bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dioxin concentrations in the blood of workers at municipal waste incinerators.
Authors: Schecter A , Päpke O , Ball M , Lis A , Brandt-Rauf P
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--Increased concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) in pooled blood samples from workers at municipal waste incinerators have been reported. This study was undertaken to confirm these results in individual blood samples from potentially exposed and unexposed workers at municipal waste incinerators compared with matched unexposed controls and compared with concentrations in the slag and fly ash from the municipal waste incinerators. METHODS--Concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs were determined in the blood of 10 workers from an old municipal waste incinerator without adequate pollution controls, 11 workers from a newer incinerator with modern pollution controls, and 25 controls from the general population group matched for age (+/- 10 years), sex, and race, and in the slag and fly ash from the older incinerator. RESULTS--Significant increases of certain PCDDs and PCDFs were found in the blood of the workers from the older incinerator compared with the controls as follows: octaCDD (1051 (438) v 637 (344), P < 0.001), hexaCDF (52.3 (28.7) v 30.2 (18.2), P < 0.01), heptaCDF (43.9 (30.4) v 22.7 (12.4), P < 0.001), total PCDDs (1262 (484) v 825 (454), P < 0.001), total PCDFs (133.0 (68.1) v 93.7 (36.7), P < 0.05), and total PCDD/Fs (1395 (537) v 918 (437), P < 0.001). The workers from the older incinerator with the greatest exposure were found to have the most significant increases of the blood PCDDs and PCDFs, and the pattern of increased PCDD and PCDF congeners in the blood corresponded to the pattern in the incinerator slag and ash. No significant differences were found between the blood concentrations of the workers at the newer incinerator and the controls. CONCLUSION--Occupational exposure to slag and fly ash from municipal waste incinerators may increase the blood concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs. Modern pollution control technology in new incinerators may be able to minimise potential exposure to slag and fly ash and thus the absorption of PCDDs and PCDFs from this source.
Neurobehavioural evaluation of Venezuelan workers exposed to inorganic lead.
Authors: Maizlish N A , Parra G , Feo O
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--To assess neurobehavioural effects of low exposure to lead, 43 workers from a lead smelter and 45 workers from a glass factory were evaluated with the World Health Organisation neurobehavioural core test battery (NCTB) in a cross sectional study. METHODS--The NCTB comprises a questionnaire and seven tests that measure simple reaction time, short-term memory (digit span, Benton), mood (profile of mood states), eye-hand coordination (Santa Ana pegboard, pursuit aiming II), and perceptual speed (digit-symbol). RESULTS--Smelter workers were employed on average for four years, and had a mean blood lead concentration of 2.0 mumol/l (42 micrograms/dl). Glass factory workers had a mean of 0.72 mumol/l (15 micrograms/dl). Historical blood lead concentrations were used to classify exposure based on current, peak, and time weighted average. Although the exposed workers performed less well than the non-exposed in 10 of 14 response variables, only profile of mood states tension-anxiety, hostility, and depression mood scales showed a significantly poorer dose-response relation with blood lead concentration in multiple linear regression models that included age, education, and alcohol intake as covariates. The frequency of symptoms of anger, depression, fatigue, and joint pain were also significantly increased in the exposed group. CONCLUSION--This study is consistent with the larger body of neurobehavioural research of low occupational exposure to lead. The small effects found in this study occurred at blood lead concentrations slightly lower than those reported in several previous studies.
Determination of low level exposure to volatile aromatic hydrocarbons and genotoxic effects in workers at a styrene plant.
Authors: Holz O , Scherer G , Brodtmeier S , Koops F , Warncke K , Krause T , Austen A , Angerer J , Tricker A R , Adlkofer F
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--Low exposures to volatile aromatic hydrocarbons and cytogenetic effects in peripheral white blood cells were determined in 25 healthy workers employed in different areas of a styrene production plant in the former German Democratic Republic. The results were compared with 25 healthy unexposed controls (matched for age and sex) employed in the same company. METHODS--The concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons determined from active air sampling in all areas of the factory (styrene: 73-3540 micrograms/m3 (< 0.01-0.83 ppm); ethylbenzene 365-2340 micrograms/m3 (0.08-0.53 ppm); benzene 73-3540 micrograms/m3 ( < 0.02-1.11 ppm); toluene 54-2960 micrograms/m3 (0.01-0.78 ppm); xylenes 12-94 micrograms/m3 ( < 0.01-0.02 ppm)) were considerably lower than in the pump house ( > 4000 micrograms/m3 styrene, ethylbenzene, benzene, and toluene; > 500 micrograms/m3 xylenes), which was only intermittently occupied for short periods. Passive personal monitoring, biomonitoring of exhaled air and metabolites (mandelic, phenylglyoxylic, trans, trans-muconic, hippuric, o-, m- and p-methylhippuric acids, and phenol) in urine samples collected before and after an eight hour working shift was used to assess individual exposure. Questionnaires and examination of company records showed that the historical exposure was far higher than that measured. Genotoxic monitoring was performed by nuclease P1-enhanced 32P-postlabelling of DNA adducts in peripheral blood monocytes, and DNA single strand breaks, sister chromatid exchange, and micronuclei in lymphocytes. The content of kinetochores in the micronuclei was determined by immunofluorescence with specific antibodies from the serum of CREST patients. RESULTS--No genotoxic effects related to exposure were detected by DNA adducts or DNA single strand breaks and sister chromatid exchange. The only effect related to exposure was an increase in kinetochore positive micronuclei in peripheral lymphocytes; the frequency of total micronuclei in peripheral lymphocytes did not change. Smoking was confirmed by measurement of plasma cotinine, and no confounding effect was found on any of the cytogenetic variables. CONCLUSIONS--Low occupational exposure to styrene, benzene, and ethylbenzene did not induce alterations of genotoxicological variables except kinetochore positive micronuclei. This is the first reported use of the CREST technique for an in vivo study in occupational toxicology, which thus could serve as a valuable and sensitive technique for toxicogenic monitoring.
