bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality and cancer morbidity in workers exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride monomer at a polyvinyl chloride processing plant
Authors: Hagmar Lars , Kesson Bengt , Nielsen Jsrn , Andersson Christina , Lindan Katarina , Attewell Robyn , Muller Torgil
Published: April 2007

To study whether exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) causes increased risk for cancer morbidity and death from ischemic heart disease, a cohort study was performed among 2,031 male workers at a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing plant who had been employed for at least 3 months during the period 1945–1980. An almost significantly increased total mortality (SMR = 116, 95% CI99‐136) was found. Deaths caused by violence or intoxication were significantly increased (SMR = 153, 95% CI 109‐213), but not deaths from ischemic heart disease (SMR = 100, 95% CI 73‐135). A significant increase in total cancer morbidity was observed (SMR = 128, 95% CI 101‐161). Respiratory cancers were significantly increased (SMR = 213, 95% CI 127‐346). Furthermore, six brain tumors (vs. 2.6 expected) were observed. This increase, however, was not significant (SMR = 229, 95% CI 84‐498). No liver hemangiosarcoma was observed. Applying a latency period of 10 years from start of employment did not change the risk patterns. There were no significant exposure‐response associations between exposure estimates for VCM, asbestos, and plasticizers and cancer morbidity.
Prevalence of pneumonoconiosis among coal and heavy metal miners in zimbabwe
Authors: Cullen Mark R. , Baloyi Rabelan S.
Published: April 2007

No prevalence data on pneumonoconiosis among Zimbabwe's 30,000 miners have been available. Passage of a 1984 law requiring examination of all miners has provided a data base to assess this, but the records had not been previously evaluated or stored in a manner to facilitate this. In 1988 we developed a strategy to utilize the existing records to estimate cross‐sectional rates rapidly. In this report, we describe the approach and demonstrate high rates of simple pneumonoconiosis among long‐term workers in the coal, nickel, copper, and gold mines. These data, though limited, provide a rationale for more detailed investigations in these workforces and an impetus to establish an ongoing surveillance plan for the nation's miners.
But they are not thresholds: A critical analysis of the documentation of threshold limit values
Authors: Roach S. A. , Rappaport S. M.
Published: April 2007

Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) represent conditions under which the TLV Committee of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) believes that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect. A detailed research was made of the references in the 1976 Documentation to data on “industrial experience” and “experimental human studies.” The references, sorted for those including both the incidence of adverse effects and the corresponding exposure, yielded 158 paired sets of data. Upon analysis it was found that, where the exposure was at or below the TLV, only a minority of studies showed no adverse effects (11 instances) and the remainder indicated that up to 100% of those exposed had been affected (8 instances of 100%). Although, the TLVs were poorly correlated with the incidence of adverse effects, a surprisingly strong correlation was found between the TLVs and the exposures reported in the corresponding studies cited in the Documentation. Upon repeating the search of references to human experience, at or below the TLVs, listed in the more recent, 1986 edition of the Documentation, a very similar picture has emerged from the 72 sets of clear data which were found. Again, only a minority of studies showed no adverse effects and TLVs were poorly correlated with the incidence of adverse effect and well correlated with the measured exposure. Finally, a careful analysis revealed that authors' conclusions in the references (cited in the 1976 Documentation) regarding exposure‐response relationships at or below the TLVs were generally found to be at odds with the conclusions of the TLV Committee. These findings suggest that those TLVs which are justified on the basis of “industrial experience” are not based purely upon health considerations. Rather, those TLVs appear to reflect the levels of exposure which were perceived at the time to be achievable in industry. Thus, ACGIH TLVs may represent guides of levels which have been achieved, but they are certainly not thresholds.
Occupational health services for farmers
Authors: Emanuel Dean A. , Draves D. L. , Nycz G. R.
Published: April 2007

There are many unmet health needs in the farming community, needs that are peculiar to the agriculture industry. Health research and regulations to protect the safety of the farmer have lagged far behind those for other sectors of our economy. At a time when health needs are increasing, there is a decreasing availability of hospitals, physicians, nurses, and other health care personnel. The ability of the rural section to pay for these services is also declining. The evidence calls for a multifaceted solution, with improved cooperation and understanding on the part of the consumer as well as the provider. The regional health network is one system that may help solve some of these dilemmas.
National surveillance of occupational fatalities in agriculture
Authors: Myers John R.
Published: April 2007

