bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silicosis and lung cancer in north Carolina dusty trades workers
Authors: Amandus H. E. , Shy C. , Wing S. , Blair A. , Heineman E. F.
Published: April 2007

Since 1940, 760 cases of silicosis have been diagnosed as part of the State of North Carolina's (NC) pneumoconiosis surveillance program for dusty trades workers. Vital status was ascertained through 1983 for 714 cases that had been diagnosed since 1940 and death certificates were obtained for 546 of the 550 deceased.

Mortality from tuberculosis, cancer of the intestine and lung, pneumonia, bronchitis, eMPHysema, asthma, pneumoconiosis, and kidney disease was significantly increased in whites. Mortality from tuberculosis, ischemic heart disease, and pneumoconiosis was significantly increased in non‐whites. The standardized mortality ratio (95% CI) for lung cancer based on U.S. rates was 2.6 (1.8–3.6) in whites, 2.3 (1.5–3.4) in those who had no exposure to other known occupational carcinogens, and 2.4 (1.5–3.6) in those who had no other exposure and who had been diagnosed for silicosis while employed in the NC dusty trades.

Age‐adjusted lung cancer rates in silicotics who had no exposure to other known occupational carcinogens were 1.5 (.8–2.9) times higher than that in a referent group of coal miners with coalworkers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and 2.4 (1.5–3.9) times higher than that in a referent group of non‐silicotic metal miners. Age‐ and smoking‐adjusted rates in silicotics were 3.9 (2.4–6.4) times higher than that in metal miners. This analysis effectively controls for confounding by age, cigarette smoking, and exposure to other known occupational carcinogens, and it is unlikely that other correlates of silica exposure could explain the excess lung cancer mortality in the silicotics.
Exposure to organic solvents and adverse pregnancy outcome
Authors: Windham Gayle C. , Shusterman Dennis , Swan Shanna H. , Fenster Laura , Eskenazi Brenda
Published: April 2007

In a large case‐control study (n = 1,926) of spontaneous abortion (SAB), exposure to solvents was ascertained by a telephone interview that asked about occupational use of 18 specific solvents or products, as well as an open‐ended “other” solvent category. The adjusted odds ratio for use of any solvent was 1.1 (0.8, 1.5). Solvents for which at least a doubled crude risk of SAB was found included perchlorethylene (OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.1, 21.l),trichloroethylene(OR = 3.1, CI = 0.9, 10.4), and paint thinners (OR = 2.3, CI = 1.0, 5.1). Comparing exposure greater than 10 hours per week versus less did not show consistent dose‐response effects. By solvent class, an association was seen with aliphatic solvents (adjusted OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1, 3.0), but there was no dose‐response effect by hours of use. Household use of solvent‐containing products was generally not strongly associated with SAB, nor did it appear to confound the association seen with occupational use. From this and other studies, occupational exposure to at least some solvents appears associated with SAB. The associations of solvent exposure and fetal growth among liveborn offspring of controls was also examined.
Cancer incidence among asbestos‐exposed chemical industry workers: An extended observation period
Authors: Hilt Bjørn , Andersen Aage , Rosenberg Jan , Langiird Sverre
Published: April 2007

A previous study on the incidence of cancer in a cohort of 286 asbestos‐exposed electrochemical industry workers observed from 1953 through 1980 has been extended with another 8 years of follow‐up. The incidence of cancer was derived from the Cancer Registry of Norway, and the expected figures were calculated by a life table method. During the extended follow‐up period from 1981 through 1988, among the cohort members there were 12 new cancer cases versus 14.2 expected (SIR 85, 95% CI 44–158). In a lightly exposed sub‐cohort, the extended follow‐up revealed 4 cases of lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma (ICD, 7th revision 162–163) versus 1.6 cases expected (SIR 256, 95% CI 71–654). In a heavily exposed sub‐cohort, the corresponding figures were 3 and 0.5 (SIR 588, 95% CI 118–1,725).
Paternal occupation and congenital anomalies in offspring
Authors: Olshan Andrew F. , Teschke Kay , Baird Patricia A.
Published: April 2007

This paper presents the results of an exploratory case‐control study of paternal occupation as a risk factor for birth defects in offspring. With the use of a population‐based registry in British Columbia, 14,415 liveborn children with birth defects were identified for the period, 1952–1973. Two controls were matched to each case by using the birth files of British Columbia. Paternal occupation was obtained from the birth certificate. The analysis included 20 birth defect categories. Paternal occupations found to be associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) of birth defects include janitors [hydrocephalus (OR = 5.04), ventricular septal defects (OR = 2.45), other heart defects (OR = 2.35)], forestry and logging workers [congenital cataract (OR = 2.28), atrial septal defects (OR = 2.03), syndactyly (OR = 2.03)], painters [spina bifida (OR = 3.21), patent ductus arteriosus (OR = 2.34), cleft palate (OR = 3.36)], printers [atresia of the urethra (OR = 4.50), clubfoot (OR = 2.18)], and plywood mill workers [patent ductus arteriosus (OR = 2.52), pyloric stenosis (OR = 4.12), dislocated hip (OR = 2.71)]. This study has several limitations and the results must be viewed with caution. Nonetheless, the study provides new leads for further evaluation of the role of father's occupation in the etiology of birth defects.
A case‐control study of risk factors for industrial low back injury: Implications for primary and secondary prevention programs
Authors: Daltroy Lawren H. , Larson Martin G. , Wright Elizabeth A. , Malspeis Susan , Fossel Anne H. , Ryan James , Zwerling Craig , Liang Matthew H.
Published: April 2007