Health effects of refractory ceramic fibres: scientific issues and policy considerations.
Authors: Glass L R , Brown R C , Hoskins J A
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--To review the scientific literature on the health effects of refractory ceramic fibres (RCFs). The adverse effects of exposure to asbestos has led to concern about the potential for other fibrous materials to cause diseases. For this reason the human populations most heavily exposed to synthetic mineral fibres have been examined for any adverse effects and many types of fibre have been studied in animal experiments. One type of man made vitreous fibres (MMVFs), refractory ceramic fibres (RCFs), are principally used in thermal insulation at high temperatures--up to 1400 degrees C. As manufactured RCFs exist in a glassy, non-crystalline (sometimes called amorphous) state, they have various compositions, physical properties, and sized fibres. METHODS--All reports on the health effects of RCFs available up to the end of 1994 have been examined and the scientific literature reviewed although all publications have not necessarily been referenced. CONCLUSIONS--In recent inhalation experiments conducted with both rats and hamsters at the Research and Consulting Company, Geneva, at the highest dose tested (30 mg/m3) there was an increased incidence of tumours in both species. Lower doses were only examined in the rat and at these doses there was no significant excess of lung tumours. Epidemiological investigations of workers engaged in the manufacture of ceramic fibres have shown a small excess of pleural plaques. This phenomenon is being further investigated but could be due to confounding exposures. The populations available for study are small and their exposures fairly short, but it is considered prudent that they should remain under surveillance for some time to come. This is despite the fact that present exposures in the ceramic fibre industry are low (< 1 f/ml) and are being reduced.
Lorry drivers' work stress evaluated by catecholamines excreted in urine.
Authors: van der Beek A J , Meijman T F , Frings-Dresen M H , Kuiper J I , Kuiper S
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--To evaluate lorry drivers' work stress by measurement of adrenaline and noradrenaline excreted in the urine, and to find out which factors in their working situation are related to the excretion rates of these catecholamines. METHODS--The urinary excretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline of 32 lorry drivers, who also had loading and unloading activities to perform, was studied for one working day and one rest day. Each driver was asked to provide six urine samples on both days. RESULTS--For all samples, except the first (overnight) sample, the excretion rates of both catecholamines on the working day were higher than those on the rest day. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were carried out to find out which factors in the drivers' working situation were related to the excretion rate of the working day. The excretion rate of adrenaline on the rest day, age, and psychosomatic complaints were positively related to the excretion rate on the working day (all P < 0.05). Body mass index and physical workload during loading and unloading were positively related to noradrenaline excretion rate (both P < 0.01). Psychosocial job strain did not significantly contribute to the proportion of variance explained in the excretion rates of both catecholamines. CONCLUSIONS--The excretion rates of adrenaline and, especially, noradrenaline on the working day were higher than those found in earlier studies among professional drivers and insufficient recovery took place after the work was ended. The only association between excretion rate on the working day and work stressors was found for noradrenaline and physical workload. The drivers' sympathoadrenal medullary reactivity to everyday work demands shows the characteristics of sustained activation.
Effect of dietary intake of trimethylamine on human metabolism of the industrial catalyst dimethylethylamine.
Authors: Lundh T , Akesson B , Skerfving S
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--The aim was to study the effect of trimethylamine (TMA) on the metabolism of the industrial catalyst dimethylethylamine (DMEA) to ascertain whether biological monitoring of industrial exposure to DMEA is compromised and excretion of the malodorous DMEA in sweat and urine is increased by dietary intake of TMA. METHODS--DMEA (0/25 mg) and TMA (0/300/600 mg) were given simultaneously once weekly for six weeks to five healthy volunteers. Plasma was collected before and one hour after the doses, and urine 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, and 8-24 hours after the doses. Specimens were analysed by gas chromatography with a nitrogen sensitive detector. RESULTS--Both amines were readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and excreted in urine within 24 hours (DMEA 80%; TMA 86%). Oral intake of TMA increased the DMEA content of plasma and urine dose dependently, although there were large individual differences. Plasma and urinary TMA concentrations also increased, but not dose dependently. Moreover, the findings suggested the formation of endogenous TMA, little dealkylation of DMEA and TMA, and considerable first-pass metabolism. CONCLUSIONS--Although intake of TMA reduced N-oxygenation of DMEA and TMA, total urinary DMEA values (aggregate of DMEA and its oxide DMEAO excretion) were unaffected. Thus, monitoring occupational exposure to DMEA by analysis of biological specimens is not confounded by dietary intake of TMA, provided that total urinary DMEA is monitored. Although the increased urinary and hidrotic excretion of DMEA may contribute to body odour problems, they were primarily due to TMA excretion, which is much the greater.