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. Although estimates vary, all reporting agencies show agriculture having an occupational fatality rate three to five times higher than that of the general private sector. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Division of Safety Research's National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) data base monitors occupational fatal injuries in all industries in the United States through death certificates. Uniform case‐selection criteria are applied nationwide. NTOF shows that for the years 1980 through 1985, agriculture had a work‐related fatality rate of 20.7 deaths per 100,000 workers compared with 7.9 deaths per 100,000 workers for the private sector U.S. work force. Age‐specific rates indicate that the risk of a fatal occupational injury increases with age for agricultural workers. Workers over 64 years old have an average annual rate of 55.7 deaths per 100,000 workers. Other uses of the surveillance system, as well as its limitations, are discussed.
Injury surveillance in agriculture
Authors: Gunderson Paul , Gerberich Susan , Gibson Robert , Adlis Susan , Carr Peter , Erdman Art , Elkington Jane , French Ronald , Melton Joseph , True Jack
Published: April 2007

Information on agricultural trauma is limited and difficult to find. Planning for effective prevention strategies and evaluation is compromised by lack of a good surveillance system. Several agencies and organizations have provided some data. Although their summation is at best an approximation of the real situation, a critical review of current data bases is presented. The literature is also reviewed attempting to characterize agricultural trauma. This characterization was classified into: 1) case descriptions, 2) reviews of general articles on the hazards of farming, and 3) descriptive surveys of agricultural injuries. A summary of the available literature still leaves a rather superficial understanding of the entire injury picture. A new approach to surveillance is necessary to overcome past deficiencies. A combined modality approach is suggested, utilizing on‐site survey, mail survey, telephone interviewing, and medical record verification. Trial applications of two such systems in Minnesota are described.
Surveillance of fatal and non‐fatal farm injuries in Kentucky
Authors: Stallones Lorann
Published: April 2007

This report describes one approach to establish a surveillance method of farm injuries. The surveillance system is designed to be used to evaluate ongoing prevention activities related to education, training, and equipment design. To define the subset of information to be included in a surveillance system, existing data were analyzed. The mortality data were death certificates and the morbidity data were from the Farm Accident Survey conducted in 1978, (National Safety Council forms and sampling design). Limitations of the data currently available are discussed; information needs for an agricultural injury surveillance system are presented.
Practical aspects of sampling for organic dusts and microorganisms
Authors: Morey Philip R.
Published: April 2007

Air sampling for organic dusts and microorganisms was carried out in silos when moldy silage was discarded through the discharge chute. Concentrations of respirable dust and airborne viable microorganisms exceeded 20 mg/m3 and 1 × 109/m3, respectively, when dry silage was removed from silos. Much lower concentrations of dust and microorganisms were present when wet silage was discarded. Impinger and filter cassette samplers were equally effective in collecting the hardy spores present in silage dusts.
Methodologic issues in exposure assessment for case‐control studies of cancer and herbicides
Authors: Blair Aaron , Zahm Sheila Hoar
Published: April 2007

Epidemiologic studies of cancer and exposure to herbicides have shown puzzling inconsistencies. Exposure‐response gradients have been reported for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in Sweden and Kansas, but no significant associations were seen in New Zealand or Washington State. Subjects in these studies were categorized by exposure using information obtained primarily by interview. A number of questions can be raised regarding the reliability and validity of such an exposure assessment. We examined procedures used to assess pesticide exposures in case‐control studies of cancer to evaluate their limitations and their probable effects on risk estimates. Except for case recall bias, problems of misclassification in these studies would tend to bias risk estimates toward the null and dilute exposure‐response gradients. These problems are, therefore, unlikely explanations for the positive associations between cancer and herbicide use noted in some investigations. A tendency for false‐negative findings, however, is not reassuring, and improvements in exposure assessment are needed if epidemiologic investigations are to continue to provide reliable information on the relationships of cancer and pesticide exposure.
Effects of organophosphate insecticide residue variability on reentry intervals
Authors: Popendorf William J.
Published: April 2007

A stochastic simulation program was written to study the importance of residue variability in predicting excessive chronic (seasonal) cholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and acute illness among a cohort of agricultural harvesters grouped into crews exposed to AChE‐inhibiting insecticides. It was concluded that residue variability can substantially affect the cohort's AChE level only for daily mean AChE inhibitions below 4% per day, increasing end‐of‐season mean AChE inhibition but actually decreasing the cohort's end‐of‐season variability. The incidence of acute individual and group (crew) AChE inhibitions in excess of that potentially producing clinical symptoms (assumed herein to be >50% in a day), exhibits a fairly clear boundary as a function of a combination of the residue's mean and deviation. The predicted acute response accurately parallelled reported rates, thus validating the simulation model.
Noise‐induced hearing loss in randomly selected New York dairy farmers
Authors: May John J. , Marvel Matthew , Regan Margaret , Marvel Laura H. , Pratt David S.
Published: April 2007

