bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of metal ions to alveolar macrophages
Authors: Castranova V. , Bowman L. , Miles P. R. , Reasor M. J.
Published: April 2007

Significant concentrations of metals are found in the respirable particulate effluents associated with metallurgical smelters. In this investigation the effects of the metallic ions lead, cadmium, iron, mercury, aluminum, chromium, and nickel on various aspects of alveolar macrophage function were studied. The production of antibacterial substances (ie, reactive forms of oxygen) by these cells and oxygen consumption are very sensitive to the metals. Particle uptake displays moderate sensitivity, while lysosomal enzyme activity and membrane integrity are fairly resistant to metals. In addition, the effects of the organic solvents carbon tetrachloride, toluene, and xylene on alveolar macrophage function were tested. These solvents were found to inhibit oxygen consumption and the release of antibacterial substances while not greatly affecting membrane integrity. The results of these experiments indicate that some metals and some organic substances are toxic to alveolar macrophage function.
The respiratory health of school children in smelter communities
Authors: Dodge Russell
Published: April 2007

This study compares the pulmonary function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms and disorders among school children living in smelter towns and other communities of Arizona. The rate of asthma was found to be significantly higher in whites than Mexican‐Americans, although differences in related problems, such as wheezing, were not significant. When the subjects were grouped by area of residence, the children living in areas with relatively high particulate levels had significantly lower pulmonary function than children living in areas with low particulate levels. No relation between symptoms or pulmonary function and sulfur dioxide levels was observed.
Sulfur dioxide induced airway hyperreactivity in allergic sheep
Authors: Abraham William M. , Oliver William , Welker Matthew J. , King Maryann , Chapman Gillette A. , Yerger Lawrence , Maurer David R. , Sielczak Marek , Wanner Adam , Sackner Marvin A.
Published: April 2007

The effects of a four‐hour exposure (via a Plexiglas hood) to sulfur dioxide (SO2) on airway reactivity was studied in both normal and allergic conscious sheep. Allergic sheep were defined as animals in whom inhalation of Ascaris suum extract resulted in an increase in mean pulmonary flow resistance (RL). Airway reactivity (δRL) was assessed by measuring the increase in RL after 18 breaths of 0.25% carbachol, from an initial value obtained after 18 breaths of buffered saline. RL and δRL were determined prior to, immediately after and 24 hours following SO2 exposure in three groups of sheep: six normal sheep exposed to 5 ppm SO2 (group A); six normal sheep exposed to 10 ppm SO2 (group B) and seven allergic sheep exposed to 5 ppm SO2 (group C). RL was not affected by SO2 exposure in any group but both groups B and C showed increases in δRL 24 hours after exposure. Since the increase in δRL was greater in group C than in either groups A or B, we conclude that allergic sheep have enhanced susceptibility to the injurious airway effects of SO2.
Kidney function and lead: Relationships in several occupational groups with different levels of exposure
Authors: Lilis Ruth , Fischbein Alf , Valciukas José A. , Blumberg William , Selikoff Irving J.
Published: April 2007

Potential kidney function decrement with long term lead exposure is important in the overall assessment of adverse health effects of lead in industrial workers or other exposed groups. Two clinical field studies of secondary lead smelter workers have shown that a significant proportion of workers had slightly to moderately elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels; the prevalence was higher in those with longer lead exposure. Since a decrement of kidney function with age has been documented, and since duration of lead exposure may also be strongly related to age, it was necessary to assess the age dependent renal function decrement in control (non‐lead‐exposed) populations. BUN and creatinine levels in the lead exposed workers showed a much more significant correlation with age than that which was found in the non‐exposed populations; the correlation remained statistically significant after correcting for the age‐dependent decrement derived from the control populations. Moreover, highly significant correlations between BUN and creatinine and the biological indicator of lead absorption, zinc protoporphyrin, were found. The results indicate a sizeable and significant decrement in kidney function in the secondary lead smelter workers studied; by removing its age‐dependency, this effect was found to be lead‐induced. In other occupational groups, with lesser and/or shorter lead exposure, a significant effect on renal function as reflected in BUN and creatinine levels could not be detected.
Lead exposure and behavioral changes: Comparisons of four occupational groups with different levels of lead absorption
Authors: Valciukas José A. , Lilis Ruth , Singer Raymond , Fischbein Alf , Anderson Henry A. , Glickman Linda
Published: April 2007

The association between lead absorption and objective psychological performance tests in five groups with different levels of lead absorption was studied in the following groups: (1) a control, non‐lead‐exposed group; (2) cable splicers, (3) cable manufacturers, and (4) secondary lead smelter workers. The following performance tests were used: Block Design, Digit Symbol, and Embedded Figures. Age‐corrected performance test scores and the average of three test scores (INDEX) were used throughout. A significant association between performance tests scores and increased lead absorption was found. Zinc protoporphyrin level was a more “powerful” (in the statistical sense) indicator of lead‐induced CNS effects than blood lead levels. This study provides additional evidence that neurotoxic effects associated with occupational exposure to lead can be demonstrated by means of performance tests. It has been known and widely accepted that increased lead absorption is associated with “non‐specific” subjective symptoms: tiredness, sleep disturbance, irritability, etc. Psychometric techniques (including an appropriate statistical analysis strategy) are highly sensitive for the early detection of CNS neurotoxicity, such as metal toxicity. Moreover, even in lead‐exposed but asymptomatic individuals, a significant correlation (negative) between test scores and levels of lead absorption could be detected. It is concluded that workers exposed to lead at levels considered “safe” might be at risk of developing brain dysfunction with long term exposure.
So2—particulate interactions: Recent observations
Authors: Frank Robert
Published: April 2007