Data were collected on 228 consecutive back injuries in Boston's General Mail Facility and 228 non‐injured controls drawn randomly from each case's work unit, matching on craft (clerk, mailhandler, maintenance), shift, and general supervisor. Data were collected on age, gender, duration of employment, 3 year history of injury claims, overtime work in the past 2 weeks, job change in the past 60 days, and machine vs. manual job. Risk factors for back injury were examined simultaneously in a conditional logistic regression for matched pairs. Risk factors included history of back injury claim (OR = 16.5, p < 0.0001), younger age (OR = 3.0, p = 0.0001), shorter duration of employment (OR = 2.6, p = 0.0007), recent job change (OR = 2.5, p = 0.06), and history of non‐back injury claim (OR = 2.0, p = 0.08). Among heavy lifters (vs. clerks) overtime and being female increased the risk of injury. In this setting, higher risk workers who may benefit from preventive education programs can be identified.
Renal function in dry cleaning workers exposed to perchloroethylene
Authors: Solet David , Robins Thomas G.
Published: April 2007

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a widely used dry cleaning and degreasing solvent. Although there is evidence in animals and humans for renal effects at extremely high doses, there are few studies of its potential renal toxicity at typical occupational concentrations. This study reports on the relationship of PCE in breath and estimates of chronic exposure with the urinary ratios of total urinary protein, albumin, and n‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase (NAG) to creatinine in dry cleaning workers exposed to PCE. Regression models including one or more exposure variables, demographic variables, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and the presence of diseases affecting kidney function were examined.

Urine samples, breath samples, exposure histories, and medical histories were obtained from 192 dry cleaning workers. The results failed to demonstrate any consistent relationship between exposure and renal outcome variables. However, protein/creatinine and albumin/creatinine were significantly, although weakly and positively, associated with MAP; NAG/creatinine was weakly but significantly positively associated with age; mean NAG/creatinine was also higher in non‐whites. The reasons why an association between exposure and renal outcome was not found are discussed.
Lung cancer in filling station attendants
Authors: Grandjean Philippe , Andersen Otto
Published: April 2007

At the Danish census on 9 November 1970, 4,055 men and 1,195 women aged 20–64 years indicated an employment that was coded as retail sale of oil and gasoline; almost all individuals probably worked as filling station attendants. Record linkage at Dan‐marks Statistik showed that 529 of the men had died during the following 17 years. Respiratory cancer (75 deaths) was the only cause of death that showed a significant excess (standardized mortality ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–2.00) when compared to all men gainfully employed at the time of the census. An increased mortality due to cardiovascular disease could not be related to any particular diagnostic subgroup; the mortality in women did not differ from expected rates. These results are in accordance with data from other countries on occupational groups exposed to high levels of exhaust fumes.
Fissural thickening and exposure to asbestos: Occurrence, determinants, and functional impact
Authors: Zejda Jan , Ernst Pierre
Published: April 2007

The occurrence and determinants of thickened interlobar fissures were assessed in 147 insulators, in order to test the hypothesis that radiographic abnormalities in minor (FMN) and/or major (FMJ) interlobar fissures are associated with restrictive respiratory impairment, which may reflect early parenchymal lung fibrosis. According to the diagnostic criteria developed, definite interlobar thickening was found in 33 (FMN) and in 73 (FMJ) men, and was frequently associated with the presence of classical asbestos pleural disease, though not parenchymal abnormality. Multivariate analyses did not demonstrate any association between either FMN or FMJ and lung function. Such an association, however, was found in the case of the usual asbestos‐related pleural change. These findings suggest that fissural thickening seen on chest radiography represents a component of asbestos pleural disease and not asbestosis.
Time‐weighted averages, peaks, and other indices of exposure in occupational epidemiology
Authors: Checkoway Harvey , Rice Carol H.
Published: April 2007