To understand better the effects of noise levels associated with dairy farming, we randomly selected 49 full‐time dairy farmers from an established cohort. Medical and occupational histories were taken and standard audiometric testing was done. Forty‐six males (94%) and three females (6%) with a mean age of 43.5 (±13) years and an average of 29.4 (±14) years in farming were tested. Pure Tone Average thresholds (PTA4) at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kHz plus High Frequency Average thresholds (HFA3) at 3.0, 4.0, and 6.0 kHz were calculated. Subjects with a loss of ≥20 db in either ear were considered abnormal. Eighteen subjects (37%) had abnormal PTA4s and 32 (65%) abnormal HFA3s. The left ear was more severely affected in both groups (p≤.05, t‐test). Significant associations were found between hearing loss and years worked (odds ratio 4.1, r= .53) and age (odds ratio 4.1, r= .59). No association could be found between hearing loss and measles; mumps; previous ear infections; or use of power tools, guns, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or stereo headphones. Our data suggest that among famers, substantial hearing loss occurs especially in the high‐frequency ranges. Presbycusis is an important confounding variable.
Reaching the difficult audience: An experiment to provide occupational health services to farmers and ranchers in Colorado, U.S.A
Authors: Sandfort Del
Published: April 2007

From its inception in the late 1970s, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation funded Workplace Health in Agriculture Program at Colorado State University underwent numerous evolutions as the needs of the agricultural community were identified. Direct health and safety consultation with agribusiness met with limited success due to the cost of providing services over a wide geographic area and a general unwillingness within this group of employers to involve themselves with “OSHA”‐type regulations. Therefore, the program changed from promotion of, and providing health and safety consultation upon request, to education of specific target groups within the agricultural community supplemented by consultation services when needs were identified.

Target groups for educational services included rural health care providers, vocational‐agriculture students and teachers, farm/ranch clubs and groups (with special emphasis on farm wives groups), and rural emergency services. These groups became the promoters of health and safety within the agriculture community, which resulted in a direct, positive impact on requests for, and interest in health and safety services provided by the program.
A case for medical, environmental, and safety screening
Authors: Emanuel Dean A.
Published: April 2007

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States, yet there has been no improvement noted over the past 30 years. While occupational health and safety improvements have been noted in other industrial sections, agriculture continues to pose many unusual health threats to the farmer. Screening programs are fraught with many problems in view of the widely dispersed nature of agriculture. Pulmonary function studies, dust levels, serological testing, hearing testing and noise level production, and cholinesterase levels are but a few of the tools that are available, and are helpful in looking for problems in this most vital industry in the United States.
Rural hospitals and the provision of agricultural occupational health and safety services
Authors: Wakefield Douglas S.
Published: April 2007

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous work environments in the United States. Ironically, there is a near‐total absence of occupational health and safety services being provided to agricultural workers. While many of the agricultural occupational hazards could be addressed through health and safety services provided by rural hospitals, the absence of dedicated funds to pay for these services is a major barrier. The ability of rural hospitals to provide these services and specific issues related to the unique character and problems in implementing agricultural occupational health and safety services are discussed.
Pesticide loss to the atmosphere
Authors: Plimmer Jack R.
Published: April 2007

Pesticides may be transformed by chemical and biological processes or transported from the site of application by several processes including runoff, movement through the soil to ground water, volatilization, transport on soil particles, and wind erosion. Contamination of water by pesticide residues is a matter of concern as is contamination of the earth's atmosphere. The form in which a pesticide enters the air and the dimensions of pesticide‐containing particulate matter affect movement and deposition. Local transport over distances of several miles may be responsible for adverse effects on nontarget species. Effects of long‐range transport are more difficult to assess, but pesticides increase the burden of organic chemicals in the atmosphere. Field measurements of pesticide volatilization and deposition of residues in rainfall, particulate matter, fog, etc., provide information on the relative importance of these processes. Adequate information concerning chemical reactions of pesticides in air is lacking. Because it is desirable to minimize low‐level human and environmental exposure resulting from airborne pesticide residues, potential for losses to the air should be taken into account in selecting pesticide formulations and application methods.
Agricultural chemical management practices to reduce losses due to drainage
Authors: Baker James L.
Published: April 2007

Chemical losses with water and sediment are a product of the mass of carrier and chemical concentration in that carrier. One approach to controlling losses is to utilize chemical management practices that reduce the chemical concentrations in the water and sediment that leave a treated field; another is to control the masses of the carriers. In this paper, emphasis will be placed on the former, with a discussion of rate, timing, placement, and choice‐of‐chemical options available for the application of fertilizers and pesticides and their effect on offsite losses with surface and subsurface drainage. Particular emphasis will be on the known effects of application variables on nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) leaching and on herbicide losses in both surface runoff water and sediment and with percolation water. Current understanding of chemical transport processes will be used to extrapolate to situations in which actual data are not available. Areas of research to fill these data gaps and to improve our understanding of the effects of current management practices on losses and also to develop new chemical management practices to increase further the efficiency of use and reduce losses will be addressed. The usefulness of standards, or some form of health advisory levels, as goals for levels of control necessary will also be noted.
Agricultural chemical application practices to reduce environmental contamination
Authors: Bode Loren E.
Published: April 2007

Current practices of applying agricultural chemicals play a major role in the environmental health concerns of agriculture. Those who mix, load, and handle the concentrated formulations run the greatest risk of exposure but field hands and others can encounter significant levels of pesticides. Drift can be a major source of contamination to residents, wildlife, and water sources. Improved methods of application and ways of reducing the total amount of pesticide applied can help reduce environmental contamination. Chemigation, direct injection, closed system handling, and fertilizer impregnation are examples of technology that affect the efficiency of applying agricultural chemicals.