The toxicology of sulfur oxides is discussed briefly. The effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) are largely confined to the upper airways except during exercise or if the gas is taken up by a carrier aerosol. SO2 may be adsorbed as a monomolecular layer on dry particles, such as elemental carbon, or dissolved in aqueous droplets. Hydrated SO2 forms bisulfite and sulfite ions, which are rapidly oxidized (detoxified) by sulfite oxidase, an enzyme, to form sulfate. SO2 in carrier aerosols (dry or aqueous solutions) may be oxidized to sulfuric acid. The mixture of SO2 (1 ppm) and a droplet of sodium chloride (1 mg/m3) has been shown to be synergistic in guinea pigs. In healthy adults, the same gas‐aerosol mixture caused no functional lung changes at rest (two separate studies), but did cause significant changes following moderate exercise. Shortness of breath and wheezing were experienced by about half of the subjects.
Arsenic—state of the art
Authors: Landrigan Philip J.
Published: April 2007

Approximately 1.5 million workers in the United States are exposed to arsenic. Occupational exposure is primarily by inhalation. NIOSH recommends that time‐integrated exposure to arsenic in air not exceed 2 μ.g/m3. Recent exposure is accurately measured by urine assay; urine arsenic concentrations above 50 μg/liter indicate increased absorption. Hair assay is a semiquantitative index of past exposure. Toxicity is associated primarily with the trivalent (3 + ) form of arsenic. Acute poisoning is caused most commonly by contaminated food or drink; it is rarely occupational. Chronic intoxication is characterized by dermatitis, hyper‐pigmentation, keratoses, peripheral neuropathy (primarily sensory), irritation of the upper and lower respiratory tract, and occasionally by hepatic toxicity and peripheral vasculopathy (blackfoot disease). Arsenic is not carcinogenic in animal species, but is mutagenic in Syrian hamster cells. In man, arsenic is known definitely to cause cancer of skin, lung, and liver (angiosarcoma) and possibly to cause lymphoma.
Relationship between lung cancer and distance of residence from nonferrous smelter stack effluent
Authors: Greaves William W. , Rom William N. , Lyon Joseph L. , Varley Gloria , Wright Diana Dryer , Chiu Grace
Published: April 2007

Because of a reported association between residence in counties, with nonferrous smelters and increased risk of lung cancer, we studied the relationship between distance of residence from nonferrous smelters and lung cancer. Patients with lung cancer and patients with other cancers not known to be associated with smelter effluent (breast, prostate, and colon) were compared. All patients lived within a 20‐kilometer radius around one of 10 nonferrous smelters in five western states during 1970‐1977. Data were obtained from cancer registries or death certificates and were examined separately for each area. Addresses at the time of diagnosis or death were plotted on U.S. Geological Survey maps to calculate distance from each smelter. The distribution of lung cancer near the smelters was not significantly different from the distribution of control cancers in any of the areas studied.
Lipoid pneumonia caused by oil mist exposure from a steel rolling tandem mill
Authors: Cullen Mark R. , Balmes John R. , Robins James M. , Smith G. J. Walker
Published: April 2007

Five of nine active tandem mill operators exposed at work to aerosolized hydrocarbon mist were referred for evaluation of respiratory complaints. The worker with the longest exposure had reduced lung volumes; he was admitted to the hospital for detailed study. Exercise studies revealed work load limited by ventilation and arterial oxygen desaturation. Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy revealed evidence of lipoid pneumonia. Assessment of the mill revealed levels of respirable oil mist by personal samplers throughout the area far below the currently accepted standard of 5 mg/ M3. These findings confirm a 20‐year‐old hypothesis of J.G. Jones regarding the hazard of oil mist in this industrial setting.
A carcinogenic bioassay of certain roofing materials
Authors: Emmett Edward A. , Bingham Eula M. , Barkley William
Published: April 2007

The carcinogenic potentials of certain present day roofing materials and dust produced during the removal of an old coal tar pitch roof were evaluated using a mouse skin bioassay. Traditional coal tar pitch and dust from removal of an old roof were significantly more carcinogenic than coal derived roofing bitumen, but all were strongly carcinogenic. The benzo(a)pyrene concentration of these materials ranged from 0.064 to 0.08%, but each was significantly more carcinogenic than 0.1% benzo(a)pyrene alone. No tumors were produced by the application of petroleum derived roofing asphalt.
Asbestos‐related diseases in the federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Woitowitz H.‐J. , Beierl L. , Rathgeb M. , Schmidt K. , Rödelsperger K. , Greven U. , Woitowitz R. H. , Lange H.‐J. , Ulm K.
Published: April 2007

Until recently, in the Federal Republic of Germany there has been a lack of epidemiological data on asbestos‐related tumors. Only the numbers of occupational diseases accepted for compensation by the German industrial injuries insurance institutes (Berufsgenossenschaften) can be stated. These show, for 1979, 94 cases of asbestosis, 21 cases of asbestosis associated with lung cancer, and 34 cases of mesothelioma.