Dose surrogates commonly used in occupational epidemiology are exposure intensity, exposure duration, and cumulative exposure. The appropriateness of any of these measures as dose indicators depends on the nature of the induction process for the disease under consideration. Peak exposure intensity is often associated with acute health outcomes, whereas cumulative exposure is generally more relevant for diseases with long induction times, i.e., “chronic” diseases. However, there may be situations where peak exposure is etiologically relevant in chronic disease induction, such as might occur with nonlinear rates of damage during brief intervals of very high exposure. An approach is described for evaluating the effect of peak exposures in which peaks may be defined on a relative basis for each worker, or with respect to an absolute value, such as the permissible occupational exposure limit. The analytic strategy is illustrated with data from a case‐control study of silicosis in relation to quantitative estimates of silica exposure. In this example, relative peak exposures and average non‐peak exposures appear to be better predictors of silicosis risk than cumulative exposure.
Fibrous minerals in the lungs of mesothelioma patients: Comparison between data on SEM, TEM, and personal interview information
Authors: Tuomi Timo
Published: April 2007

To determine and compare the fiber types and size distributions in the lung tissue of mesothelioma patients in Finland, samples from 29 patients with known work history were analyzed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray microanalysis. Compared with the earlier results using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the fiber concentrations were about three times as high and ranged from 0.1 million to 5,200 million fibers per gram of dry tissue. In 15 patients (52%), crocidolite/amosite were the dominating fiber types, representing more than 70% of all fibers. Anthophyllite asbestos was the most prevalent fiber type in eight patients (28%), and it was found in the samples of 13 patients (45%). One‐half of the anthophyllite fibers were longer than 5 μm, whereas other fiber types were somewhat smaller.
A comparative ecological study of selected cancers in Kanawha County, West Virginia
Authors: Day Richard , Talbott Evelyn O. , Marsh Gary M. , Case Bruce W.
Published: April 2007

This study compares mortality rates for selected causes of death in Kanawha County, West Virginia, to rates reported in a number of geographically defined populations for 1950–1984. Specific conditions selected for study included cancers of the biliary passages and liver, the bladder and other urinary organs, and the central nervous system (CNS), as well as leukemia and aleukemia, lymphosarcoma and reticulosarcoma, Hodgkin's disease, and cancer of all other lymphopoietic tissue. The analysis made use of several techniques for the investigation of ecological data, including the modeling of rates using Poission regression. The primary findings of this study concern two subgroups of cancers of the lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue: (1) leukemia and aleukemia, and (2) lymphosarcoma and reticulosarcoma. For both subgroups of cancers, white male residents of Kanawha County show evidence of significantly elevated mortality rates over the 35‐year period of this study.
T‐cell alveolitis in lung lavage of asbestos‐exposed subjects
Authors: Sprince Nancy L. , Oliver L. Christine , McLoud Theresa C. , Ginns L. C.
Published: April 2007

In sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, it has been reported that lymphocyte proportions in lung lavage predict the subsequent clinical course. Recent evidence has suggested that lymphocytes are important in the alveolitis of asbestosis. We hypothesized that a greater relative proportion of T‐lymphocytes in lung lavage of asbestos‐exposed subjects is associated with immune activation and may predict the subsequent clinical course. We assessed lymphocyte subsets in lung lavage and peripheral blood (PB) of 97 asbestos‐exposed subjects and 10 unexposed normals, using flow cytometry analysis of monoclonal antibody‐treated cells. T‐cell alveolitis was defined as follows: [%lymphocytes in lavage × %CD3 in lavage] > 2 SD above that product in normals. Eighteen subjects had T‐cell alveolitis (group 1) and 79 did not (group 2). There were no significant differences between the groups in age, smoking status, duration of exposure, lung function results, or frequency of plaques or profusion ≥ 1/0. Percent CD2 was higher in lavage of group 1 compared with group 2. There was a trend for higher %Ia in lavage of group 1 compared with group 2. These results identify a subgroup of asbestos‐exposed subjects with T‐cell alveolitis but no present excess of asbestos‐related disease who may be at risk for future asbestos‐related disease.
The impact of anticipation of job loss on psychological distress and worksite blood pressure
Authors: Schnall Peter L. , Landsbergis Paul A. , Pieper Carl F. , Schwartz Joseph , Dietz Diane , Gerin William , Schlussel Yvette , Warren Katherine , Pickering Thomas G.
Published: April 2007

The impact of occupational stressful life events on psychological distress and blood pressure was examined among employees of a major New York City brokerage firm undergoing massive layoffs. One hundred thirty‐nine employees of the firm, who had participated in a blood pressure screening in 1986, were rescreened during the period of layoffs within their company in 1989.