An area of beneficial research is related to leak and spill technology. Current surveys indicate that point sources such as spills, mixing and loading areas, back‐siphoning, and direct routes for surface water movement into the ground are often a major cause of pesticides reaching groundwater. The commercial dealer/applicator provides storage, handling, mixing, and loading for large amounts of chemicals and has received limited guidance regarding the products. Education remains an important element of any rural environmental health strategy. With appropriate information about pesticide risks and groundwater, people will be better equipped to address environmental concerns.

By design, agricultural chemicals are biologically active and, in most cases, toxic. Thus, they pose potential risks to humans, wildlife, water, and the environment in general. The magnitude of the risks depends to some degree on the methods and techniques used to apply the chemicals. Pesticides are applied by persons possessing a variety of skills, using equipment ranging from hand‐operated systems to aircraft.
California's proposition 65: Extrapolating animal toxicity to humans
Authors: Kilgore Wendell W.
Published: April 2007

In 1986, the voters of California passed a law regarding the concept of extrapolating animal toxicity data to humans. The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, known as Proposition 65, does five things:

It creates a list of chemicals (including a number of agricultural chemicals) known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity;

It limits discharges of listed chemicals to drinking water sources;

It requires prior warning before exposure to listed chemicals by anyone in the course of doing business;

It creates a list of chemicals requiring testing for carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity; and

It requires the Governor to consult with qualified experts (a 12‐member “Scientific Advisory Panel” was appointed) as necessary to carry out his duties.

This paper discusses the details and implications of this proposition. Areas of responsibility have been assigned. The definition of significant risk is being addressed.
Setting human‐health‐based groundwater protection standards when toxicological data are inadequate
Authors: Whyatt Robin M.
Published: April 2007

Toxicological data are not adequate to assess fully the health effects of many of the pesticides that currently contaminate or have the potential to contaminate groundwater. The National Academy of Sciences estimated in 1984 that data to conduct a complete health hazard assessment exist for only 10% of the pesticides currently on the market. Many pesticides have not been tested for their ability to cause cancer, genetic mutation, or birth defects. There are significant gaps in the toxicological data base for the majority of pesticides for which the Environmental Protection Agency proposed health advisories in 1987.

To help assure that groundwater standards are adequately protective of human health when toxicological data are not adequate, additional uncertainty factors can be incorporated into such standards. Alternatively, standards can be set at the level of detection. This should be the approach when no data exist to assess major potential health effects. For example, the detection limit could be the standard if no adequate oncogenicity studies have been conducted. In addition, generic standards may be employed when data are inadequate to set chemical‐specific standards. New York State has recently taken this innovative generic standard approach.
Epilogue: Agricultural occupational and environmental health policy strategies for the future
Authors: Thelin Anders
Published: April 2007

Farmers' health and saftey are critical public health problems that have historically been ignored in the United States and in many countries by health policy developers. The challenges to reduce the hazards are significant. However, by mobilizing the resources, the public will, and the structure to carry out preventive programs, progress is possible. Sweden has shown that research, education, engineering, and regulation have resulted in significant reductions of tractor rollover deaths, chainsaw injuries, and hearing loss.
Occupational risks of thyroid cancer: Data from the swedish cancer‐environment register, 1961‐1979
Authors: Carstensen John M. , Wingren Gun , Hatschek Thomas , Fredriksson Mats , Noorlind‐Brage Helle , Axelson Olav
Published: April 2007

Using data from a record‐linkage between the Swedish population census of 1960 and the Swedish Cancer Registry, we performed an explorative, hypothesis‐generating analysis of the incidence of thyroid cancer in 208 occupations and 231 industries. Relative risks were computed with adjustment for age, period of follow‐up, and geographic region. A total of 1,230 male and 2,937 female cases of thyroid cancer were reported during 1961‐1979 among individuals aged 20‐69 years in 1960. As a group, male blue‐collar workers had a lower reported incidence than other men. Significantly elevated risks were seen among drivers, pharmacists, workers in the canning and preserving industry, workers in the petroleum industry, and among X‐ray operators and laboratory assistants. Horticulture workers, painters in the construction industry, and unskilled manual workers showed decreased risks.
Case report of occupational asthma due to palisander wood dust and bronchoprovocation challenge by inhalation of pure wood dust from a capsule
Authors: Godnič‐Cvar Jasminka , Gomzi Milica
Published: April 2007