Since 1972 employees exposed to asbestos dust have been included in a central register by the industrial injuries insurance institutes and are medically examined periodically. By December 31, 1979, 28,476 persons were registered. Of those, 6,582 were still being followed medically, although they were no longer working with asbestos dust exposure. In January 1, 1977, a prospective epidemiological study was started with these people who were formerly exposed to asbestos dust. Up to December 31, 1980, altogether 2,944 people were enrolled in the study. Besides several other enrollment criteria, the individual's permission was required to evaluate his personal data. Of the people enrolled, 85 had died by December 31, 1980. Even if five questionable cases of lung cancer are excluded (n = 80), the observed rates of about 43% tumours of all sites, with 15% lung cancer and 6% mesothelioma, seem to be comparable to the international epidemiological mortality pattern.
Effects of vanadium on immunologic functions
Authors: Sharma R. P. , Bourcier D. R. , Brinkerhoff C. R. , Christensen S. A.
Published: April 2007

Exposure of mice to vanadium caused a dose‐related but nonsignificant decrease in the antibody‐forming cells in the spleen of animals challenged with sheep erythrocytes. Delayed hypersensitivity reaction was not affected in similarly sensitized animals. Serum immunoglobulins were also not altered by the vanadium treatment. Splenic lymphocytes obtained at 1, 4, 8, and 13 wk of exposure to 0, 1, 10, and 50 mg of vanadium per liter of drinking water showed an increased DNA synthesis related to vanadium treatment when cultured in the presence of phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen but not with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Addition of vanadium to splenic cultures in vitro caused a marked enhancement of lymphocyte transformation at low concentrations, whereas a decreased cellular proliferation was observed at high concentrations of vanadium.
Electron microscopic observations of hepatic and subcutaneous hemangiosarcomas induced in mice exposed to vinyl chloride monomer
Authors: Suzuki Yasunosuke
Published: April 2007

Both subcutaneous and hepatic hemangiosarcomas were induced in mice exposed to vinyl chloride monomer, and for the first time, the ultrastructure of hemangiosarcomas related to vinyl chloride exposure has been described. The subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma developed in a mouse's ear 29 weeks after exposure to 10 ppm vinyl chloride for 4 weeks, and the hepatic hemangiosarcoma was found in a mouse's liver at necropsy 56 weeks after exposure to 600 ppm vinyl chloride for 4 weeks. Both tumors showed a localized, cystic nodular appearance with a dark red tone. Histologically, an angiomatous architecture, the presence of neoplastic mesenchymal cell aggregates, focal necrosis, and hemorrhagic foci were common. Ultrastructurally, two neoplastic cell types, a mesenchymal and a well‐differentiated endothelial cell type, were identified in both tumors. In addition, in the hepatic tumor, a pericyte‐like neoplastic cell was also present. The incidence of hemangiosarcoma was much lower than that of lung tumors (alveologenic tumor) in mice exposed to vinyl chloride at the same concentrations for the same duration. This study suggests that there is no basic difference in ultrastructure between the vinyl chloride‐induced hemangiosarcomas and hemangiosarcomas not related to this chemical exposure.
Attempts to demonstrate short‐term metabolic effects of vinyl chloride in normal rat liver
Authors: Brenner Elisabeth A. , Manchester Keith L. , Webster Ian , Cantrell Anthony C.
Published: April 2007

The present study examines whether VCM or one of its metabolites, chloracetaldehyde, has a short‐term effect on cell metabolism. ATP, ADP, and AMP levels were measured in regenerating rat liver after 4 and 16 hours. No change in the levels of these nucleotides was evident after i.v. injection of VCM immediately after partial hepatectomy. A second technique, that of measuring transmembrane potentials with microelectrodes, was applied both to cells in rat liver slices and pulmonary alveolar macrophages. The addition of VCM and chloracetaldehyde with the electrodes in position in rat liver slices had no significant effect on transmembrane potentials. The same was true for a series of measurements on macrophages before and after addition of the test chemicals. It therefore appears that VCM does not alter general cell metabolism but could act on a specific intracellular target.
Toxic effects of lead impurities found in aluminum factories
Authors: Martinez E. Garcia , Munoz P. R. Junco , Ballesteros G. Molina , Alcalde N. D. Arrieta
Published: April 2007

