bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of exposure to lead on postural control in workers
Authors: Ratzon N , Froom P , Leikin E , Kristal-Boneh E , Ribak J 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo examine the effect of lead on postural control of workers who have been exposed to lead.METHODS63 Male, lead battery workers mean (SD) age 41.0 (7.4) were compared with 48 age matched male controls after excluding those with acute or chronic diseases. Exposed workers had mean (SD) past blood lead concentrations of 37.5 (9.2) μg/dl and 11.2 (5.7) years of employment. Postural control was measured with a computerised postural sway measurement system which measured both sway and total movements.RESULTSWorkers standing straight with eyes open on the bare plates had sway and total movements which were not notably different from controls. On the other hand increased movements were needed in the exposed workers to maintain stability (the general stability quotient 18.2 (5.4)v15.4 (4.4) in controls, p<0.01) when standing directly on the footplates with closed eyes,, and with the head tilted (15.0 (3.8)v11.5 (3.0) in controls, p<0.001). Exposed workers also had a trend for less ability to synchronise anterior posterior and lateral sway in the stress positions (0.0625) than had non-exposed workers . Significant but low correlations were found between the estimate of the chronic internal dose of lead and three of 10 of the postural control measurements, and present lead blood concentrations and only one of the 10 measurements and (rvalues ranged from 0.21 to 0.31, p⩽0.03).CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that lead affects postural control in asymptomatic workers. Further studies are warranted to find whether workers with decreased postural control are at increased risk of accidents and the relation, if any, of these measurements with subsequent morbidity.
Prevalence and pattern of occupational exposure to hand transmitted vibration in Great Britain: findings from a national survey
Authors: Palmer Keith T , Griffin Michael J , Bendall Holly , Pannett Brian , Coggon David 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo estimate the number of workers in Great Britain with significant occupational exposure to hand transmitted vibration (HTV). Also, to identify the occupations and industries where such exposures arise, and the main sources of exposure.METHODSA questionnaire was posted to 22 194 men and women aged 16–64, comprising 21 201 subjects selected at random from the age-sex registers of 34 general practices in England, Scotland, and Wales, and a further 993 subjects selected at random from the central pay registers of the three armed services. Among other things, the questionnaire asked about exposure to sources of HTV in current and earlier employment. Responses were assessed by occupation and industry, and prevalence estimates for the country as a whole were derived from census information on occupational and industrial populations nationally. Estimates were also made in exposed workers of the average daily dose of vibration (A(8) root mean squared (rms) for the past week, based on their reported sources and durations of exposure.RESULTSUsable questionnaires were returned by 12 907 subjects (overall response rate 58%). From these it was estimated that some 4.2 million men and 667 000 women in Great Britain are exposed to HTV at work in a 1 week period, and that personal daily exposures to vibration exceed a suggested action level equivalent to 2.8 ms-2for 8 hours (A(8) >2.8 ms-2rms) in at least 1.2 million men and 44 000 women. High estimated doses (A(8) >5 ms-2rms) arose most often in bricklayers and masons, gardeners and groundsmen, carpenters and joiners, electricians and electrical maintenance fitters, and builders and building contractors. The industries where high A(8) values most often arose were construction, motor vehicle repair and maintenance, manufacture of basic metals, and agriculture. The most common sources of exposure were hammer drills, hand held portable grinders, and jigsaws.CONCLUSIONSExposure to HTV is surprisingly prevalent, and preventive measures and health surveillance may be warranted for many men in Britain. Control strategies should focus on prevention at source, with priority accorded to the common sources of exposure and the occupations in which significant exposures tend to arise. Many vibratory tools that are common in Britain have been overlooked in previous surveys, highlighting an important focus for future research.