About two‐thirds of the 139 employees reported being “somewhat” or “very” anxious or upset in 1989 during the period of layoffs, and psychological distress was significantly elevated among those employees reporting possible or definite layoff or job change and/or difficulty in obtaining a comparable job. However, we found no increase in overall blood pressure level, and no effect of anticipation of job loss on 1989 blood pressure when controlling for 1986 blood pressure level, age, body mass index, work hours, and other demographic variables. On the other hand, employment in a department sold to another employer on the day of screening, as well as employment in a clerical job title, were both associated with significant increases in diastolic blood pressure of about 5 mm Hg.
Adverse health effects in workers exposed to cadmium
Authors: Kahan Ernesto , Derazne Estela , Rosenboim Joseph , Ashkenazi Ruth , Ribak Joseph
Published: April 2007

One hundred fifty‐two workers who had been exposed to different levels of cadmium (Cd) absorption (blood Cd mean 16.34 μg/L, median 11.0 μg/L) in a factory making nickel‐cadmium batteries were studied. A physical evaluation, as well as blood and urine cadmium and N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG), and other routine laboratory tests were performed in order to assess the relationship between different levels of exposure to occupational cadmium and potential cadmium‐induced renal damage and other adverse health effects. We found significant correlation between levels of cadmium exposure and a selected group of symptoms and signs. The best predictor of this group of symptoms and signs was an indicator called internal dose index (Cd × exposure time). This indicator appears as the strongest, even after control by confounding factors, such as age and smoking. It is concluded that this index can be used for biological monitoring.
Parenchymal and pleural fibrosis in construction workers
Authors: Oksa Panu , Koskinen Heikki , Rinne Jouko‐Pekka , Zitting Anders , Roto Pekka , Huuskonen Matti S.
Published: April 2007

Exposure to mineral dust was studied among construction workers (N = 437) with the aid of a questionnaire and a chest X‐ray examination of the lungs. The results of the questionnaire showed that 81% of the construction workers had been exposed to asbestos. Exposure had occurred in all of the occupational groups studied. Pleural plaques and/or lung fibrosis (ILO ≥ 1/1) were found in 26% of the examined workers; the prevalence varied from 18 to 40% among the various occupational groups. Comparison with a representative sample of the Finnish male population from another investigation indicates that the frequency of lung fibrosis (ILO ≥ 1/1) is at least two times higher among the examined construction workers than among the general population. It seems likely that exposure to asbestos dust can be considered an etiological factor for an appreciable number of the X‐ray findings.
Patterns of asbestosis in New Jersey
Authors: Henneberger Paul K. , Stanbury Martha J.
Published: April 2007

Hospital discharge data from New Jersey were used to identify cases of asbestosis for the 8 years 1979–1986. Multiple admissions were deleted so that each individual was counted once at the time of his/her first hospitalization with an asbestosis diagnosis. White males had the highest age‐adjusted average annual discharge rate of 19.3 cases/100,000 population, followed by black males (12.3 cases/100,000) and white females (1.2 cases/100,000). The discharge rate was positively associated with age in each race/sex category. The relationship between rates for black males and white males depended on age: under 65 years, the rates were almost equal, and at 65 years and older, the white rates were nearly twice the black rates. There were two areas of the state where the rates were highest: the north‐central and southwest regions. These two areas represent manufacturing and shipbuilding applications of asbestos, respectively. During the years 1979–1986, the annual percentage increase in asbestosis rates was 20% for white males, 17% for black males, and 8% for white females. Continued surveillance will reveal when the rates for asbestosis stop increasing. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chest radiographs in subjects with asbestos‐related abnormalities: Comparison between ilo categorizations and clinical reading
Authors: Hilt Bjørn , Borgersen Arne , Lien Jan Th. , Langård Sverre
Published: April 2007

The findings of a previous chest X‐ray screening, determined without using standardized criteria, were reassessed by means of the ILO classification. Of 470 radiographs that had been determined as showing asbestos‐related changes, 430 were categorized according to the ILO Classification. Small opacities with profusion ≥ 1/0 were described in 39 (52%) of 75 participants who, on the original clinical reading, had been determined as having lung fibrosis, and in 45 (12.7%) of 355 who were determined as having pleural changes only. When considering circumscribed pleural thickening at the chest wall or diaphragm, as categorized by the ILO Classification, such changes were present in 401 (93.7%) of 428 subjects with pleural changes as determined on the clinical reading. In addition to the improved sensitivity and specificity achieved, the ILO Classification also allows comparison with other studies. The most apparent disadvantage of the ILO system is that it cannot firmly separate the various types of asbestos‐related pleural changes. The study revealed that the previous asbestos exposure of the case subjects had occurred in many different workplaces and occupations. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reevaluation of silicosis and lung cancer in North Carolina dusty trades workers
Authors: Amandus H. E. , Castellan R. M. , Shy C. , Heineman E. F. , Blair A.
Published: April 2007

We previously reported on the lung cancer mortality through 1983 of 760 males who were diagnosed with silicosis during 1930–1983 by the State of North Carolina's medical examination program for dusty trades workers. The lung cancer SMR (95% confidence interval) was 2.6 (1.8–3.6) among 655 white members of this group. In this paper, we report the results of a reanalysis of mortality among a subgroup for whom chest radiographs were currently available for rereading

Technically acceptable radiographs were available for 306 white males and were independently reclassified for pneumoconiosis by 3 “B” readers using the 1980 ILO Classification. Lung cancer SMRs were 1.7 (0.8–3.1) for the entire group of 306 white males, 2.5 (1.1–4.9) for 143 subjects reclassified as simple silicosis, and 1.0 (0.1–3.5) for 96 subjects whose radiographs were reclassified as ILO category 0. There were no lung cancer deaths among 67 subjects whose radiographs were reclassified as progressive massive fibrosis