A study of workers exposed to low levels of lead as impurities in aluminum (as low as 0.07%) shows a statistically significant difference in blood and urine lead levels as compared with a control group. In addition, alterations in precursors of heme were demonstrated as reflected in elevated levels of urinary delta‐aminolevulinic acid and erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX. This study has implications for workers who are exposed to metals with low concentrations of lead (less than 1%) since this exposure tends to go unnoticed both by the workers, even when symptoms are present, and by physicians who ignore or discard signs of lead intoxication because they relate the occupational exposure of the workers to other metals, not directly to lead.
Hemodynamics of pulmonary circulation in asbestosis: Study of 16 cases
Authors: Tomasini M. , Chiappino G.
Published: April 2007

Pulmonary circulation hemodynamics was studied by microcatheterization at rest and during exercise in 16 workers with asbestosis. There was pulmonary arterial hypertension owing to increased total pulmonary resistance even in the early stages of pneumoconiosis, sometimes without impairment of lung function. In two cases, a partial reduction in pulmonary hypertension and total pulmonary resistance was obtained with aminophylline. The pathogenesis of pulmonary circulation impairment has been attributed in previous work to periarteriolar fibrosis originating in the lymphatic vessels, until now insufficiently emphasized as the anatomical basis of these physiological alterations.
Mortality and cancer morbidity among workers in the rubber tire industry
Authors: Delzell Elizabeth , Louik Carol , Lewis John , Monson Richard R.
Published: April 2007

A retrospective follow‐up study was conducted to evaluate mortality and cancer incidence between 1954 and 1976 among 1,792 white male production workers employed for at least 2 years at a tire manufacturing plant. There were no marked excesses in overall or site‐specific cancer deaths or incident cases. Compared to U.S. white males, men employed for at least 10 years experienced small increases in deaths from cancers of the large intestine, pancreas, and lung. Results obtained by comparing observed incident cancer cases to the numbers expected based on age‐ and calendar time‐specific incidence rates of Connecticut males also suggested excesses of these three malignancies. These findings were based on small numbers and therefore do not necessarily indicate causal associations between cancer excesses and employment in the rubber tire industry. However, because the workers studied comprised a relatively young population that may not have experienced the full impact of carcinogenic occupational exposures, further follow‐up is warranted.
Leukemia in benzene workers
Authors: Rinsky Robert A. , Young Ronald J. , Smith Alexander B.
Published: April 2007

To evaluate the possible association between occupational exposure to benzene and subsequent death from leukemia, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a retrospective cohort mortality study of workers who had been exposed to benzene in the manufacture of rubber hydrochloride at two locations in Ohio. Ascertainment of vital status was accomplished for 98% of the cohort. Among 748 workers who had at least one day of exposure to benzene between 1940 and 1950, seven deaths from leukemia occurred; from United States death rates standardized for sex, age, and calendar time period, only 1.25 leukemia deaths would have been expected (standardized mortality ratio = 560; p<0.001). Mean duration of exposure to benzene was brief, and 437 (58%) of the cohort were exposed for less than 1 year. Evaluation of leukemia mortality for those workers exposed five or more years showed an SMR of 2100. All leukemia deaths were myelocytic or monocytic in cell type. Four additional cases of leukemia have been recognized in workers at the study locations, but occurred in persons not encompassed by the strict definition of the cohort. Reconstruction of past exposures to benzene at the two locations indicates that in some areas of the plant airborne benzene concentrations rose occasionally to several hundred parts per million (ppm), but that for the most part, employee eight‐hour time‐weighted averages (TWA) fell within the limits considered permissible at the time of exposure. These data corroborate an initial analysis of the same cohort by Infante et al, and indicate that benzene is a human carcinogen at a range of exposures not greatly above the current legal standard.
Occupational and environmental health problems of the developing oil shale industry: A review
Authors: Rom William N. , Lee Jeffrey S. , Craft Bobby F.
Published: April 2007

The American oil shale industry is on the threshold of commercial industrial development. Potential occupational hazards include shalosis or oil shale pneumoconiosis, dermatoses, cancer of the skin, lung, and possibly other sites, and accidents. Air, water, and solid waste pollution problems are complicated by the aridity of the Green River oil shale formation located in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. The region currently lacks the schools, health facilities, community services, and skilled labor required for large‐scale development. The oil shale industry faces an opportunity and a challenge of prudently assessing and controlling exposures and contributing to the social development of the region.
An integrative index of biological effects of lead
Authors: Valciukas José A. , Lilis Ruth , Petrocci Michael
Published: April 2007

Biological indicators of lead effects on the central nervous system (as measured by performance tests), hematogenous bone marrow (hemoglobin levels), and kidney function (BUN levels) can be combined in an integrative index (INDEX). This integrative index can be in turn related to indicators of lead exposure and absorption. Such an index was calculated by removing age effects in measures of performance and kidney function and then transforming all the variables to Z (standard) units. Secondary lead smelter workers and a control group were studied. In secondary lead smelter workers this INDEX was found to be significantly correlated with ZPP, blood lead levels, and duration of lead exposure. In this population the magnitude of the correlation coefficients with ZPP levels was much higher than that for blood lead levels. INDEX had a higher correlation with ZPP than with each of its components: performance test scores, hemoglobin, and BUN levels. Although performance test scores, hemoglobin, and BUN levels were shown to discriminate between the control, non‐lead‐exposed population, and the lead‐exposed group, INDEX (and particularly one pair of its components, CNS and hemoglobin levels) achieved the best discrimination between groups. The concept of an integrative index of biological effects of lead may be especially useful in defining populations at high risk for developing chronic, potentially irreversible neurologic and kidney dysfunction, and in assessing the severity of lead effects in individual cases.
Reaction time of industrial workers exposed to organic solvents: Relationship to degree of exposure and psychological performance
Authors: Gregersen Per , Stigsby Bent
Published: April 2007