Cohort mortality and cancer incidence survey of recent entrants (1982–91) to the United Kingdom rubber industry: preliminary findings: Table 1
Authors: Straughan J K , Sorahan T 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo monitor the occurrence of stomach and lung cancer in a newly defined cohort of United Kingdom rubber workers and to report findings for other cancers in an early period of follow up.METHODSA prospective cohort of 9031 male and female workers from 42 United Kingdom rubber factories has been enumerated. All employees had a minimum of 12 months employment and were first employed at one of the participating factories in the period 1982–91. Mortality data were available for the period 1983–98 and cancer registration data for the period 1983–94. The mortality and cancer incidence experienced by the cohort were compared with expected values based on national rates defined by period, age, and sex.RESULTSMortality from lung cancer was close to expectation (men: observed (obs) 11, expected (exp) 12.70, standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 87, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 43 to 155; women: obs 0, exp 1.34, SMR 0, 95% CI 0 to 275). Mortality from stomach cancer was unexceptional (men: obs 1, exp 2.69, SMR 37, 95% CI 1 to 207; women: obs 0, exp 0.24, SMR 0, 95% CI 0 to 1537). Many statistical comparisons were made both for mortality data and for cancer registration data; only one difference between observed and expected numbers was significant (mortality from cancer of the testis: obs 3 exp 0.51, SMR 589, 95% CI 122 to 1722). Corresponding findings for incident cancers of the testis were unexceptional (obs 5, exp 5.13, standardised registration ratio (SRR) 97, 95% CI 32 to 227).CONCLUSIONThe findings should be treated with caution as they relate to an early period of follow up. Nevertheless, they hold out the prospect that the increased SMRs for stomach and lung cancers reported for historical cohorts of United Kingdom rubber workers may not be apparent in more recent cohorts.
Evaluation of a modified German version of the Q16 questionnaire for neurotoxic symptoms in workers exposed to solvents
Authors: Ihrig A , Triebig G , Dietz M C 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo assess sensitivity and specificity of a questionnaire designed to detect neurotoxic symptoms in workers exposed to solvents and in patients with a psycho-organic syndrome.METHODSThe Swedish Q16 is a self administered questionnaire for neurotoxic symptoms. The modified German version consists of 18 questions. The results were analysed from 1166 questionnaires which were completed by adults belonging to the following groups; 483 workers with occupational exposure to solvents and 193 non-exposed controls, 25 patients with a psycho-organic syndrome, 25 sex and age matched patients with a lung disease, and a sample of 440 people from the general population.RESULTSThe German Q18 was easy to handle and quick to perform. Workers exposed to solvents reported significantly more complaints than controls (2.9v2.5). All patients with a psycho-organic syndrome had five or more complaints. This was true for only 32% of patients with lung disease. These comparisons showed that chronic exposure to solvents was associated with subjective complaints related particularly to cognitive functions. In the sample of the general population, age, education level, smoking habits, and time of performance showed no significant influence on the Q18 result. Women had significantly more complaints than men (3.2v2.3). People who reported drinking alcohol occasionally or moderately had significantly fewer complaints than teetotalers.CONCLUSIONSThe German Q18 has an acceptable sensitivity and reliability, a reasonable specificity, and a good practicability. It is a useful instrument for screening workers exposed to solvents. A cut off point of 5 for men is recommended, and a cut off point of 6 for women is proposed.
