæk Palle
Published: April 2007

In a 5‐year follow‐up study of 88 animal exposed laboratory technicians, the incidence of laboratory animal allergy (LAA), lung function, and the development of allergy test reactivity were investigated. Only two individuals developed test positive LAA rhinitis during the follow‐up period. Furthermore, one subject who had previously had LAA rhinitis developed LAA asthma. In the remaining subjects the results of skin prick tests against laboratory animals and environmental allergens, total serum IgE levels, and lung function were unchanged. Atopy defined as parental and childhood allergy, raised total serum IgE levels, and positive skin prick tests against nonanimal environmental allergens and nonlaboratory animals (dog and horse) were risk indicators for development of test positive LAA asthma. The low incidence of LAA during the 5‐year follow‐up is interpreted as a result of an early LAA development in atopic subjects. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retrospective follow‐up study of foundry and engine plant workers
Authors: Rotimi Charles , Austin Harland , Delzell Elizabeth , Day Cathy , MacAluso Maurizio , Honda Yasushi
Published: April 2007

A retrospective follow‐up study of 21,013 workers employed at a foundry and two engine manufacturing plants was conducted to determine if these workers had an unusual mortality experience. A total of 2,235 deaths occurred during the follow‐up period of 1970–1987. Mortality from all causes was lower than expected. Men experienced a 6–13% excess of lung cancer deaths, depending on the choice of the comparison group. The data displayed evidence of a positive trend between lung cancer mortality and increasing duration of employment (p = 0.008). White men experienced a statistically significant excess of deaths from stomach cancer (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 158; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 101–234). Black men had increased mortality from pancreatic cancer, especially among engine plant workers (SMR = 303; CI = 121–624), and an excess of prostate cancer, concentrated among foundry workers (SMR = 234; CI = 112–430). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement of asbestos dust levels in British asbestos factories in the 1930s
Authors: Wikeley N. J.
Published: April 2007

Since the early reports of the deleterious health effects of asbestos first appeared in the British literature, the paucity of information on dust levels has been decried. Research into archival material reporting various methods of assessing asbestos dust levels in British factories during the 1930s indicates that these levels were high indeed. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonspecific nasal responsiveness in workers occupationally exposed to respiratory irritants
Authors: Plavec Davor , Somogyi‐Zalud Emese , Godnic‐Cvar Jasminka
Published: April 2007

The aim of the study was to establish the level of the nonspecific nasal responsiveness in a group of workers (N = 84) occupationally exposed to respiratory irritants, and to compare it with its level in healthy subjects (N = 60). Another goal was to study the effect of occupational exposure to irritants, smoking, and atopy on nonspecific nasal responsiveness. The modified method of nonspecific nasal provocation with histamine developed by van Wijk and Dieges (Clin Allerg 17:563–570, 1987) was used. The method was performed by spraying doubling concentrations of histamine (0.03–32 mg/mL), starting with saline, in a cumulative manner into each nostril. The reaction was measured by total nasal resistance (“opening” interruption technique). The result of the test was expressed as provocation concentration of histamine that caused ⩾75% rise of total nasal resistance compared to its value measured after saline.

We found a significantly higher percentage of nasal hyperreactors and a significantly greater nonspecific nasal responsiveness among 65 exposed workers (χ2 = 78.6; p < 0.001, t = −5.48; p < 0.001, respectively) than in the group of healthy subjects. A significantly (t = 4.25; p < 0.001) increased nonspecific nasal responsiveness was observed during exposure when compared to nonspecific nasal responsiveness assessed after 2 weeks out of exposure, when tested in 19 patients. Higher smoking rate as measured by smoking category (number of cigarettes multiplied with years of smoking) was associated with the lower levels of nonspecific nasal responsiveness. Also, we failed to confirm a relation between atopy and nonspecific nasal responsiveness in a group of workers exposed to irritants. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mental retardation in ten‐year‐old children in relation to their mothers' employment during pregnancy
Authors: Decouflé Pierre , Murphy Catherine C. , Drews Carolyn D. , Yeargin‐Allsopp Marshalyn
Published: April 2007