Auditory reaction time (RT) was examined on a day free from work and on a working day in 54 workers exposed to organic solvents and in 28 unexposed workers. Medical and occupational history was recorded and neurological examination and psychological testing carried out to establish quantitative parameters of exposure and cerebral function.

There was a wider 95% range of the RT in the exposed group compared to the control group on the working day and a tendency in the same direction on the day free from work. There was no difference in the means of the RT, or within the groups between the examinations on the two days.

The increased RT 95% range is interpreted as indicating an impaired ability in the exposed workers to maintain their attention during the experimental period, owing to chronic exposure of organic solvents.

RT measurements did not correlate with exposure or psychological performance.

RT would seem to be a means of measuring subclinical effects of exposure to organic solvents.
Hair cadmium content: Is it a biological indicator of the body burden of cadmium for the occupationally exposed worker?
Authors: Ellis Kenneth J. , Yasumura Seiichi , Cohn Stanton H.
Published: April 2007

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the cadmium (Cd) levels measured in scalp hair as a potential predictive index of the body burden of Cd. In vivo measurements of kidney and liver Cd along with hair, blood, and urine Cd levels were obtained in 29 industrially‐exposed workers and ten control subjects. The relationship of hair Cd levels to the Cd values for the kidney, liver, blood, and urine were tested using nonparametric analyses. In the control group no statistically significant correlations were found. In the Cd‐exposed workers with more than one year of employment there were weak correlations (p ≤ 0.05); however, the relationships were not sufficiently quantitative for predicting the status of an individual worker. Furthermore, when workers with less than one year of exposure were included in the analysis, no significant correlations were obtained. Although this latter group of workers had low body burdens of Cd, exceptionally high Cd concentrations were found in their hair ‐ an observation that was unexpected. It was concluded that hair Cd levels are not a good index of body burden of Cd in the industrially‐exposed individual.
Life span and organ pathology in rats after life‐long noise exposure
Authors: Borg Erik , Järplid Bertil
Published: April 2007

The role of ambient sound level in longevity, cause of death, and incidence of disease was investigated in rats. Two hundred twenty‐seven rats (154 Sprague‐Dawley (N), 73 spontaneously hypertensive Wistar (SH)), were housed in three sound isolated boxes and subjected to controlled acoustic milieus from approximately three months of age until their natural death. Thirty‐nine of the N rats were kept as external controls in a regular animal room. In one of the boxes, no noise was introduced (control). In the other two, the rats were exposed, respectively, to a frequency‐modulated, chopped noise with an equivalent level of 80 dB Leqand 100 dB Leq, ten hours daily. It was found that the SH animals had a shorter life span and a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease than the N rats but a lower rate of malignant tumors. No measurable effects on life span or total incidence of disease were seen. Minor differences in incidence of various disease entities were observed but were not consistent across groups. The results do not support the hypothesis that physical sound environment represents a significant cause of somatic disease.
Zymbal gland carcinomas in rats following exposure to benzene by inhalation
Authors: Maltoni Cesare , Cotti Giuliano , Valgimigli Loretta , Mandrioli Angela
Published: April 2007

Continuous exposure by inhalation to 200‐300 ppm of benzene, for 4‐7 hours daily, 5 days weekly, causes the onset of zymbal gland carcinomas in male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats. This report deals with the results 86 weeks after the start of the experiment. At this stage 227 out of 269 treated animals and 256 out of 307 controls are still alive. The surviving animals will be kept under observation until spontaneous death occurs.
The possible role of direct ingestion on the overall absorption of cadmium or arsenic in workers exposed to CdO or As2O3 dust
Authors: Roels Harry , Buchet Jean‐Pierre , True J. , Croquet F. , Lauwerys Robert
Published: April 2007