Corresponding lung cancer SMRs for subjects who had never been employed in a job with exposure to known occupational carcinogens were 1.2 (0.2–4.4) for those reclassified as category 0, and 2.4 (1.0–5.0) for those reclassified as having simple silicosis. The age‐adjusted lung cancer rate ratio among subjects with simple silicosis compared to those with category 0 was 1.5 (0.4–5.8)

Our findings from this reanalysis, which effectively controls for misclassification of silicosis due to errors in radiograph interpretation by North Carolina program readers, offer additional evidence consistent with the hypothesis of an association between silicosis and lung cancer in this study group. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the utility of a standard history questionnaire in assessing the neurological effects of solvents
Authors: Bukowski J. A. , Sargent E. V. , Pena B. M.
Published: April 2007

Using a standard battery of medical surveillance questions, a study was undertaken to determine if an increase in reported neurologic symptoms was resulting from solvent exposure at a pharmaceutical research, development, and manufacturing site.

The prevalence of positive responses to 13 interval history questions pertaining to neurological symptoms was compared between those enrolled in exposed surveillance programs (n = 840) and those enrolled in other, non‐solvent exposed surveillance programs (n = 1,042). The ratio of positive responders between the exposed and unexposed groups was used to generate a relative prevalence ratio (RPR).

No significantly elevated RPRs were seen when the analysis was adjusted for the confounding factors of age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, noise exposure, and number of interval histories. These results suggest that workplace solvent exposures in the employees studied did not appear to result in obvious neurologic symptoms. However, low‐level neurotoxic exposures can cause asymptomatic or sub‐clinical disorders. Therefore, more sensitive neurotoxic surveillance systems need to be developed.
A health survey of toll booth workers
Authors: Strauss Pamela , Orris Peter , Buckley Lucille
Published: April 2007

The prevalence of respiratory and other health problems in a cohort of highway toll booth workers was surveyed by mailed questionnaire. In a low proportion of respondents (43.2%), a high prevalence of central nervous system complaints (headaches, irritability, or anxiety, and unusual tiredness), mucous membrane irritation (eye irritation, nasal congestion, and dry throat), and musculoskeletal problems (joint and back pains) was found.

We believe these symptoms are reflective of the acute irritant and central nervous system effects of exposure to motor vehicle exhaust. The musculoskeletal complaints are likely the result of bending, reaching, and leaning out of the toll booth. The need for in‐depth evaluation of the ventilation systems and the ergonomic and job stressors of work at toll booths is suggested by these results.
Responses among New Jersey's largest employers to legislation restricting smoking at the worksite
Authors: Lewit Eugene M.
Published: April 2007

In 1985, New Jersey enacted a state law requiring that employers with more than 50 employees implement policies to control smoking in places of employment. The 104 largest private employers in New Jersey were surveyed in 1988 to assess their worksite smoking policies. Of the 92 respondents, 97% had implemented restrictive workplace smoking policies. Only 12% of respondents had implemented such policies prior to the date required by the law, and 86% cited the law as the reason for restricting smoking in the workplace. Over two‐thirds of respondents placed restrictions on smoking in open areas, while only one‐third restricted smoking in private offices. Nonsmoking employees were reported by 80% of respondents to be supportive of restrictive smoking policies, but 23% reported dissatisfaction by their smoking employees. The New Jersey law appears to have been an important factor in the adoption of work place smoking restrictions by the state's largest employers.
A participatory workplace health and safety training program for ethylene oxide
Authors: Lamontagne Anthony D. , Kelsey Karl T. , Ryan Charlotte M. , Christiani David C.
Published: April 2007

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulated ethylene oxide (EtO) on the basis of its acute toxicity and its potential carcinogenic and reproductive effects since 1971. OSHA's 1984 EtO standard and its 1988 revisions focused new attention on health and safety training and other preventive measures. An EtO health and safety training program for hospital sterilization workers was developed by the staff of an independent occupational and environmental health clinic. Participatory and empowerment training methods were central to the approach. Also included were hands‐on, demonstration, interactive presentation, and other methods. An EtO Health and Safety Training Manual was developed based on the training experiences. This paper presents the challenges, benefits, and limitations of incorporating participatory and empowerment approaches in the design, implementation, and evaluation of EtO health and safety training.
Hardware to hard hats: Training workers for action (from offices to construction sites)
Authors: Baker Robin , Stock Laura , Szudy Betty
Published: April 2007