We conducted a case‐control study to examine relationships between potential risk factors in women's prenatal occupational histories and subsequent mental retardation in their 10‐year‐old children. Children with mental retardation (intelligence quotient less than 71) were identified from special education records maintained by the public school systems in the metropolitan Atlanta area and from records of various medical and social service agencies serving children with special needs. Control children were chosen from the rosters of 10‐year‐olds who were enrolled in regular education classes in the local public school systems. To obtain occupational histories, sociodemographic data, and other information, we interviewed 352 natural mothers (67%) of 525 case children and 408 natural mothers (64%) of 636 control children. We computed odds ratios for each of 25 selected occupation, industry, and agent categories controlling for maternal education, birth order, and race. Most comparisons yielded odds ratios that were not indicative of unusual risks, but we did find lower than expected risks among children of teachers and health‐care professionals. We also found a strong, positive association between mental retardation and maternal employment in the textile and apparel industries. The findings are useful for planning the direction of future studies of childhood cognitive ability to focus on specific parental occupations or industries. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Malignant mesothelioma induced in baboons by inhalation of amosite asbestos
Authors: Webster Ian , Goldstein Bertie , Coetzee Frans S. J. , van Sittert Gerhardus C. H.
Published: April 2007

Ten out of 12 South African baboons (Papio ursinus) survived exposure to amosite asbestos dust for periods ranging from 242 days to 898 days at an aerosol level ranging between 1,100 and 1,200 fibers per milliliter. After exposure, they were kept under observation until they died; the total residence time of amosite varied from 1.2–10.2 years. All underwent detailed postmortem necropsy examinations. All baboons had asbestosis. Five of the baboons developed malignant diffuse mesothelioma; three peritoneal, and two pleural with peritoneal invasion. These results indicate that amosite is highly carcinogenic. Since it is difficult to accomplish follow‐up of persons exposed to amosite asbestos because of the geographic location of the amosite mines and mills in South Africa (a majority of the workers being migrant laborers from countries bordering on the Transvaal), it is therefore probable that cases of peritoneal mesothelioma have been missed. If human beings are likely to react to amosite as do baboons, epidemiological follow‐up should include identification of abdominal as well as thoracic neoplasms. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dimercaptosuccinic acid in the treatment of depression following lead exposure
Authors: Frumkin Howard , Gerr Fredric
Published: April 2007

Long‐term exposure to lead is known to cause a variety of neurotoxic manifestations, including symptoms of depression. Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), a recently approved oral chelating agent, can diminish the body burden of lead, but few cases of documented clinical improvement following treatment have been reported. We report a case of moderate to severe depression in a long‐term lead worker that appeared to respond dramatically to DMSA. This response suggests a possible therapeutic role for DMSA in the treatment of depression in lead‐exposed patients. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanism of occupational asthma due to Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)
Authors: Chan‐Yeung Moira
Published: April 2007

Occupational asthma due to Western red cedar is the most common form of occupational asthma in the Pacific Northwest and affects 4–13.5% of the exposed population. It has been shown to be caused by plicatic acid, a low molecular weight compound present uniquely in the wood. The mechanism of asthma induced by plicatic acid is not known, as specific IgG antibodies were found only in about 20% of patients. Sera from patients with red cedar asthma failed to passively sensitize human Iung fragments of human basophils. Basophils from patients with this disease released histamine when challenged directly with plicatic acid in a specific manner. Immunologic mechanisms other than Type I hypersensitivity reaction are likely to be involved. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Symptoms and mechanisms—Inflammation of the lung
Authors: Rylander Ragnar
Published: April 2007

The various phases of the lung inflammatory response to inhaled agents are reviewed and linked to the clinical symptoms and syndromes. Available data suggest that inflammation is the major reason for the symptoms appearing after organic dust exposure. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methods for survey and diagnosis
Authors: Richerson Hal B.
Published: April 2007

This contribution is an overview of current epidemiologic methods used in evaluating organic dust‐containing environments for evidence of adverse pulmonary effects. Potential problems include vague diagnostic criteria of “disease” and inadequate tools for definitive diagnosis, as illustrated by asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The enthusiastic investigator may consider trivial changes indicative of real or potential disease, and add the studied environment to a growing list of menaces of the workplace or of everyday life. Attention to scientific principles is needed lest epidemiology becomes scare‐mongering made respectable by sophisticated statistics. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteolytic activity of industrial enzymes as the main reason for the development of inflammatory and allergic work‐related lung diseases
Authors: Kuchuk Alexander A.
Published: April 2007