Six volunteers (two office and four cadmium (Cd)‐exposed workers, all nonsmokers) from an electric condenser factory participated in a study involving the measurement of cadmium in air and in dust, the evaluation of hand and mouth contamination by cadmium, and the determination of fecal cadmium. The mean levels of total airborne cadmium measured with static and personal samplers were for the exposed workers 9.5 and 16.7 μg/m3, respectively, and for the office workers 0.3 and 0.5 μg/m3, respectively. In the office workers, hand contamination by Cd hardly changes over the workday (less than 10 μg/hand), whereas in the exposed workers important hand contamination by Cd was observed (up to 1,200 μg/hand during the workday and up to 300 μg/hand before lunch or before leaving the factory). Mouth contamination by Cd is rather similar in both groups on Monday morning, but increases 20‐ to 50‐fold on Friday afternoon in the Cd workers against a slight increase for the office workers. The concentration of Cd in the feces was not much different between Sunday and Friday in the office workers, whereas in the exposed workers it was higher on Friday than on Sunday. There is suggestive evidence from a comparative study of fecal cadmium in two Cd‐exposed volunteers who carried out their jobs with and without gloves that direct cadmium intake from hand contamination may contribute to the overall Cd absorption. A limited study in a glassware factory (As2O3 exposure) involving the measurement of total airborne arsenic, the determination of urinary arsenic, and the evaluation of hand and mouth contamination by arsenic before and after the workshift suggests that the high urinary arsenic levels (300 μg/g creatinine) are likely to be more related to an increased oral intake from contaminated hands than to an increased absorption from the lungs.
Classical syndromes in occupational medicine: Phosphorus necrosis—A classical occupational disease
Authors: Felton Jean Spencer
Published: April 2007

A disease nearly extinct in occupational health history is phosphorus necrosis, previously seen in near‐epidemic proportions among workers making phosphorus‐containing matches. Similar destructive lesions were encountered early in the 20th century among personnel fabricating fireworks. Through the diligent efforts of an economist and a supportive congressman, legislation was passed in 1912 placing a tax on phosphorus matches, and because of the fiscal burden resulting, a nontoxic substitute for elemental phosphorus was adopted by all manufacturers. Today phosphorus necrosis is extremely rare, but the former presence of the disease points up both apathy and courage in the identification and eradication of a remarkably disfiguring work‐caused disease.
Malignant pericardial mesotheliomas and asbestos exposure: A case report
Authors: Beck Bernd , Konetzke Gerhard , Ludwig Volker , Röthig Werner , Sturm Wolf
Published: April 2007

Three cases of malignant pericardial mesotheliomas are presented with evidence of occupational asbestos exposure. Examination results are compared with findings from experimental and epidemiological research on biological effects of asbestos dust. There are sufficient indications that time‐limited effects of asbestos dust established either by measurements or assessment of the amount of concentration after a latency of more than 20 years are apt to result in the development of mesotheliomas of the pleura and peritoneum and, moreover, the pericardium. It is suggested that malignant pericardial mesothelioma also be recognized as another form of occupational disease caused by asbestos dust.
Occupation and oral cancer among women in the South
Authors: Winn Deborah M. , Blot William J. , Shy Carl M. , Fraumeni Joseph F.
Published: April 2007

A case‐control interview study among 232 North Carolina women with oral or pharyngeal cancer and 410 matched controls evaluated the contribution of occupation to the high risk of this cancer among females in the South. Review of detailed occupational histories found no overall elevated odds ratios for employment in the textile, apparel, or hosiery industry, the major employer of women in the area. Risks also did not increase with years worked in the industry. The findings thus fail to confirm an association reported in surveys in the United States and Great Britain. A new clue to occupational factors was suggested by the excess risk associated with the electronics industry in coastal North Carolina, independent of the participants' tobacco habits.
Multiple myeloma in cosmetologists
Authors: Guidotti Sylvana , Wright William E. , Peters John M.
Published: April 2007

In an hypothesis‐generating activity, data in a population‐based cancer registry were analyzed according to occupation and industry. The number of cases of multiple myeloma was found to be excessive for females in the occupation “cosmetologists, hairdressers and manicurists.” Race did not explain the excess. People in this occupation have potential exposure to a number of chemicals that produce mutations in bacteria. Studies should be done to investigate the hypothesis that these chemicals cause multiple myeloma in cosmetologists.
Autoantibodies in coalminers: Their relationship to the development of progressive massive fibrosis
Authors: Boyd Janice E. , Robertson Maura D. , Davis J. M. G.
Published: April 2007

Sera from 2421 coalminers, representing all the radiological categories of pneumoconiosis, and from 260 healthy blood donors, as controls, were examined for antinuclear factor and rheumatoid factor. Antinuclear factors were present in 21.5% of sera from the controls and in 23.1% from the coalminers' group. Rheumatoid factor was present in 5.3% of coalminers and as expected occurred particularly in the few men with progressive massive fibrosis who also had rheumatoid disease. The combined prevalence of both factors showed an increase with age at all disease levels and a significant association with pneumoconiosis category only in men older than 60 years. This study provides no evidence that autoantibodies are likely to be of value in detecting men predisposed to the development of massive fibrosis other than those with rheumatoid disease.
Accelerated loss of FEV‐1 in polyurethane production workers: A four‐year prospective study
Authors: Wegman David H. , Musk A. William , Main David M. , Pagnotto Leonard D.
Published: April 2007

A four‐year longitudinal study of ventilatory function in polyurethane‐foam production workers exposed to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) revealed a dose‐response relationship between average exposure to TDI and change in forced expiratory volume per second (FEV‐1). Workers with mean exposure in excess of 0.0035 ppm showed a greater rate of decline of FEV‐1 over the four‐year period than that expected from aging. Factors other than TDI exposure (sex, smoking history, history of atopy) do not account for the loss. The current threshold limit value (TLV) for exposure to TDI in industry (0.02 ppm) does not protect workers from accelerated impairment of ventilatory capacity.
Emergence of occupational medical services outside the workplace
Authors: Rosenstock Linda , Heyer Nicholas H.
Published: April 2007

A new type of occupational medicine clinic has recently emerged in the United States. These clinics are multispecialty in staffing, are located in hospital outpatient departments, and are affiliated with academic medical centers. Their primary goal is to provide personal health and medical services including diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐through of occupationally related diseases. Approximately 15 such clinics have been established in the last several years.