A university‐based labor education program provides training to unionists, emphasizing the skills needed by workers and their representatives in order to promote their rights to health and safety on the job. The article describes two examples of this training approach. The first example is a training program for video display terminal (VDT) operators which prepares them to take a leadership role in advancing policies to regulate working conditions for VDT users. The second is a program designed to improve the quality of safety, or “tailgate” meetings in the construction industry by promoting an approach that encourages active worker participation in identifying potential hazards and developing solutions. The methodologies used to achieve action‐oriented outcomes are described.
Implementing right‐to‐know legislation for health care workers in Manitoba: A bipartite sectoral train‐the‐trainer approach
Authors: Elias J. D. , Yassi A. , Kennedy T. , Andres S.
Published: April 2007

In October 1988, right‐to‐know legislation was introduced in Canada. This presented a technical and administrative challenge to the health care sector. With over 170 health care facilities in Manitoba to be brought into compliance, some large, some small, some rural, some urban, a cooperative approach was needed. A labor‐management steering committee with representatives from a cross‐section of facilities as well as the various health care unions was formed to design and implement a train‐the‐trainer program. A small‐group, highly participatory modular program was developed with input from all parties, and delivered across the province by trainers selected jointly by labor and management.

The program achieved its goal of assisting member facilities to implement the legislation. Follow‐up surveys and discussions with health care workers showed improved understanding of labelling requirements, material safety data sheet interpretation, and requirements for hazard control. This first bipartite program empowered the health care workforce to use its newly acquired right‐to‐know, and has provided the incentive to implement other cooperative safety and health programs.
Waking up the audience: The use of trigger videos in labor education
Authors: Ginzberg Abby
Published: April 2007

Use of trigger videos can enhance union education programs by encouraging an active learning process, in which class members can identify with the problems posed in the video, and are motivated to seek a collective action‐oriented solution to those situations which exist in their own workplaces. Such an approach empowers workers to develop their own answers in a supportive and mutually reinforcing context.
Cancer of the stomach and the colon‐rectum among workers in a coke gas plant
Authors: Berger J. , Manz A.
Published: April 2007

Four thousand nine hundred and eight male workers of the Hamburg gas plant, employed for 10 or more years during the period from January 1, 1900 to December 31, 1989, have been traced for cancer mortality. Based on their jobs, they were grouped into three subcohorts: gas furnace workers, workers in other parts of the plant, and whitecollar workers. Despite the general “healthy worker effect,” gas furnace workers showed a significant incidence of cancer of all sites (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 186), particularly cancers of the lung (SMR = 288), stomach (SMR = 177), and the colon‐rectum (SMR = 184). In comparison to the death rates of white‐collar workers, the manual workers in other parts of the plant also showed an excess of cancer mortality for cancer of these sites. The reason for this excess in cancer mortality seems to be due to the working conditions. The results contribute to the current evidence that exposure to coal carbonization fumes causes not only lung cancer, but also cancers of the stomach and colon‐rectum.
Upper extremity symptoms in supermarket workers
Authors: Harber Philip , Peña Laura , Bland Gerard , Beck John
Published: April 2007

Upper extremity symptoms in supermarket workers, particularly those who performed checking using laser scanners, were evaluated using a questionnaire administered by trained interviewers to 124 supermarket workers. Summary indices of exposure (shortterm and long‐term) as well as indices of past personal illnesses and personal activities were employed. Outcome data were summarized by four composite symptom indices. Chi square and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that hours of checking work in the preceding 2 weeks and cumulative weighted years of work were associated with adverse upper extremity symptoms. Symptoms involved both the proximal and distal parts of the upper extremities.
Worker notification: Lessons from the past
Authors: Needleman Carolyn
Published: April 2007

The methodological choices being made in current worker notification programs are influenced in both obvious and subtle ways by certain ground‐breaking notifications carried out during the 1970s and 1980s. A lore has built up concerning these cases. Their names are heavy with implied meaning. As worker notification gains in acceptance and frequency, some of those newly interested in the area will be unfamiliar with these early cases, their significance, and their lessons. To help provide a context for these proceedings, six landmark worker notifications are briefly described here. Different cases might have been chosen; more cases might have been added. However, these six give a flavor of the struggles, trials, triumphs, and insights that have marked worker notification's passage through recent history. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The ethics of choice in the struggle against industrial disease
Authors: Samuels Sheldon W.
Published: April 2007

This article argues that broad recognition of the ethical basis for society's decisions about the reduction of the risks of workers, including notification, has been, is, and will be a more persuasive method of establishing programs implementing the rights to know and act in controlling the industrial vector in human disease than sheer power politics. If the argument is correct, then attention needs to be focused on the nature of the ethics of choice. The moral dialectic in the history of science and medicine is traced to the metaphysically assumed values of open and closed models of knowledge and action that determine how we weigh genetic and environmental factors in the process of choosing who shall live and who shall die of disease, with strong industrially generated vectors. The author suggests that we escape from the concepts of the closed systems of the past, whose grammar reflects values repugnant to the empowerment of those notified of risk, to open systems that enhance community‐ecologic values of life and freedom. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Notification of workers about an excess of malignant melanoma: A case study
Authors: Mazzuckelli Lawrence F. , Schulte Paul A.
Published: April 2007

In January 1991. NIOSH completed a retrospective cohort mortality study of 3,588 Westinghouse Electric Corporation workers who had been engaged in the manufacture of electrical capacitors. The study evolved from a NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation, which was conducted at the request of the Indiana State Board of Health because of its concern about PCB exposures among the Westinghouse workers.