Comparing performance on a simulated 12 hour shift rotation in young and older subjects
Authors: Reid K , Dawson D 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo simulate a 12 hour shift rotation and measure the difference in performance if any, between older and younger subjects. Significant reductions in neurobehavioural performance during shift work and particularly night work have long been recognised. There are conflicting reports of the effects of 12 hour shifts on performance, alertness, and safety. Furthermore, research suggests that older shift workers have more sleep disruption and maladaption to shift work. When this is combined with longer hours at work there may be considerable reductions in performance for older compared with younger workers.METHODSThirty two subjects were allocated to groups according to age. Group one had 16 subjects with a mean (SD) age of 21.2 (2.7) years, and group two had 16 subjects with a mean (SD) age of 43.9 (6.8) years. Subjects came to the laboratory for six consecutive days and completed a simulated 12 hour shift rotation consisting of two 12 hour day shifts (0700–1900), followed by two 12 hour night shifts (1900–0700). During the work period subjects completed a computer administered neurobehavioural performance task every hour.RESULTSPerformance for the older subjects was consistently lower than for the younger subjects. There was a significant difference in performance across the shift between older and younger subjects. There was a significant change in performance across the shifts in the older subjects, such that performance significantly increased across the day shifts and decreased across the night shifts. By contrast, the younger subjects were able to maintain performance across both day shifts and the second night shift.CONCLUSIONSThere are significant differences in performance of older and younger subjects during a simulated 12 hour shift rotation. Future studies both in the field and the laboratory would be useful in determining whether this is typical and if there are any important consequences for the older worker on 12 hour shifts.
Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene in coke oven workers relative to exposure, alcohol consumption, and metabolic enzymes
Authors: Zhang J , Ichiba M , Hara K , Zhang S , Hanaoka T , Pan G , Yamano Y , Takahashi K , Tomokuni K 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the influence of personal lifestyle—such as smoking and alcohol consumption—on urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) concentrations in coke oven workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and to evaluate the association of 1-OHP concentrations with the genetic polymorphism of several metabolic enzymes including cytochromeP-450 (CYP) 1A1 and glutathione S-tranferases (GSTs).METHODSThe study population contained 162 coke oven workers and 58 controls employed at the largest iron and steel factory in China. Personal data were collected at the interview. 1-OHP in urine was measured with high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Genetic polymorphisms were identified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.RESULTSA positive association between excretion of urinary 1-OHP and the levels of exposure to PAHs was confirmed. Those people who consumed ⩾50 g/day ethanol had significantly higher 1-OHP excretion than did other coke oven workers (p<0.01). No significant difference in urinary 1-OHP was found between smokers and non-smokers, in both controls and exposed subjects. The variant homozygotes at exon 7 of the CYP1A1 gene had significantly higher urinary 1-OHP concentrations than other CYP1A1 genotypes among the exposed workers (p=0.03). There was less association between the concentrations of 1-OHP and the GSTM1, GSTP1, or GSTT1 polymorphism.CONCLUSIONSThe present study confirmed that urinary 1-OHP is a good biomarker for exposure to PAHs. Alcohol consumption affected urinary 1-OHP excretion. The variant genotypes of the CYP1A1 gene may result in the enhancement of PAH metabolites. It is helpful to understand the role of individual susceptibility on metabolism of carcinogens. These findings suggest that the modulating effect of individual lifestyle factors or genetic nature should be considered in future studies on occupational exposure to PAHs and in evaluating the health risk from harmful chemicals.
Stimulation of IL-8 release from epithelial cells by gas cooker PM10: a pilot study
Authors: Dick C A J , Dennekamp M , Howarth S , Cherrie J W , Seaton A , Donaldson K , Stone V 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVETo measure the effect of matter collected by a method that has a 50% efficiency for particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM10), generated by gas and electric cooking, on A549 epithelial cells with and without nitrogen dioxide (NO2).METHODMultiple indoor PM10samples were collected on Teflon filters during the use of gas or electric cookers. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations were measured with a sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system.RESULTSTreatment of A549 cells with PM10generated from gas cooking resulted in increased concentrations of IL-8 compared with untreated cells; particles from the electric cooker had no effect. NO2did not alter the concentration of IL-8.CONCLUSIONPM10generated by gas cooking has the potential to cause proinflammatory effects in lung cells. This may have implications for susceptible people.