Occupational asthma due to exposure to exotic wood dust and to rosewood (Dalbergia family) has been reported earlier. This paper deals with a case of occupational asthma due to palisander wood dust (Dalbergia nigra) in a joiner who sanded and polished parts of musical instruments. The causal relationship was confirmed by a positive skin reaction to an allergenic preparation and a positive nonimmediate, late asthmatic reaction after inhalation challenge testing with pure palisander wood dust. A method of bron‐choprovocation testing with an occupational allergen is presented. It proved to be a practical and advantageous method in its simplicity and single‐blind application of placebo. It should, however, be used with great caution, in well‐chosen cases in whom nonspecific bronchial reactivity is proved or recorded to be in normal ranges.
Congenital malformations and death among the offspring of danish pharmacy assistants
Authors: Schaumburg Inger , Olsen Jørn
Published: April 2007

Congenital malformations, stillbirth, and infant mortality were studied in a cohort of all female pharmacy assistants in Denmark under the age of 40 years who were members of the national union in 1979 to 1984 (4,939). Data on all births and deaths during first year of life during the study period were identified through the national birth register. Information on type of work, exposures, and life‐style variables were obtained by postal questionnaires, to which 93% responded. In general, pharmacy assistants had a low frequency of congenital malformation and death among their offspring. Compared with an internal reference group, pharmacy assistants engaged in production or packing of pharmaceutical products experienced an increased prevalence of congenital malformations among their offspring. Working with identification and controls showed a slightly increased risk of death during the first year of life of the children. This could indicate occupational risks, but other explanations cannot be excluded.
Occupation and pancreatic cancer risk in Louisiana
Authors: Falk Roni T. , Pickle Linda W. , Fontham Elizabeth T. , Correa Pelayo , Morse Anne , Chen Vivien , Fraumeni Joseph J.
Published: April 2007

To study the relation of occupational exposures and pancreatic cancer, we evaluated data from males (198 cases and 209 controls) participating in a hospital‐based case‐control study conducted in a high‐risk area of Louisiana between 1979 and 1983. The questionnaire obtained information on lifetime occupational history, as well as dietary, smoking, and drinking habits and demographic characteristics. After adjustment for smoking and dietary patterns, white collar occupations showed consistent elevations in risk, whereas associations for other occupations were in general unremarkable. Although not significantly elevated, risks for truck drivers (OR = 1.7) and those with long‐term employment in machine repair or as mechanics were suggestive (OR = 2.5). No association was found for jobs in oil refining or oil and gas extraction (ORs were 0.5 and 0.4, respectively), although risks were slightly elevated for long‐term workers in the chemical processing industry (OR = 1.2). While these associations deserve further study, our findings are consistent with results of other studies which do not suggest that occupational exposures are important determinants of pancreatic cancer.
Asbestos‐related lesions of the pleura: Parietal plaques compared to diffuse thickening studied with chest roentgenography, computed tomography, lung function, and gas exchange
Authors: Hillerdal Gunnar , Malmberg Per , Hemmingsson Anders
Published: April 2007

Lung function tests, tests of working capacity with gas exchange, and computed tomography (CT) with density measurements with the patient supine and prone were performed in 23 males with asbestos‐related bilateral pleural lesions. Two had pulmonary asbestosis grade 1/0 or more; all the others had normal lung parenchyma. On x‐ray, the pleural lesions were divided into plaques involving only the parietal pleura and diffuse pleural fibrosis of various degrees involving the visceral pleura. There was a good correlation between the findings at plain chest roentgenography and CT, but more lesions were seen on the CTscan. However, a few pleural plaques seen on conventional films were not observed at CT. Individuals with plaques had slightly lowered lung function compared to reference subjects. Bilateral diffuse pleural fibrosis was associated with a marked decrease in pulmonary function. The two patients with radiologically evident pulmonary asbestosis were found in this group. Decreased lung function was also observed in subjects with pleural fibrosis of only grade 1 (involving less than one fourth of the hemithorax) and a normal exercise capacity. The study shows the importance of differentiation between various asbestos‐related pleural lesions.
Mortality of U.S. Embalmers and funeral directors
Authors: Hayes Richard B. , Blair Aaron , Stewart Patricia A. , Herrick Robert F. , Mahar Harry
Published: April 2007

The causes of mortality of 3,649 white and 397 non‐white male U.S. embalmers and funeral directors, who had died between 1975 and 1985, were examined in a proportional mortality study. Non‐significant excesses were found for malignancies of the buccal cavity and pharynx (PMR = 120) and for nasopharyngeal cancer (PMR = 216). No sinonasal cancers were observed, while 1.7 were expected. A statistically significant excess of colon cancer (PMR = 127) was found and a non‐significant excess of brain and other CNS cancer was noted among whites only (PMR = 123).