Evaluation of lead exposure in workers at a lead-acid battery factory in Korea: with focus on activity of erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase (P5N).
Authors: Kim Y , Harada K , Ohmori S , Lee B K , Miura H , Ueda A
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--To evaluate lead exposure among lead-acid battery workers in Korea, to evaluate in more detail the erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase (P5N) test for lead exposure, and to evaluate the abnormal accumulation of erythrocyte pyrimidine nucleotides in the battery workers. METHODS--Activity of P5N and other biological variables were examined in 66 exposed workers in a lead-acid battery factory and in 26 non-exposed workers in Korea. RESULTS--At the factory the time-weighted average of 13 (72%) of 18 air samples for lead exceeded 0.05 (range 0.012-0.468) mg/m3. Blood lead concentration (PbB) in 39 of the 66 exposed workers was above 40 micrograms/dl, and the mean (SD) PbB in the exposed group was 45.7 (15.7) micrograms/dl. Compared with the nonexposed group, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin in the exposed group was significantly increased, whereas erythrocyte P5N activity and activity of erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) were significantly inhibited. Erythrocyte P5N activity had valid correlation biologically with PbB and with other biological variables, such as ALAD activity. In 28 exposed workers, the concentration of erythrocyte pyrimidine nucleotides (uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucose and cytidine 5'-triphosphate) correlated inversely with P5N activity and positively with PbB. CONCLUSIONS--These findings show that the depression of erythrocyte P5N activity by lead exposure results in the accumulation of erythrocyte pyrimidine nucleotides. In general, the standard analysis of PbB performed in laboratories around the world remains the most useful index of recent exposure. The results indicate that the erythrocyte P5N activity test provides supporting evidence of lead exposure and shows the effect of lead on nucleotide metabolism.
Factors affecting recognition of cancer risks of nuclear workers.
Authors: Kneale G W , Stewart A M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--To discover whether direct estimates of the risks of cancer for nuclear workers agree with indirect estimates based on survivors of the atomic bomb; whether relations between age at exposure and risk of cancer are the same for workers and survivors, and whether dosimetry standards are sufficiently uniform to allow pooling of data from different nuclear industrial sites. METHOD--Data from five nuclear sites in the United States were included in a cohort analysis that as well as controlling for all the usual factors also allowed for possible effects of three cancer modulating factors (exposure age, cancer latency, and year of exposure). This analysis was first applied to three distinct cohorts, and then to two sets of pooled data. RESULTS--From each study cohort there was evidence of a risk of cancer related to dose, and evidence that the extra radiogenic cancers had the same overall histological manifestations as naturally occurring cancers and were largely the result of exposures after 50 years of age causing deaths after 70 years. There were, however, significant differences between the five sets of risk estimates. CONCLUSIONS--Although the risks of cancer in nuclear workers were appreciably higher than estimates based on the cancer experiences of survivors of the atomic bomb, some uncertainties remained as there were non-uniform standards of dosimetry in the nuclear sites. The differences between nuclear workers and survivors of the atomic bomb were largely the result of relations between age at exposure and risk of cancer being totally different for workers and survivors and, in the occupational data, there were no signs of the special risks of leukaemia found in atomic bomb data and other studies of effects of high doses.
Symptoms of the musculoskeletal system and exposure to magnetic fields in an aluminium plant.
Authors: Moen B E , Drabløs P A , Pedersen S , Sjøen M , Thommesen G
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--The study was performed to examine the influence of the exposure to magnetic fields in the potrooms of an electrolysis plant on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among the employees. The study was performed after much discussion and worry in the aluminium industry about this issue. METHODS--A retrospective cohort study was performed at an aluminium plant. The occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms registered at health controls performed by the occupational health care unit in 1986 and 1991 was assessed from employees exposed to magnetic fields in the potrooms (n = 342) and from a control group (n = 277). The data were collected before the discussion about the effects of magnetic fields started. The exposure to static magnetic fields was found to be 3-20 mT inside the potrooms. Ripple components (alternating currents (AC fields)) were registered as well. RESULTS--No difference between the exposed and unexposed groups was found for the reported musculoskeletal symptoms in 1986 or in 1991. CONCLUSIONS--There seems to be no relation between work in potrooms with exposure to static magnetic fields and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Evaluation of biomarkers for occupational exposure to benzene.