A review of the medical, economic, and social forces that have historically shaped the content and scope of occupational medical and health services for workers explains in large part the reasons why many of these clinics have now come into being. Characteristics of eight of these clinics are reviewed in detail. These clinics provide a setting for inter‐disciplinary and interspecialty education of personnel and offer the medical community a demonstration of a means for better recognition and treatment of occupationally related illnesses.
Multiple primary cancers following exposure to benzidine and beta‐naphthylamine
Authors: Morinaga K. , Oshima A. , Hara I.
Published: April 2007

The incidence of second primary cancers has been ascertained in 3,322 employees who had worked from 1950 to 1978 in industries in Japan that manufactured benzidine and beta‐naphthylamine. Of the 244 workers who had suffered from and died of cancer of the genitourinary organs (first primary cancer), 11 (all male) had subsequent primary, histologically confirmed cancers of the liver, gallbladder, bile duct, large intestine, and lung. A control group of 177 male bladder cancer patients, assembled from the Osaka Cancer Registry during 1965‐1975, showed eight cases of a second primary, five being stomach cancer. No stomach cancer was observed in the study cohort. A statistically significant excess risk for liver, gall bladder, and bile duct cancer (p < 0.05) was found The number of observed deaths from respiratory cancer was greater than expected, though not statistically significant. These findings appear to confirm previous clinical data suggesting an increased occurrence of multiple primary cancers in workers exposed to benzidine/beta‐naphthylamine, pointing to a pluripotential action of these carcinogens.
Epidemiological study of nasal and nasopharyngeal cancer and their relation to phenoxy acid or chlorophenol exposure
Authors: Hardell Lennart , Johansson Bo , Axelson Olav
Published: April 2007

Soft tissue sarcoma and malignant lymphoma have been related to exposure to chlorinated phenoxy acids or chlorophenols as well as exposure to organic solvents and malignant lymphoma. However, colon cancer studied by the same case‐referent design did not show any such associations, which helps to rule out alleged systematical bias of the study approach. Further considerations about exposure routes for phenoxy acids and chlorophenols suggested that nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers should be studied. Forty‐four cases with nasal cancer and 27 cases with nasopharyngeal cancer were eligible for study during 1970‐1979 together with 541 referents, as utilized also in the aforementioned studies. Exposure to phenoxy acids gave formally a doubled but insignificant risk for the studied cancer types. Exposure to chlorophenols, as present particularly in woodwork, was related to an about sevenfold and significant increase in the risk for both cancer types. In woodworkers without exposure to chlorophenols there was an approximate normal risk, but cabinet makers, even without exposure to chlorophenols, had nearly doubled (but insignificant) risk of nasal cancer.
Biological monitoring of acrylonitrile exposure
Authors: Houthuijs Danny , Remijn Bregt , Willems Han , Boleij Jan , Biersteker Klaas
Published: April 2007

A study was made of the excretion pattern of acrylonitrile (AN) in urine of 15 AN‐exposed workers. During a 7‐day working period with the following 2 days off, the workers delivered all their urines separately. Exposure data, collected by personal monitoring, showed a mean 8‐hour TWA value of 0.13 ppm. The excretion of AN in urine (AN(U)) showed a typical pattern; concentrations peaked at the end or shortly after the end of the workday and decreased rapidly until the beginning of the next workday. A control group of 41 nonexposed workers of the same company showed a significant increase of AN(U) with increasing number of cigarettes smoked. The AN(U) concentrations of the exposed workers however were, despite the low exposure, much higher than those of the controls, both during the workdays and during the days off. Biological monitoring of AN‐exposed workers by assessing AN(U) therefore seems a very sensitive exposure evaluation method, especially because it accounts for inhalation as well as skin penetration as routes for entering the body.
Statistical study of the correlation between mercury exposure (TWA) and urinary mercury concentrations in chloralkali workers
Authors: Mattiussi Renzo , Armeli Giuseppe , Bareggi Vittorio
Published: April 2007

The present report completes a previous study made on three chloralkali plants that was presented at the 8th International Conference on Occupational Health in the Chemical Industry, Tokyo, 1980, with the final results from five plants located in various regions of Italy. A total of 14,339 measurements of mercury in air and 8,042 determinations of mercury in urine were considered. The total number of workers involved was 275.