Statistically significant excesses of malignancies of the lymphatic and hematopoietic systems were found in whites (PMR = 131) and non‐whites (PMR = 241). Myeloid leukemia (PMR = 157) and leukemia of other and unspecified cell types (PMR = 228) were in excess, while no excess of lymphatic leukemia was noted. Elevations in risk were also found for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis. Non‐whites showed a marked excess of multiple myeloma (PMR = 369).

Chronic nephritis was in excess among whites (PMR = 215) and non‐whites (PMR = 257). No excess of cirrhosis of the liver was found.

Excesses of malignancies of the lymphatic and hematopoietic systems could not be directly related to job held in the funeral industry. Further case‐control studies are planned to rule out the possibility that the observed associations are artifactual, by assessing the association between specific work practices and disease risk.
Mortality and morbidity among army chemical corps Vietnam Veterans: A preliminary report
Authors: Thomas Terry L. , Kang Han K.
Published: April 2007

Nearly 1,000 men serving in Army Chemical Corps units in Vietnam between 1965 and 1971 were responsible for the mixing and application of herbicides, riot control substances, and burning agents. Information on Vietnam service was obtained from military records of 94% of this cohort. Follow‐up for vital status on December 31, 1987, was conducted using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), military, National Death Index, U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and Social Security Administration records. Cause‐specific observed numbers of deaths among the 894 men included in the study group were compared with the numbers expected based on rates for U.S. men, adjusting for race, age, and calendar period. Fifty‐three deaths from all causes were observed during the study period, compared to 48.8 expected (SMR = 1.09). There were statistically significant excesses of digestive disease deaths (SMR = 2.98), primarily due to cirrhosis, and from motor vehicle accidents (SMR = 2.00). Two deaths were observed from leukemia (0.5 expected) and two from brain cancer (0.4 expected). A total of 257 of the study subjects had received VA inpatient care or Agent Orange registry medical examinations during the study period. Two of these subjects had confirmed diagnoses of Hodgkin's disease (expected = 0.7) and one of hairy cell leukemia. Because of the small study group size and the lack of specificity of information regarding their exposures, these results cannot be attributed to any single chemical agent.
Solvent‐associated decrements in olfactory function in paint manufacturing workers
Authors: Schwartz Brian S. , Ford D. Patrick , Bolla Karen I. , Agnew Jacqueline , Rothman Nathaniel , Bleecker Margit L.
Published: April 2007

To assess the effects of low‐level organic solvent exposure on olfactory function, a cross‐sectional study in paint manufacturing workers was undertaken. Workers in two paint manufacturing facilities (N = 187) were tested using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), a standardized, quantitative test of olfactory function. Industrial hygiene air samples over the past 13‐15 years revealed that average solvent exposures in these plants were 2‐40% of the existing threshold limit values for the three chemicals measured. Stratification by smoking status revealed evidence of dose‐related decrements in olfactory function (p = .01) only in non‐smokers. Furthermore, those nonsmoking workers in the highest exposure category had UPSIT scores below the fifth percentile for their age. These results suggest that solvents may cause nervous system dysfunction at lower levels than previously suspected, and that the olfactory system may be a critical target organ for the neurotoxic effects of solvents and other chemicals.
Ventilatory dysfunction in glass bangle workers
Authors: Rastogi Subodh K. , Gupta Brahma N. , Mathur Neeraj , Husain Tanveer
Published: April 2007

The pulmonary function status of 73 glass bangle workers suffering from chronic bronchitis having varied exposures to pulmonary toxicants in the work environment was evaluated in 1984. The findings were compared with those observed in 220 asymptomatic glass bangle workers and 88 unexposed controls. There was a higher prevalence (45.2%) of ventilatory dysfunction in the chronic bronchitic cases as compared to 19% in the asymptomatic workers and 2.3% in controls, respectively. The relative risk of airway obstruction was 8.3 and 19.6 times higher in the asymptomatic and chronic bronchitic workers respectively as compared to the controls (p<0.001). The prevalence of obstructive impairment among the smokers and non‐smokers in the exposed workers was not statistically significant. However, age >30 was found to be significantly associated with bronchial obstruction in chronic bronchitic cases. The relative risk of duration of exposure was found to be 1.86 in the asymptomatic workers exposed for more than 10 years (p<0.05) while it was 1.62 in workers with chronic bronchitis. The occupational and environmental factors responsible for the high prevalence of chronic bronchitis and associated ventilatory dysfunction in relatively young glass bangle workers are discussed.
Relationship of inflammatory cell cytokines to disease severity in individuals with occupational inorganic dust exposure
Authors: Rom William N.
Published: April 2007