Authors: Ong C N , Kok P W , Lee B L , Shi C Y , Ong H Y , Chia K S , Lee C S , Luo X W
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--To evaluate the relations between environmental benzene concentrations and various biomarkers of exposure to benzene. METHODS--Analyses were carried out on environmental air, unmetabolised benzene in urine, trans, trans-muconic acid (ttMA), and three major phenolic metabolites of benzene; catechol, hydroquinone, and phenol, in two field studies on 64 workers exposed to benzene concentrations from 0.12 to 68 ppm, the time weighted average (TWA). Forty nonexposed subjects were also investigated. RESULTS--Among the five urinary biomarkers studied, ttMA correlated best with environmental benzene concentration (correlation coefficient, r = 0.87). When urinary phenolic metabolites were compared with environmental benzene, hydroquinone correlated best with benzene in air. No correlation was found between unmetabolised benzene in urine and environmental benzene concentrations. The correlation coefficients for environmental benzene and end of shift catechol, hydroquinone, and phenol were 0.30, 0.70, and 0.66, respectively. Detailed analysis, however, suggests that urinary phenol was not a specific biomarker for exposure below 5 ppm. In contrast, ttMA and hydroquinone seemed to be specific and sensitive even at concentrations of below 1 ppm. Although unmetabolised benzene in urine showed good correlation with atmospheric benzene (r = 0.50, P < 0.05), data were insufficient to suggest that it is a useful biomarker for exposure to low concentrations of benzene. The results from the present study also showed that both ttMA and hydroquinone were able to differentiate the background level found in subjects not occupationally exposed and those exposed to less than 1 ppm of benzene. This suggests that these two biomarkers are useful indices for monitoring low concentrations of benzene. Furthermore, these two metabolites are known to be involved in bone marrow leukaemogenesis, their applications in biological monitoring could thus be important in risk assessment. CONCLUSION--The good correlations between ttMA, hydroquinone, and atmospheric benzene, even at concentrations of less than 1 ppm, suggest that they are sensitive and specific biomarkers for benzene exposure.
In vivo models of occupational asthma due to low molecular weight chemicals
Authors: Hayes J P , Taylor A J Newman
Published: December 2008

The aim was to review the development of in vivo models of asthma due to low molecular weight chemicals, in particular, those aspects that may be important to the understanding of occupational asthma in humans.
Prediction equations for balance measured as sway speed by head tracking with eyes open and closed.
Authors: Kilburn K H , Thornton J C
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--To provide prediction equations for balance measured as sway speed, a population of randomly selected subjects was used as a model. METHODS--265 subjects were selected from voter registration rolls in Arizona and Louisiana, USA. For validation these predicted values were compared with observed values obtained from a second population in California, USA. RESULTS--Sway speed with eyes open as a natural logarithm was: 1n (open) = -0.248333 -0.009634 x age +0.000164 x age2 and sway speed with eyes closed was: 1n (closed) = -0.585707 -0.023074 x age +0.000315 x age2 + 0.038496 x height (cm) CONCLUSIONS--The natural logarithm of balance with the eyes open was related to age by both linear and quadratic functions. Additionally with the eyes closed balance was dependent on height. These equations can be used to predict performance of groups being studied for effects of noise and chemicals. To define abnormality of individual subjects the predicted value plus 1.5 SDs could be used.
Predictors of spirometric test failure: a comparison of the 1983 and 1993 acceptability criteria from the European Community for Coal and Steel.
Authors: Humerfelt S , Eide G E , Kvåle G , Gulsvik A
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--To identify, in this general population study, predictors of spirometric test failure on the 1983 and 1993 acceptability criteria from the European Community for Coal and Steel (ECCS). METHODS--All men aged 30-46 years living in western Norway (n = 45,380) were invited to join a cross sectional community survey. Respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and marital status were found from self administered questionnaires, and measurements of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were performed with dry wedge bellow spirometers. RESULTS--Altogether 29,611 subjects (65%) participated in this survey. Spirometric recordings were obtained in 26,803 of these (91%) of whom 1.6% failed the 1983 criterion (< or = 300 ml between the two highest FVC values) and 9.5% failed the 1993 criteria (< or = 5% or 100 ml between the two highest FEV1 and the two highest FVC values). Spirometric failures on both criteria were more prevalent in never smokers, single men, and subjects with respiratory symptoms than in ever smokers, married, and asymptomatic subjects. Failure of the 1993 criteria increased with age and declining height. Morning cough and phlegm, breathlessness uphill, attacks of breathlessness, and wheezing were related to failure of the 1993 criteria after adjustment for demographic variables and smoking, whereas only breathlessness uphill was related to failure of the 1983 criterion. CONCLUSIONS--In men aged 30-46 years, spirometric test failures on both the 1983 and 1993 ECCS acceptability criteria occurred more often in never smokers than in smokers and ex-smokers after adjustment for other covariables. Spirometric test failure with the 1993 criteria also varied with height and most respiratory symptoms. The higher failure rates found in non-smokers, in shorter, and in single men could be due to late compression of the airways, smaller lung volumes, and poor general health, respectively.