Life table analysis revealed a fourfold excess of deaths due to malignant melanoma. Though the workers were principally exposed to PCBs, the available exposure data did not lend itself to constructing an exposure‐response curve that could relate PCB exposure to development of malignant melanomas. This was further complicated by the lack of substantial corroboration from other studies of PCB‐exposed cohorts.

Because of the magnitude of the malignant melanoma excess and the fact that malignant melanoma is probably more amenable to treatment and remediation than most other cancers, NIOSH determined that notification of the individual cohort members was a prudent and necessary public health action.

This article describes the notification process from the time the decision to notify was made through the postnotification period. It details the interaction between NIOSH, the former and current plant owners, the two labor organizations that represented the workers at the plant, and the recipients of the notification materials. Scientific and other issues surrounding this notification effort are also discussed. A number of lessons were learned about the notification process; these are described for the benefit of others who conduct notifications. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asbestos disease risk communication conducted by the New Jersey department of health
Authors: Stanbury Martha , Solice‐Sample Gwendolyn , Pescatore John
Published: April 2007

Since October 1985, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has required hospitals to report all patients with a discharge diagnosis of asbestosis. As follow‐up to a needs assessment survey of these patients, the NJDOH developed an educational packet including an information bulletin titled “Asbestos Disease: Medical and Legal Facts for Employees” and a pre‐stamped postcard evaluation survey. The packet was sent to 1,418 patients reported by hospitals; 433 patients returned the evaluation questionnaire. The survey assessed attitudinal responses (were the materials helpful and easy to understand?) and behavioral responses (did the respondent plan on discussing the materials with a doctor or lawyer?) to the information in the packet. Of the postcard respondents, 85% found the materials helpful, and approximately half indicated that they would discuss the materials with a doctor or lawyer. Of the 33% who were proxy respondents, half appeared not to have understood that the materials had relevance to them as family members. Modifications to the protocol for the asbestos disease educational packet were made based on the evaluation data. Limitations of the evaluation survey and the value of process evaluations in risk communication projects are discussed. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Community lead exposure
Authors: Prenney Brad
Published: April 2007

In August, 1990, a regional transit authority began removing paint on two overhead bridges on a commuter railroad line running through a residential neighborhood of Lynn, Massachusetts, an industrial city north of Boston. The contracted work involved the sandblasting of existing bridge paint to prepare the surface for repainting. The sandblasting was conducted without shrouding or adequate worker protection. The bridge paint was not tested for lead content, nor were neighborhood residents informed of the operations prior to the commencement of the work. Following complaints by residents to the local and state health departments, a cease‐work order was issued. Laboratory tests of paint samples revealed a lead content ranging from 5% to 15%. Sandblasting debris was evident throughout the adjacent neighborhood. What followed was a 3‐month effort by state and local government officials and the transit authority and its contractors to assess, communicate, and remedy the damage done by the operations. Soil, dust, and blood samples were collected to assess environmental contamination and health effects. Notices were sent, meetings held, and informational sites established to inform community residents of the impact of the operations and remediation efforts. The local and Boston media provided extensive coverage of the incident and its aftermath. Remediation efforts involved the relocation of occupants from residences in proximity of the site and extensive clean‐up of the interiors of affected homes by licensed lead abatement contractors. The cost of the cleanup was well over $1 million. Efforts to notify and inform the community of the risks and possible health effects associated with the bridge operations were complicated by at least two factors: first, the community's initial mistrust of the transit authority and governmental agencies as a result of the incident itself, and, second, the difficulty in distinguishing lead exposure caused by the bridge operation from background exposure to lead associated with living in an urban environment. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation issues in the drake chemical workers notification and health registry study
Authors: Leviton Laura C. , Chen Huey T. , Marsh Gary M. , Talbott Evelyn O.
Published: April 2007

The Drake Chemical Workers' Health Registry combined notification of workers about bladder cancer risk with access to a free program for screening and diagnosis. Evaluation of the project has given rise to several findings and new research questions. Findings in this article illustrate the following evaluation issues: 1) studying the combination of strategies that are most effective and cost effective to notify workers of their disease risks, 2) determining the realistic yield from strategies to gain participation in health screening and other protective services for notified workers, 3) identifying the notification strategies that were most effective for different kinds of participants, 4) using process evaluation to identify key activities for ensuring continued participation of cohort members in screening, and 5) examining the extent to which participants are willing to quit smoking to protect their health. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing quality of life when planning and evaluating worker notification programs: Two case examples
Authors: Meyerowitz Beth E.
Published: April 2007