The pneumoconioses due to chronic occupational exposure to asbestos, coal, or silica are characterized by an alveolar macrophage‐dominated alveolitis with exaggerated spontaneous release of mediators: oxidants, chemotaxins for neutrophils, and fibroblast growth factors. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on 66 non‐smoking inorganic dust‐exposed individuals with a chest x‐ray ≥ 1/0 stratified by presence or absence of restrictive respiratory impairment, and 28 unexposed non‐smoking controls. Both dust‐exposed groups stratified by presence or not of impairment had increased numbers of total cells recovered by lavage compared to normals, and those with respiratory impairment (n = 40) had a significant increase in percent and number of neutrophils recovered. Similarly, only those with respiratory impairment had macrophages that spontaneously released significant amounts of the oxidants superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide. There was a significant trend for the release of fibronectin by macrophages from controls to dust‐exposed without impairment to those with impairment. Both dust‐exposed groups also had increased release of alveolar macrophage‐derived progression growth factor, but this was significantly less than macrophages from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Since occupational exposure was virtually identical in inorganic dust‐exposed individuals with versus without respiratory impairment, the quantitative differences in the release of macrophage mediators may be due to factors in host susceptibility.
Are non‐whites at greater risk for occupational cancer?
Authors: Kipen Howard M. , Wartenberg Daniel , Scully Patricia F. , Greenberg Michael
Published: April 2007

All occupational cancer epidemiology articles that reported data on non‐whites from four major journals were identified for the years 1984‐1987. In addition to these 14 papers, four more papers were identified from computer searches, and another 13 were found by following up references from the original 14. Within these 31 papers, there were 36 analyzable cohorts (subgroups by job and sex). Five cohorts had elevated all‐cancer mortality ratios in non‐whites without an increase in whites. Sixteen cohorts showed elevated ratios in both racial groups, with 11 of the 16 having a higher non‐white cancer mortality ratio than white cancer mortality ratio. For the 25 studies in which at least one racial group's cancer ratio was elevated, the non‐white ratio exceeded the white ratio in 17 (68%). The overall paucity of articles on non‐white cancer mortality, as well as the apparent trend toward increased occupational cancer mortality in non‐whites, is discussed.
Workplace ergonomic factors and the development of musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper limbs: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Stock Susan R.
Published: April 2007

In the past 10 years there has been growing awareness among occupational health professionals worldwide of the large burden of illness associated with musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper limbs. It has been suggested that these disorders are associated with highly repetitive work and are due, at least in part, to ergonomic factors. This review examines the epidemiologic evidence of the relationship between workplace ergonomic factors such as repetition, force, static muscle loading, and extreme joint position and the development of muscle, tendon, and nerve entrapment disorders of the neck and upper limbs of exposed workers. An extensive search for relevant studies was undertaken. Of 54 potentially relevant studies identified, three met the a priori inclusion criteria. The validity of these studies was assessed, and one study was found to have major flaws. Criteria to demonstrate causality were also applied and were met in the most rigorously conducted study. When the results of these studies are compared and aggregated where appropriate, they provide strong evidence of a causal relationship between repetitive, forceful work and the development of musculoskeletal disorders of the tendons and tendon sheaths in the hands and wrists and nerve entrapment of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. The comparison of exposed to controls for hand/wrist tendinitis gives an unadjusted common odds ratio of 9.1 (95% CI 4.9‐16.2). The adjusted odds ratio for carpal tunnel syndrome is 15.5 (95% CI 1.7‐141.5) based on the most rigorous study.
Cancer by industry: Analysis of a population‐based cancer registry with an emphasis on blue‐collar workers
Authors: Hall Nancy E. L. , Rosenman Kenneth D.
Published: April 2007

This paper uses information on occupation and industry routinely collected in a state‐based cancer registry to assess potential associations between work place exposures and cancer incidence. Industry‐specific proportional cancer incidence ratios (PCIR) were calculated by race and sex for all individuals and for white males with blue‐collar occupations. Expected numbers of cancers were derived both from cancers occurring among all occupations and just among blue‐collar occupations. This latter analysis was done as a control for differences in the prevalence of life‐style habits between blue‐ and white‐collar workers.