Small area estimation of incidence of cancer around a known source of exposure with fine resolution data
Authors: Kokki E , Ranta J , Penttinen A , Pukkala E , Pekkanen J 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo describe the small area system developed in Finland. To illustrate the use of the system with analyses of incidence of lung cancer around an asbestos mine. To compare the performance of different spatial statistical models when applied to sparse data.METHODSIn the small area system, cancer and population data are available by sex, age, and socioeconomic status in adjacent “pixels”, squares of size 0.5 km × 0.5 km. The study area was partitioned into sub-areas based on estimated exposure. The original data at the pixel level were used in a spatial random field model. For comparison, standardised incidence ratios were estimated, and full bayesian and empirical bayesian models were fitted to aggregated data. Incidence of lung cancer around a former asbestos mine was used as an illustration.RESULTSThe spatial random field model, which has been used in former small area studies, did not converge with present fine resolution data. The number of neighbouring pixels used in smoothing had to be enlarged, and informative distributions for hyperparameters were used to stabilise the unobserved random field. The ordered spatial random field model gave lower estimates than the Poisson model. When one of the three effects of area were fixed, the model gave similar estimates with a narrower interval than the Poisson model.CONCLUSIONSThe use of fine resolution data and socioeconomic status as a means of controlling for confounding related to lifestyle is useful when estimating risk of cancer around point sources. However, better statistical methods are needed for spatial modelling of fine resolution data.
Routine diagnostic procedures for chronic encephalopathy induced by solvents: survey of experts
Authors: van der Hoek J A F , Verberk M M , van der Laan G , Hageman G 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo study the routine diagnostic procedures used in different countries for chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) induced by solvents.METHODSBy means of a postal questionnaire selected international experts were asked about the methods they use to diagnose patients suspected of having CTE induced by solvents, the number of patients, entrance criteria, and the results of these diagnostic procedures.RESULTS18 Experts working in 18 diagnostic centres responded. Most of them agreed that a diagnostic procedure for CTE induced by solvents should contain an interview and neurological, physical, and neuropsychological examinations. However, the tests used were very different, as were the classifications for CTE. Depending on the institute, a diagnosis of CTE was made in 6%–70% of the referred patients. The proportion of patients with CTE stage I ranged from 0% to 33%, stage II from 5% to 100%, and stage III from 0% to 95%.CONCLUSIONThe intentions of the two 1985 conferences that aimed at clarity and uniformity of diagnosis of CTE induced by solvents are far from reached. It is possible, now the conditions are more favourable, to aim at this important goal and recommend some refinement of the then proposed criteria.
Increase in interleukin-6 and fibrinogen after exposure to dust in tunnel construction workers
Authors: Hilt B , Qvenild T , Holme J , Svendsen K , Ulvestad B 
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To see if there is any change in blood concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen during a working shift in tunnel construction workers.Methods: 12 Tunnel construction workers were followed up during a 24 hours period after returning from a 9 day work free period. The first blood sample was taken on Monday afternoon before starting the shift. Another was taken around midnight after 8 hours of work, and another the next afternoon after about 12 hours of rest. Exposure to respirable dust was measured by personal samplers.Results: The exposure of the workers to respirable dust, in terms of an 8 hour time weighted average, varied between 0.3 and 1.9 mg/m3. For IL-6, there was an increase in the median serum concentration from 1.14 ng/l before starting the shift to 4.86 ng/l after 8 hours of work (p=0.002). For fibrinogen, there was an increase in the median concentration from 3.40 g/l before entering the shift to 3.70 g/l 24 hours later (p=0.044). There was a positive correlation between values of IL-6 at the end of the working shift and the fibrinogen concentrations the next afternoon (Pearson'sR=0.73, p=0.007). The observed increase in IL-6 was significant for both smokers and non-smokers.Conclusion: The study shows an increase in both IL-6 and fibrinogen concentrations during a working shift for both smoking and non-smoking tunnel construction workers.