Contrasting geographical distribution of mortality from pneumoconiosis and chronic bronchitis and emphysema in British coal miners.
Authors: Coggon D , Inskip H , Winter P , Pannett B
Published: December 2008

To explore whether the characteristics of coal mine dust that predispose to chronic airways obstruction are the same as those associated with pneumoconiosis, mortality from the two disease was compared in coal miners in 22 counties of England and Wales during 1979-80 and 1982-90. The proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) for coal workers' pneumoconiosis varied from 135 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 16-488) in Leicestershire to 3825 (95% CI 1538-7881) in South Glamorgan. The PMRs for chronic bronchitis and emphysema were consistently higher than those in other occupations, but showed much less geographical variation and did not correlate geographically with those for pneumoconiosis. These findings indicate that the pathogenetic mechanisms by which coal mine dust causes chronic bronchitis and emphysema depend on different features of the dust from those producing pneumoconiosis. Also, they suggest that current social security regulations in Britain, which require evidence of pneumoconiosis as a condition of compensation for chronic bronchitis and emphysema in coal miners, may discriminate unfairly against claimants from some regions.
How have Zambian businesses reacted to the HIV epidemic?
Authors: Baggaley R , Godfrey-Faussett P , Msiska R , Chilangwa D , Chitu E , Porter J , Kelly M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--To evaluate the impact of HIV on businesses in Zambia and to assess attitudes towards HIV and HIV education in the workplace. METHODS--The personnel managers of 33 companies with a total workforce of 10,204 in Lusaka and in towns in the Copperbelt were visited by two members of the study team. The study was discussed and a questionnaire about the impact of HIV on their company was explained and left for completion from company records. RESULTS--All 33 questionnaires were returned. HIV was recognised to be a problem by 30 companies questioned. Seven said that it had affected recruitment and 11 production. 23 companies carried out pre-employment medicals. 17 companies demanded that some or all of their employees had an HIV test before employment. Nine companies were sure that a positive HIV test would prevent employment, 15 were unsure saying that there was no particular company policy. Two companies had recently changed their policy and had stopped discriminating against those with HIV. 12 companies had some HIV educational material available for their employees and five had someone (or an organisation that they used) to whom they could refer employees for HIV information and advice. Condoms were provided free to staff by five of the companies. All thought that HIV education in the workplace was an appropriate intervention. Mortality data showed a sevenfold increase in the crude mortality from 0.25-1.8 per 100 person-years from 1987-93, and an increasing trend in reported deaths from AIDS and HIV related conditions. CONCLUSIONS--HIV is having an important impact in the workplace in urban Zambia. Although many companies insist on pre-employment medicals, often including HIV testing, few have developed policies relating to test results. Some companies have instituted HIV education but there is a demand for this service to be available more widely. There has been a striking increase in mortalities in this working population, which seems likely to be related to HIV, although the cause of most deaths was not recorded.
Oilseed rape and bronchial reactivity.
Authors: Soutar A , Harker C , Seaton A , Packe G
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--To investigate atopy and changes in symptoms, peak flow rate, and bronchial reactivity in people complaining of symptoms during the oilseed rape flowering season. METHODS--37 people who had given positive answers to questions about the presence of symptoms in relation to the flowering season of oilseed rape and 24 controls with no such symptoms were studied, although not all took part in all parts of the study. All had been previously identified in a cross sectional survey of a random sample of a rural population. Atopy was assessed by means of skin prick tests, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and radioallergosorbent test (RAST) assays. Bronchial reactivity (PC20) was measured by histamine challenge. Total IgE and bronchial reactivity were measured both before and during the oilseed rape flowering season. Day to day changes were monitored by subjects who kept a record of their symptoms and peak flow morning and evening, starting before the flowering season and continuing during it and into the grass pollen season. RESULTS--Only two cases, of 23 tested, showed evidence of allergy to oilseed rape and only 10 of 23 tested, including these two, were atopic. Eye, nasal, and headache symptoms increased in the season in cases, which validated the questionnaire used in the previous cross sectional survey. 12 of 16 cases tested and seven of 15 controls showed a seasonal fall in PC20; the fall in the cases was significantly greater than in the controls. Peak flow charts showed no evidence of fall or of increased variability during the season. CONCLUSIONS--People who complained of symptoms in relation to the flowering of oilseed rape were rarely allergic to the plant and fewer than half were atopic. Nevertheless, they usually showed increased bronchial reactivity during the season, which may have been due in some cases to other allergens but in others to non-specific irritant effects of the air. Whether these are due to chemicals released by the crop, to rising summer ozone levels, or to other factors remains unclear.
Work related distal airway obstruction in an agricultural population.