Pulmonary hypersensitivity to industrial enzymes is well recognized and presents a serious problem as these health effects are often severe and may be chronic. In addition, the amount of agents that induce a hypersensitivity response is often significantly lower than that which has led to sensitization. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung function changes among recycling workers exposed to organic dust
Authors: Sigsgaard Torben , Abel A. , Donbák L. , Malmros P.
Published: April 2007

This study examines the workshift changes in lung function among 99 recycling workers, and correlates these findings with measurements of total dust and endotoxins. Exposure to organic dust caused a fall in FEV1 over the workshift, and this was significantly associated with the exposure to organic dust. No significant association was found between endotoxin exposure and lung function decrements. This lack of association could be due to the low concentrations of endotoxins to which the workers were exposed, as no workers were exposed to more than 100 ng/m3. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neutrophil chemotaxis to extracts of grain plant components
Authors: von Essen Susanna G. , O'Neill D. P. , Robbins R. A. , Rennard S. I.
Published: April 2007

Exposure to grain dust has been associated with a neutrophilic bronchitis. In vitro studies suggest several possible mechanisms for recruitment of neutrophils, including direct chemotaxis to aqueous grain dust extracts and release of chemotactic activity by bronchial epithelial cells in response to challenge with grain dust extracts. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microorganism‐induced or enhanced mediator release: A possible mechanism in organic dust related diseases
Authors: Norn Svend
Published: April 2007

Bacteria were found to trigger mediator release, including histamine, leukotriene B4, and prostaglandin D2. Furthermore, histamine release caused by allergens as well as by nonimmunological reactions was enhanced by bacteria, endotoxins, and spores from molds. Mediator release and its enhancement play a crucial role for bronchoconstriction and inflammatory events in the airways. These effects of allergens, microorganisms, and other noxious agents in dusts may, therefore, in concert be responsible for the symptoms in organic dust related diseases. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inflammatory responses by inhalation of endotoxin and (1→3)‐β‐D‐Glucan
Authors: Rylander Ragnar , Fogelmark Birgitta
Published: April 2007

An inhalation study was undertaken to evaluate the inflammatory effects of airborne endotoxin and (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan, evaluating the response by counting the number on free lung cells. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhalation in healthy subjects causes bronchoalveolar neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, and fibronectin increase
Authors: Sandström Thomas , Bjermer Leif , Rylander Ragnar
Published: April 2007

Eight healthy volunteers were exposed to purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by controlled inhalation. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) 3 hours after exposure revealed a pronounced neutrophilia, increase in lymphocytes, fibronectin concentration, and decrease in alveolar macrophage phagocytosis, as compared to a reference BAL. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunobiology of the serine protease allergens from house dust mites
Authors: Stewart Geoffrey A. , Boyd S. M. , Bird C. H. , Krska K. D. , Kollinger M. R. , Thompson P. J.
Published: April 2007

Extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae were shown to contain a variety of 30 kDA serine proteases, including trypsin, chymotrypsin, and an elastase‐like enzyme. The mite trypsin, unlike chymotrypsin and the elastase enzyme, was heterogeneous with regard to charge. The enzymes were shown to be present at higher concentration in fecally enriched extracts than in whole mite extracts. The proteases were shown to induce vascular permeability and to detach cells in tissue culture. Further study showed that the mite elastase induced non‐IgE mediated rat mast cell degranulation. Such properties may contribute to immunogenicity. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental grain dust atmospheres generated by wet and dry aerosolization techniques
Authors: Thorne Peter S.
Published: April 2007

Properties of grain dust aerosols generated using wet and dry techniques were studied. Relative to the dry aerosol generation, the wet generation technique yielded a smaller particle size distribution (MMAED of 1.5 μm vs. 15.5 μm) but also reduced the viability of microorganisms. Analysis of dust mass and endotoxin activity on cascade impactor stages demonstrated equivalent partitioning of the airborne endotoxin with the dust mass for aerosols produced by either generation method. Comparison of laboratory‐generated atmospheres to field sampling indicated a greater proportion of respirable microorganisms in soybean handling facilities than were generated using the dry aerosol system. Limitations of both aerosol generation systems were found that may affect the validity of inhalation toxicology studies in which these bioaerosols are artificially created. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dust‐related decline in lung function among animal feed workers
Authors: Heederik Dick , Smid Tjabe , Houba Remko , Quanjer Philip H.
Published: April 2007