Increased lung cancer PCIR were seen in most industries previously reported to be associated with lung cancer risk. The effects of socioeconomic status on these results are discussed. Other results include an increased ratio of melanoma in blue‐collar white male rubber and plastic product workers, an increased ratio of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas in motor vehicle manufacture workers, and an increased PCIR of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in general construction workers. Uterine cancer was increased in proportion in white females for a number of industries including rubber and plastic product manufacture, apparel manufacture, and electrical equipment manufacture.
Chrysotile asbestos and health in Zimbabwe: II. Health status survey of active miners and millers
Authors: Cullen Mark R. , Lopez‐Carrillo Lizbeth , Alli Ben , Pace Patricia E. , Shalat Stuart L. , Baloyi Rabelan S.
Published: April 2007

As part of the effort to establish industrial practice and public policy regarding asbestos in Zimbabwe, we have conducted a cross‐sectional study of the chrysotile mines and mills. A stratified random sample of workers with greater than 10 years of exposure has been evaluated by spirometry, chest radiographs, and employment history. The latter was converted to quantitative estimates of exposure dose, using a matrix based on measured and reconstructed fiber levels for each job and facility during the years of work. Based on these data, a clear dose‐response between asbestos exposure and functional loss has been demonstrated, with mean losses from predicted of about 400‐600 cc in vital capacity in the 10% of the population with heaviest exposures. Low‐grade parenchymal radiographic abnormalities (ILO grade ≥ 1/0) were evident in 8.7% of the total study group and were almost 10 times more common in those with more than 100 fibers/cc.years cumulative exposure than in those with 16 fibers/cc.years or less. Pleural disease was relatively rare, occurring in just under 10% of the study group, and was unrelated to exposure dose. Overall, these findings are compatible with results of similar studies in Quebec and Swaziland and suggest that similar control strategies are probably indicated.
Increased risk of lung cancer in the melting department of a second ontario steel manufacturer
Authors: Finkelstein Murray M. , Boulard Monique , Wilk Nancy
Published: April 2007

A study of lung cancer among workers at an electric arc steel making operation was performed to follow up on the observation of a lung cancer cluster in the melt shop of another plant. The study group comprised 335 deceased men identified from plant records. Eight of thirty men who had ever worked in the pouring pit area died of lung cancer (PMR 276; p ≤ 0.01), but increased risk was not found elsewhere in the melting department. There was a significant trend in lung cancer risk with the length of employment in the pit area during a time window 18‐30 years before death. Smoking data suggested that smoking alone could not account for the increased risk. An industrial hygiene assessment found present exposures to carcinogenic metals and silica to be within current guidelines. No polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected. This is the second steel plant for which we have found increased lung cancer risk in the pouring areas. The causative factors have not yet been identified.
Use of “time windows” to investigate lung cancer latency intervals at an ontario steel plant
Authors: Finkelstein Murray M.
Published: April 2007

This paper describes an application of the time windows method to an examination of the temporal pattern of lung cancer risk among steel workers. Case‐control methodology was utilized. The cases were 36 men who had died of lung cancer and the controls were 289 men who had died of any other cause. The number of years of employment in the steel pouring area was used as a surrogate measure of exposure. The data were examined by contingency table analysis and by logistic regression, which permitted adjustment for exposures in multiple time windows and the use of continuous, rather than categorical, measures of exposure. It was found that lung cancer risk was associated with exposures occurring between 18 and 30 years before death. It cannot yet be determined whether this time course reflects a biological response or the temporal pattern of exposure to an as yet unidentified toxic agent.
The occupational medicine consultant
Authors: Ladou Joseph
Published: April 2007

The occupational medicine consultant emerged in a few areas of the country during the 1940s. The concept is growing in popularity, with some recent evidence indicating that it may be the dominant career path for residency trained specialists in occupational medicine. The services provided to industry, labor, and government do not appear to compete with traditional occupational medicine positions. The manpower shortage in occupational physicians promises to fuel the growth opportunity for occupational medicine consultants. The major concerns at this time are the adequacy of liability insurance carried by the consultants and the possibility that their activities will too often be related to crisis situations rather than to the development of preventive medical programs with their clients.
Pulmonary function in workers exposed to diesel exhausts: The effect of control measures
Authors: Ulfvarson Ulf , Alexandersson Rolf , Dahlqvist Monica , Ekholm Ulla , Bergström Björn
Published: April 2007

To assess the protective effect of exhausts pipe filters or respirators on pulmonary function, 15 workers in a tunnel construction site, truck and loading machine drivers, rock workers, and others were studied. The total and respirable dust, combustible matter in respirable dust, carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide were measured for each subject during entire work shifts. The effect of the exposure on the lung function variables was measured by dynamic spirometry, carbon monoxide single breath technique, and nitrogen single breath wash‐out.

The exhaust pipe filtering had a protective effect, directly discernible in the drivers on vital capacity and FEV1.0 and for the whole group on FEV% and TLco. The dust respirators had no effect, probably because of the difficulties in correctly using personal protection under the circumstances in the tunnel. In the absence of a true exposure assessment, control measures for diesel exhausts can be tested by medical effect studies. Catalytic particle filters of diesel exhausts are one method of rendering the emissions less irritant, although they will not remove irritant gases. An indicator of diesel exhaust exposure should include the particle fraction of the diesel exhausts, but a discrimination between different sources of organic dust must be possible.