Authors: Vergnenegre A , D'arco X , Melloni B , Antonini M T , Courat C , Dupont-Cuisinier M , Bonnaud F
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--To assess the prevalence of distal airway obstruction and its risk factors in agricultural areas. METHODS--A cross sectional study of respiratory symptoms and lung function was performed among French farmers and their spouses (1122 subjects) who came for preventive medicine examinations. They answered a respiratory questionnaire and performed pulmonary function tests on a portable spirometer. Diagnoses of chronic bronchitis were made on the basis of reported chronic respiratory symptoms. Airway obstruction was determined from predicted values. Odds ratio (OR) and linear regression coefficients were calculated after stratification by smoking and history of cardiac and other respiratory diseases. RESULTS--Of respiratory symptoms prevalence of chronic cough was 8.47%, and chronic bronchitis 7.66%. Prevalence of distal airway obstruction was 11.4%, and overall airflow obstruction 3.2%. Smokers were 20.2% men, and 5.7% women. Linear regressions showed high association between pack-years in smokers or exsmokers and forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/VC) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75). In non-smokers without any history of cardiac or respiratory diseases, age and the size of farms had the highest correlations with these variables. OR for distal airway obstruction was 2.1 in subjects > 50 years old v the younger ones and 3.02 in the smaller farms v the larger ones. CONCLUSION--After stratification by smoking and history of cardiac and respiratory diseases, distal airway obstruction is present in agricultural areas. The age, and the size of farm are the highest respiratory risk factors in non-smokers.
Association of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (estimated from job category) with concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide in urine from workers at a steel plant.
Authors: Kang D , Rothman N , Cho S H , Lim H S , Kwon H J , Kim S M , Schwartz B , Strickland P T
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--Increased risk of lung cancer has been associated with employment in the steel industry. This association is thought to be due in part to increased concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air found in this work environment. Measurement of PAH metabolites in human urine provides a means of assessing individual internal dose of PAHs. This study examined the relative contribution of occupation and smoking to urinary concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide (1-OHPG) among a group of workers at a steel plant. METHODS--Concentrations of 1-OHPG in urine from 44 workers with jobs associated with increased air concentrations of PAHs and 40 workers with jobs with low or no exposure to PAHs were measured. 20 workers in each group were not current smokers. Urinary 1-OHPG was measured by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy after immunoaffinity chromatography specific for PAH metabolites. RESULTS--Mean (SEM) urinary 1-OHPG concentration was 2.16 (0.42) pmol/ml urine among the 44 occupationally exposed workers compared with 0.38 (0.05) among the 40 workers with no or low exposure (P < 0.0001). Mean urinary 1-OHPG concentration was 1.82 (0.41) pmol/ml urine among the 44 current smokers compared with 0.75 (0.20) among the 40 non-smokers (P < 0.005). Mean 1-OHPG concentrations in non-smokers were 0.26 (n = 20), 0.70 (n = 15), and 2.84 pmol/ml urine (n = 5) for strata of exposure to PAHs (no or low, mid, and high) based on job category; the corresponding values in smokers were 0.55 (n = 20), 0.94 (n = 12), and 4.91 pmol/ml (n = 12), respectively. Multiple linear regression showed significant differences between subjects in different PAH exposure with increased concentrations of 1-OHPG in urine. Amounts of foods containing PAHs ingested by this group of workers were relatively low and did not contribute significantly to urinary 1-OHPG concentrations. CONCLUSIONS--These results indicate that 1-OHPG is a common urinary metabolite in people with recent occupational exposure to PAHs and is associated with both job category and estimated stratum of PAH exposure.
Risk of gastric cancer in pneumoconiotic coal miners and the effect of respiratory impairment.
Authors: Swaen G M , Meijers J M , Slangen J J
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--This study was carried out to investigate the mortality patterns in a group of 3790 coal miners. The study population had abnormal chest x ray films at a routine medical examination that was performed in the 1950s. METHODS--The total group of 3790 coal miners were followed up for mortality up to 1 January 1992. Causes of death, determined and coded at time of death, were traced with help from the Central Bureau of Statistics. RESULTS--Total mortality in this group of coal miners with abnormal chest x ray films was significantly higher than expected (SMR 127.1, 95% CI 122.5-131.6), mainly a reflection of the increase in mortality from non-malignant respiratory disease (SMR 411.0, 95% CI 382.3-441.3). Mortality from gastric cancer was also significantly increased (SMR 147.5, 95% CI 122.3-176.3). This risk of mortality from gastric cancer was confined to workers with no pneumoconiosis or only a mild form. Despite the strong relation to duration of employment and pneumoconiosis the group of workers with more severe manifestations of pneumoconiosis did not experience an excess in mortality from gastric cancer. CONCLUSION--This study confirms the earlier reported risk of gastric cancer in coal miners. Also it confirms the hypothesis that this risk of gastric cancer is limited to workers with a mild degree of pneumoconiosis or none. In workers with severe forms of pneumoconiosis the pulmonary clearance system is impaired in such a way that the inhaled coal dust does not reach the digestive tract.
Biological monitoring of exposure to benzene: a comparison between S-phenylmercapturic acid, trans,trans-muconic acid, and phenol.