The study describes results of the first part of a follow‐up study among 50 animal feed and grain elevator workers. The initial results suggest that the change in lung function over a 5 year period is related to the dust exposure. Workers in the high exposure category showed a greater decline in lung function than workers in the low exposure category. The decline in lung function was strongest for workers who were low exposed at the beginning of the study and who became high exposed during the follow‐up period. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endotoxin and microorganisms in percolate derived from compostable household waste
Authors: Nielsen Birgitte Herbert , Würtz Helle , Holst Erik
Published: April 2007

Health related problems among Danish garbage collectors have been reported. Separated compostable household waste was analyzed for endotoxin and microorganisms in an experimental study. Aerosols and liquid (percolate) from the waste were sampled over two 14‐day periods during storage in containers. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Musculoskeletal symptoms among electricians
Authors: Hunting Katherine L. , Welch Laura S. , Cuccherini Brenda A. , Seiger Leslie A.
Published: April 2007

This study ascertained the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms among electricians, in order to evaluate the prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) in this population. We adapted the CTD surveillance questionnaire used by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to assess the prevalence of neck, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, back, and knee symptoms in the year prior to the survey. Questionnaires were completed by 308 apprentices and journeymen enrolled in training classes at the local union hall. The participants were relatively young individuals, and 86% of the participants were currently working as electricians. Participants reported a high prevalence of symptoms which occurred more than three times during the past year or which lasted more than 1 week. Back symptoms and hand/wrist symptoms were experienced most frequently, by about half the population, while elbow symptoms were reported by only 15% of participants. Symptom prevalence was lower, but still notable, when defined as symptoms which had occurred at least once a month or lasted more than a week in the past year. Eighty‐two percent of participants reported at least one musculoskeletal symptom using the most inclusive definition, while 57% reported two or more symptoms.

This survey highlights that: 1) low back discomfort is common in young construction workers, and resulted in medical care, missed work, or light duty for almost 35% of the participants; 2) neck discomfort is also very common and required doctor visits or work modification for almost one quarter of the participants; 3) these construction workers continued to work with symptoms that are classifiable as a CTD; and 4) history of injury is correlated with the subsequent prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of depression among electrical workers
Authors: Savitz David A. , Boyle Coleen A. , Holmgreen Patricia
Published: April 2007

To address the possible association between electric and magnetic field exposure and depression, we analyzed data from the Vietnam Experience Study. In order to compare the risk of diagnosed depression, depressive symptoms, and elevations in personality scales indicative of depression, we classified employed participants as electrical workers (N = 183) and nonelectrical workers (N = 3,861) and compared their scores on the Diagnostic Interview Survey (DIS) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Electrical workers in the aggregate showed little evidence of increased risk, with the possible exception of an increase in elevated MMPI depression scores among short‐term workers. Data on electricians yielded indications of increased risk for several markers of depression. Despite the limited number of electrical workers, uncertainty regarding exposure, and our inability to address other workplace exposures, these results suggest that electrical workers in general are not at increased risk for depression. However, our results encourage further evaluation of depression among electricians. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ELF magnetic field exposures in an office environment
Authors: Breysse Patrick , Lees Peter S. J. , McDiarmid Melissa Anne , Curbow Barbara
Published: April 2007

Potential exposures to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields were investigated in response to worker concerns about an apparent increased spontaneous abortion risk in a payroll office environment. Concern in this office centered on the use of video display terminals (VDTs), which have been investigated as a potential cause of adverse reproductive outcomes among women. In this investigation, magnetic field sources were evaluated using a hand‐held survey meter. Emdex datalogging dosimeters were also used to determine full shift personal exposures for 15 women working in the payroll area. On average, the exposures of workers to ELF magnetic fields in the payroll office area ranged from 1.0 to 6.5 mG with a mean of 3.2 /pm 1.5 mG. The results of this study indicate that many sources of ELF magnetic fields, including printers, photocopiers, and the electrical distribution system, can contribute to a worker's exposure in an office environment. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.