Notifying workers that they have been placed at risk for serious medical problems may affect their lives in unexpected ways. Although very little evidence supports the fear of notification causing grave psychological problems, more subtle disruptions in quality of life may result. In addition, psychological reactions to notification, such as anxiety or denial, may impede or enhance workers' abilities to process, remember, or act upon the information presented. Measuring how different notification strategies affect quality of life is crucial; this process can enable us to design and select effective strategies that improve, rather than disrupt, the lives of workers and their families. Two preliminary efforts to include consideration of quality of life in planning and evaluating notification programs are described. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fatal occupational accidents in Ontario, 1986–1989
Authors: Shannon Harry S. , Hope Laura , Griffith Lauren , Stieb David
Published: April 2007

We examined 470 fatal occupational accidents in Ontario, 1986–1989, that met eligibility criteria. Homicides and most accidents on public roads were excluded. Information was obtained from coroners' files and records of the provincial Ministry of Labour. Levels of alcohol likely to produce impairment were found in six subjects (2% of the two‐thirds of fatalities tested). Cannabis was detected in 3.9% of cases (17% of those tested), but other illegal drugs were not found. Recommendations of coroner's juries showed that organizational factors were considered relevant on many occasions, although language and literacy were rarely mentioned. The incidence rate rose steadily with age. Other data items were examined, although, because of missing information and/or lack of denominator data for many of them, the conclusions that can be drawn are limited. Among these tentative findings was that more fatal accidents occurred in the first half of the shift than in the second half. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss. Inc.
Evaluation of risks for non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma by occupation and industry exposures from a case‐control study
Authors: Blair Aaron , Linos Athena , Stewart Patricia A. , Burmeister Leon F. , Gibson Robert , Everett George , Schuman Leonard , Cantor Kenneth P.
Published: April 2007

The etiology of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is not well understood. To develop hypotheses on causes of this tumor, data from a population‐based case‐control interview study of 1,867 white men (622 cases and 1,245 controls) in Iowa and Minnesota conducted during 1980–1983 were examined. Subjects, or their next of kin, were interviewed to obtain information on agricultural exposures, work history, medical conditions, and family history. This analysis focuses on risks of NHL by occupation, by industry, and by selected exposures. Although many comparisons were made, few significant associations were observed. Small numbers and limitations in exposure assessment, however, would tend to reduce opportunities to detect associations. The strongest finding was with various occupations that work in metals and metal products. The analysis by exposure estimates also uncovered a significant association with metals, but risks did not increase with estimated intensity of exposure. Slightly elevated risks were also noted among persons employed as painters and construction workers, agricultural and forestry workers, printers and typesetters, funeral directors and embalmers, and dry cleaners. Although the overall risks for benzene and other solvents were small, they increased slightly with level of assigned exposure. Although some associations may be due to chance, several of these occupations and industries have been linked to lymphoma in other investigations and deserve further attention. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute traumatic injuries in underground bituminous coal miners
Authors: Lee Terrence , Anderson Craig , Kraus Jess F.
Published: April 2007

Using injury information from the 1986 Mine Safety and Health Administration data‐base, and demographic information from a 1986 sample survey of the miner population, acute traumatic injury rates for male workers in underground bituminous coal mines were computed by age, current job experience, and total mine work experience. Three groups of workers assessed in this study showed the highest injury rates: workers aged 15–30 years; workers with between 2 and 3 years of experience; and workers with 10 or more years of experience in the current job.

Injury rates decline with age in each time‐interval of current job category and each total mine working experience category. Experience per se does not appear to be related to lower injury rates independent of age, which is paradoxical. The interaction of worker age with length of current or total mining experience is complex. The potential for catastrophic multiple fatalities and severe injuries suggests that additional work is needed to study, simultaneously, factors such as training and job task, and those that describe specific work exposures and mining hazards. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of organic solvents and potential worker exposure in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry
Authors: Macaluso Maurizio , Delzell Elizabeth , Rose Vernon , Perkins Jimmy
Published: April 2007

This survey was designed to assist with planning epidemiologic studies of the effects of solvent exposure among motor vehicle manufacturing workers. The objectives were to identify subgroups of workers with solvent exposure, and to evaluate the availability of data for a job‐exposure matrix (JEM). Of 65 plants selected, 31 (48%) participated. Participant plants represent all production activities initially included in the survey, and employ 97,655 hourly workers. About 14% of these workers use organic solvents (direct exposure), and 19% work in the proximity of solvent‐using operations (indirect exposure). However, only 3% have direct exposure, and 6% have indirect exposure to large‐volume (≥ 100 gallons/month)/high‐frequency (hourly)‐use solvents. The highest solvent exposure prevalence occurs in plants manufacturing engines and power train components and in metal degreasing/cleaning and painting tasks, and entails exposure to petroleum fractions, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, and ketones. A JEM can be developed using plant records on job titles, work histories, production scheduling, and plant engineering, and using the corporate computerized personnel and industrial hygiene databases. However, information on solvent use and on exposure is adequate only for recent time periods. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.