Authors: Boogaard P J , van Sittert N J
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--Comparison of the suitability of two minor urinary metabolites of benzene, trans,trans-muconic acid (tt-MA) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), as biomarkers for low levels of benzene exposure. METHODS--The sensitivity of analytical methods of measuring tt-MA and S-PMA were improved and applied to 434 urine samples collected from 188 workers in 12 studies in different petrochemical industries and from 52 control workers with no occupational exposure to benzene. In nine studies airborne benzene concentrations were assessed by personal air monitoring. RESULTS--Strong correlations were found between tt-MA and S-PMA concentrations in samples from the end of the shift and between either of these variables and airborne benzene concentrations. It was calculated that exposure to 1 ppm (8 hour time weighted average (TWA)) benzene leads to an average concentration of 1.7 mg tt-MA and 47 micrograms S-PMA/g creatinine in samples from the end of the shift. It was estimated that, on average, 3.9% (range 1.9%-7.3%) of an inhaled dose of benzene was excreted as tt-MA with an apparent elimination half life of 5.0 (SD 2.3) hours and 0.11% (range 0.05%-0.26%) as S-PMA with a half life of 9.1 (SD 3.7) hours. The mean urinary S-PMA in 14 moderate smokers and 38 non-smokers was 3.61 and 1.99 micrograms/g creatinine, respectively and the mean urinary tt-MA was 0.058 and 0.037 mg/g creatinine, respectively. S-PMA proved to be more specific and more sensitive (P = 0.030, Fisher's exact test) than tt-MA. S-PMA, but not tt-MA, was always detectable in the urine of smokers who were not occupationally exposed. S-PMA was also detectable in 20 of the 38 non-smokers from the control group whereas tt-MA was detectable in only nine of these samples. The inferior specificity of tt-MA is due to relatively high background values (up to 0.71 mg/g creatinine in this study) that may be found in non-occupationally exposed people. CONCLUSIONS--Although both tt-MA and S-PMA are sensitive biomarkers, only S-PMA allows reliable determination of benzene exposures down to 0.3 ppm (8 h TWA) due to its superior specificity. Because it has a longer elimination half life S-PMA is also a more reliable biomarker than tt-MA for benzene exposures during 12 hour shifts. For biological monitoring of exposure to benzene concentrations higher than 1 ppm (8 h TWA) tt-MA is also suitable and may even be preferred due to its greater ease of measurement.
A mortality study of electrical utility workers in Québec.
Authors: Baris D , Armstrong B G , Deadman J , Thériault G
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--The objective of this study was to investigate the mortality of electrical utility workers exposed to electric and magnetic fields. METHODS--A historical cohort mortality study was carried out on 21,744 workers who were employed in an electrical company in the province of Québec between 1970 and 1988. The last job held by each study subject was coded. A job exposure matrix (JEM) was used to estimate the exposure to 60 Hz electric and magnetic fields, and pulsed electromagnetic fields (as recorded by the PEMF (POSITRON) meter) in this job. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated relative to Québec men. Because the exposure was exclusively among blue collar workers, the remainder of the analyses by exposure were restricted to them. Rate ratios (RRs) in the exposed groups relative to the background groups were estimated with Poisson regression. There were 1582 deaths by the end of follow up. RESULTS--SMRs were almost all below one and never substantially increased, although there were a few increased rate ratios (RRs). There was a significant RR of 2.00 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.37-2.93) for deaths caused by accidents and violence in workers exposed to magnetic fields, RR of 1.82 (95% CI 1.25-2.65) for electric fields, and RR of 1.62 (95% CI 1.13-2.32) for pulsed electromagnetic fields. Occupational accidents related to power lines explain some of the excess of deaths from accidents and violence. Some association was found between magnetic fields and leukaemia, brain cancer, and suicide, between electric fields and brain cancer and suicide, and between pulsed electromagnetic fields and lung cancer, but these were not significant. CONCLUSION--These results are broadly reassuring that major causes of death are not strongly associated with exposure to electric and magnetic fields, but small numbers and approximate exposure assessments preclude the denial of any risk, in particular if it were to affect a rare cause of death.
Health complaints and working conditions experienced in relation to work and age.
Authors: Broersen J P , de Zwart B C , van Dijk F J , Meijman T F , van Veldhoven M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES--The main objective is to describe the potential health and work problems of the aging employees in the Dutch working population. In this way, we can identify groups at extra risk of specific health problems. METHODS--In The Netherlands, occupational health services gather questionnaire data about work and health as part of periodical occupational health surveys (POHSs). These data from the POHSs of complaints about health and working conditions, aggregated into occupational groups and age categories, are used to provide indications for groups at extra risk of specific health problems. These problems are assessed by overviews of the relation between age and complaints about health and working conditions. RESULTS--Almost all of the health questions show an increase in health complaints with increasing age. White collar workers, especially the high grade white collar workers, usually have lower complaint percentages on health questions than blue collar workers. Female employees have relatively high complaint percentages on the health questions. Differences between occupational groups in the complaints about work and working conditions reflect the differences in work demands and exposure. The relation between age and work complaints is generally inconsistent and weak. The complaint percentages on work questions of female employees tend to be equal to or lower than those of the male employees. CONCLUSIONS--The absence of a clear increase of work complaints with advancing age in the presence of a decrease in health and working capacity may be explained by a selective turnover in the working population, especially in demanding occupations. To enhance the work participation of older employees it may be necessary to reduce the work demands and to increase decision latitude.