Incidence of asthma in female Swedish hairdressers
Authors: Albin M , Rylander L , Mikoczy Z , Lillienberg L , Dahlman Höglund A , Brisman J , Torén K , Meding B , Kronholm Diab K , Nielsen J 
Published: July 2002

Objective: To investigate the risk of asthma in hairdressers.Methods: The incidence of asthma was retrospectively estimated in a Swedish nationwide study including all female hairdressers certified from vocational schools from 1970 to 1995, and a stratified sample of women from the general population were referents. A postal questionnaire included questions on respiratory tract symptoms, atopy, smoking, working periods as a hairdresser, and number of specific hair treatments performed/week. Reported exposures were validated by occupational hygienists. Rate ratios of incidence (IRRs) of asthma were estimated by Poisson regression, adjusted for calendar year of observation, hay fever, smoking, and region of domicile.Results: The crude incidences of asthma/1000 person-years were: 3.9 during active years as a hairdresser, 2.8 among the hairdressers when not working in the profession, and 3.1 among the referents. The corresponding IRR for being an active hairdresser compared with the referents was 1.3 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.0 to 1.6). Moderate effects on risk of asthma were found both from hairdressing work (IRR=1.6 (1.1 to 2.2) among never-smokers) and from smoking (IRR=1.6 (1.2 to 2.2) among referents). However, the combined effect from hairdressing work and smoking (IRR=1.5 (1.0 to 2.1)) was less than expected (p=0.02). No effect modification by respiratory atopy was found. The hairdressers most often performing hair bleaching treatments (IRR=1.5 (0.7 to 3.0)) or using hair spray (IRR=1.4 (0.8 to 2.4)) had, compared with the most infrequent users, a slightly, but not significantly higher incidence of asthma. Exposure to persulphates in hair bleach was estimated to be 0.04–0.15 mg/m3during mixing of the powder. Reported average number of bleaching treatments agreed well with those performed according to a diary.Conclusions: Active hairdressing work was associated with a moderately increased incidence of asthma among lifelong non-smokers. The results are moderately supportive, but not conclusive, of associations between asthma and exposure to hair bleach or hair spray.
Mortality from non-malignant respiratory disease in the fibreglass manufacturing industry
Authors: Chiazze L , Watkins D K , Fryar C , Fayerweather W , Kozono J , Biggs V 
Published: July 2002

Objectives:To investigate the question of whether there is an association between workplace exposures and sociodemographic factors and mortality from non-malignant respiratory disease excluding influenza and pneumonia (NMRDxIP) among workers in a fibreglass wool manufacturing facility.Methods:A case-control study with cases and controls derived from deaths recorded from the Kansas City plant in the Owens Corning mortality surveillance system. The cases are defined as decedents with NMRDxIP as the underlying cause of death. Matched, unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess any association between NMRDxIP and cumulative exposure history and sociodemographic factors individually. Matched, adjusted ORs were obtained by conditional logistic regression to estimate the effect of any one variable while controlling for the effect of all the others.Results:Results of the unadjusted analysis, considering variables one at a time, yielded no significant associations between NMRDxIP and any of the exposure or sociodemographic variables. The smoking OR was substantially increased (OR 5.09; 95%CI 0.65 to undeterimed). Also, there were no significant variables in a conditional logistic regression analysis in which all variables were simultaneously adjusted. ORs for respirable glass fibres were below unity at all concentrations of exposure in the adjusted analysis. For respirable silica there was no consistent relation across all exposure levels. The ORs increased through the first three exposure concentrations but decreased for the highest exposure. However, ORs although not significant, are greater than unity for all respirable concentrations of silica exposure.Conclusions:The findings for Kansas City show no association between respirable glass fibres and NMRDxIP. The adjusted ORs for all exposures to respirable fibres were less than unity. On the other hand, the ORs for silica exposures were all above unity although there was no clear dose-response relation and none of the ORs were significant. Exposures for all substances considered were very low. Further, given the number of cases and controls, the statistical power to detect relatively small increases in risk, if any increase truly exited, was relatively low. The ORs for exposures to silica were all above unity although there was no clear dose-response relation and none of the ORs were significant. These raised ORs for silica suggest that continued surveillance would be prudent.