On the basis of these data, we believe it can be concluded that, as previously reported, a correlation exists between mercury concentrations in the air and in the urine of exposed workers. This correlation is such that for exposures in the order of the present TLV (0.05 mg/m3), the value of the Z ratio (ratio between mean urinary mercury values expressed in mg/l and mean airborne mercury concentrations expressed in mg/m3) is 1.3, while the urinary mercury values vary from 0.051 mg/l to 0.078 mg/l with a mean value of 0.065 mg/l.
Asbestos as a systemic carcinogen: The evidence from eleven cohorts
Authors: Goldsmith John R.
Published: April 2007

Most known occupational carcinogens are site‐specific, which implies that they are “complete” carcinogens with both “initiating” and “promoting” properties (Berenblum's terminology). Excess cancer at gastrointestinal sites among cohorts occupationally exposed to asbestos has been interpreted as reflecting additional site‐specific effects, although excess at other sites has also been observed in some studies. The hypothesis that excess cancer at gastrointestinal sites cannot be distinguished from excess cancer at all nonpulmonary sites is tested by data from New York‐New Jersey insulation workers working in 1943; similar workers employed after 1943; U.S.‐Canadian insulation workers; London factory workers, male and female; Quebec miners and millers; retired U.S. factory workers; U.S. shipyard insulators; Italian shipyard workers in Genoa; Amosite factory workers; and U.S. factory workers. Excluding lung cancer and mesothelioma, observed‐expected ratios for nonpulmonary cancer mortality range from 0.97 to 2.78, and do not differ significantly from gastrointestinal ratios. A dose‐response gradient is observed for both ratios, when dose is estimated from lung cancer ratios, or in some studies, measured exposures. Site‐specificity is unlikely for nonpulmonary cancer associated with asbestos exposure more than 20 years previously. Systemic carcinogenesis may be an example of promotion or impairment by asbestos of some cancer defense mechanism; immunological mechanisms have been suggested by Turner‐Warwick and Parkes. Prospective studies are indicated.
Exposure limits and medical surveillance in occupational health
Authors: Rantanen Jorma , Aitio Antero , Hemminki Kari , Järvisalo Jorma , Lindström Kari , Tossavainen Antti , Vainio Harri
Published: April 2007

The standards for pollutants in workplace air constitute a social consensus or agreement about acceptable levels of occupational hygiene. This agreement to exposures up to these limits inevitably includes a finite risk to the health of the workers. The numeric values of standards are needed to assess the requirements for ventilation and other occupational hygiene conditions. Planning and everyday practice in industry also need hygienic stan‐ dards so that practical hygienic and safety measures can be maintained. These standards are not, however, levels below which there is no risk to health. While the hygienic stan‐ dard itself carries acceptance of a certain risk, doctors cannot ethically accept any health risk to workers whatever the source of exposure. Thus personnel working in occupa‐ tional health have to think about the risks of ill health even when the hygienic standards are met. The physician in occupational health has to be especially concerned to discover and estimate the risks to anyone particularly susceptible to exposures within the hygien‐ ically acceptable conditions. To do this, the occupational health physician uses medical examinations and specific investigations. In the follow‐up of workers, health occupa‐ tional health personnel use medical examinations in order to detect possible risks or to assess the general health status of individual workers. Health examinations are also used to detect specific injuries caused by the agents to which workers are known to be exposed in their work.
A case‐control study of employment experience and lung cancer among rubber workers
Authors: Delzell Elizabeth , Andjelkovich Dragana , Tyroler Herman A.
Published: April 2007

In this case‐control study the detailed employment histories of 121 rubber plant employees who died of lung cancer from 1964 through 1973 were compared to those of 448 plant employees (controls) who died of other causes during the same calendar period. All subjects were white male hourly employees. Lung cancer cases and controls were matched individually on year of birth and year of first hire at the plant. Results of matched analyses indicated that there was no association between lung cancer mortality and employment in either rubber compounding and mixing jobs or curing jobs. Men who had worked for at least five years in rubber reclaim operations, where there was potentially heavy exposure to particulates and fumes, experienced a twofold increase in lung cancer risk. In addition, there was a 70% excess of lung cancer risk among men employed in making special products, where the primary production activity was fuel cell manufacturing. The latter two findings were marginally statistically significant.
Features of asbestos‐exposed and unexposed mesothelioma
Authors: Hirsch A , Brochard P. , De Cremoux H. , Erkan L. , Sebastien P. , Di Menza L. , Bignon J.
Published: April 2007

Thirty‐six histologically confirmed cases of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma have been observed in a chest unit over a period of 53 months. The past asbestos exposure was assessed by a standardized questionnaire in all cases and the asbestos lung burden was determined by means of mineralogical analysis of lung‐related biological specimens (sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung tissues) in 28 cases. The results of these two methods were found in good agreement. Past asbestos exposure has been definitely implicated in 17 cases and definitely eliminated in 10 cases. The results were nonconclusive in other cases. The group with definite past asbestos exposure was different from the nonasbestos‐exposed group by clinical, biological, pathological, and prognosis features that were analyzed. In cases without past asbestos exposure there were no other possible causative agents. Younger age and similar incidence in men and women suggest an environmental or natural disease.