Assessment of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in engine rooms by measurement of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene.
Authors: Moen B E , Nilsson R , Nordlinder R , Ovrebø S , Bleie K , Skorve A H , Hollund B E
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: Machinists have an increased risk of lung cancer and bladder cancer, and this may be caused by exposure to carcinogenic compounds such as asbestos and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the engine room. The aim of this study was to investigate the exposure of engine room personnel to PAHs, with 1-hydroxypyrene in urine as a biomarker. METHODS: Urine samples from engine room personnel (n = 51) on 10 ships arriving in different harbours were collected, as well as urine samples from a similar number of unexposed controls (n = 47) on the same ships. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene was quantitatively measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The exposure to PAHs was estimated by a questionnaire answered by the engine room personnel. On two ships, air monitoring of PAHs in the engine room was performed at sea. Both personal monitoring and area monitoring were performed. The compounds were analysed by gas chromatography of two types (with a flame ionisation detector and with a mass spectrometer). RESULTS: Significantly more 1-hydroxypyrene was found in urine of personnel who had been working in the engine room for the past 24 hours, than in that of the unexposed seamen. The highest concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene were found among engine room personnel who had experienced oil contamination of the skin during their work in the engine room. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed a significant relation between the concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene, smoking, and estimated exposure to PAHs. No PAHs were detected in the air samples. CONCLUSION: Engine room personnel who experience skin exposure to oil and oil products are exposed to PAHs during their work. This indicates that dermal uptake of PAHs is the major route of exposure.
Exposure to nickel compounds and smoking in relation to incidence of lung and nasal cancer among nickel refinery workers.
Authors: Andersen A , Berge S R , Engeland A , Norseth T
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relation between occupational hazards among nickel refinery workers and their exposure to different forms of nickel over time and the interaction between smoking and total exposure to nickel. METHODS: The cohort consisted of 379 workers with first employment 1916-40 and at least three years of employment and 4385 workers with at least one year of employment 1946-83. Data on smoking (ever or never) were available for almost 95% of the cohort. Two analyses were used, indirect standardisation from observed and expected numbers and Poisson regression. RESULTS: During the follow up 1953-93, 203 new cases of lung cancer were observed v 68 expected (standardised incidence ratio (SIR) 3.0, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.6-3.4) and 32 cases of nasal cancer were observed v 1.8 expected (SIR 18.0, 95% CI 12-25). The Poisson regression analysis showed an excess risk of lung cancer in association with exposure to soluble forms of nickel, with a threefold increase in relative risk (RR) (P < 0.001) and a multiplicative effect of smoking and exposure to nickel. The RRs were 1.1 (95% CI 0.2-5.1) for exposed workers who had never smoked and 5.1 (95% CI 1.3-20.5) for exposed workers who smoked. CONCLUSION: It is not possible to state with certainty which specific nickel compounds are carcinogenic, but a significant excess risk was found for workers exposed to soluble nickel alone or in combination with other forms of nickel. The present study suggests a multiplicative effect of smoking and nickel exposure.
Symptoms and cholinesterase activity among rural residents living near cotton fields in Nicaragua.
Authors: Keifer M , Rivas F , Moon J D , Checkoway H
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether symptoms resulted from pesticide spray drift on residentially exposed populations in rural Nicaragua. METHODS: 100 residents, each 10 years of age or older, were randomly selected from a Nicaraguan community surrounded by actively sprayed cotton fields (the exposed community) and from a socioeconomically similar community far from agricultural spraying (the control community). Subjects working with pesticides were excluded, and the study was conducted at the end of the 1990 cotton spraying season (August-December). Demographic information, exposure questions, and prevalence of 11 acute symptoms and 17 chronic symptoms were gathered from a structured interview. Finger stick erythrocyte cholinesterase (AChE) was measured with a portable colorimeter. Acute symptoms were grouped according to their previously known associations with cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors into four ordinal categories (asymptomatic, non-specific, possible, probable). RESULTS: Residents from the exposed community were significantly more likely to report recently sighting a spray plane near their community, exposure to pesticide from drift, crossing recently sprayed fields, eating home grown food, and feeling ill after drift exposure. The mean AChE value was significantly lower for residents of the exposed community (4.9 v 5.3 IU/dl). The proportion of subjects complaining of one or more chronic or acute symptoms was significantly higher for the exposed community (87%) than for the controls (53%). Odds ratios for residents in the exposed community, by symptom categories, were non-specific 1.6 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0-8 to 3.2), possible 4.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 10.2), and probable 9.93 (95% CI 2-9 to 34.4). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate a strong association between exposure to aerial pesticides and symptoms. This study should be replicated with more quantitative exposure measures, for if confirmed, the results have relevance for millions in rural communities worldwide.