bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain cancer in petrochemical workers: A case series report
Authors: Alexander Victor , Leffingwell Sanford S. , Lloyd J. William , Waxweiler Richard J. , Miller Richard L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEighteen primary brain cancer deaths among male workers at one Texas petrochemical plant from 1965–1980 are reported. Federal officials from OSHA and NIOSH are performing with company cooperation an historical prospective cohort mortality study, a case‐control study, and neuropathological case confirmation. Average age at death was 53 (range 30–66). Median employment was 21 years and median latency was 24 years. 15/18 tumors were glioblastoma multiforme, an unusual histologic distribution. A preliminary estimate reveals a plant‐wide excess brain cancer risk twice expected among 6,800 white males at the plant since 1941. Brain cancer mortality rates in surrounding counties are in the median range for US counties from 1950–1969. Ten recognized or suspected carcinogens are present in quantities > 106 lbs/yr. To date no common chemical exposures or work assignments have been identified among the cases. Data on 26 experimental brain carcinogens and relevant epidemiological studies are provided.
Pregnancy abnormalities among personnel at a virological laboratory
Authors: Axelsson Gösta , Jeansson Stig , Rylander Ragnar , Unander Margareta 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObservations on an increased spontaneous abortion rate initiated a study among personnel working at a laboratory for diagnostic virology. Personnel at a bacteriological laboratory and at another virological laboratory served as controls. Seventy‐seven female employees at the laboratory for virology were interviewed, as well as 91 at the bacteriology laboratory and 45 women at another virological laboratory.A significantly increased perinatal death rate was found among the virology personnel, with no apparent clustering over the time period studied. A higher serum titer against common viruses was found among employees actively working with patient sera. A model experiment demonstrated the risk for aerosolization of serum samples during processing. No evidence of a relationship between chemical work environment factors and the increased perinatal death rate was found.It is concluded that the factor in the working environment most closely related to the increased perinatal death rate was exposure to viral aerosols.
Occupational lead exposure, nephropathy, and renal cancer
Authors: Baker Edward L. , Goyer Robert A. , Fowler Bruce A. , Khettry Urmila , Bernard David B. , Adler Stephen , White Ralph Devere , Babayan Richard , Feldman Robert G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA 48‐year‐old lead worker was found to have a cystic renal carcinoma during an evaluation of his occupational lead poisoning. Clinical studies showed elevated blood lead levels, impaired urinary concentrating ability, and reduced creatinine clearance. Histologic and electron microscopic studies showed this cystic tumor to be similar to renal carcinomas observed in animals with prolonged lead exposure. Lead content of the tumor was elevated (2.49 μg/gm) in comparison with adjacent renal tissue and with normal adult levels. In light of previous animal studies, this case adds increased evidence to the concern over the carcinogenic potential of prolonged lead exposure.
Asbestosis in the industries of the barcelona area
Authors: Segarra Francis , Monte M. Baselga , Ibañez P. Lopez , Gonzalez A. Gutierrez , Nicolas J. Perez 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis presentation is the result of the survey of eight industries with asbestosis risk in the Barcelona area (two of fibro‐cement, three of auto brakes, two of textiles, and one of insulation materials). Of 1,472 workers, 271 or 18.5% have asbestosis. Pleural involvement in asbestosis is twice as common as that of the lung, 15.7% versus 8.5%. Pulmonary asbestosis without pleural participation is seen in only 2.6% of cases. Pleural plaques, calcified and not calcified, are detected in only a few cases. There is a definite correlation between the incidence of asbestosis and the exposure time: from 1% in the group of workers with less than five years of exposure up to 64.58% for those with 30 or more years of exposure. Clinical symptoms (cough, and/or expectoration, and/or dyspnea) were present in 68% of the studied population. Pulmonary crepitations are the most significant physical sign detected, observed in one quarter to one third of the patients.Pulmonary function tests in asbestos workers revealed restrictive and mixed type syndromes in 17% of the cases and obstructive syndrome in 36%. The percentages for those workers without asbestosis are 9% and 16%, respectively. It seems, therefore, that a bronchial factor plays a role in asbestosis. The bronchial pathology would be manifested clinically by the appearance or the exaggeration of the chronic bronchitis symptoms, and physiologically by the presence of the obstructive syndrome.There is no doubt that smoking enhances the incidence of asbestosis, aggravates the respiratory symptoms in those affected, and is a cause of further deterioration of pulmonary function.
Pattern and model makers, proportionate mortality 1972–1978
Authors: Robinson Cynthia , Waxweiler Richard J. , McCammon Charles S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA proportionate mortality study of deceased white male workers in the pattern and model making trades was conducted. Death certificates were obtained for 1257 death benefit‐eligible members of the Pattern Makers' League of North America who had died in the years 1972‐1978, and age‐adjusted proportionate mortality was calculated using 1975 United States white male death rates. For the entire nationwide union, statistically significant excess proportions of deaths were observed due to colon cancer (proportionate mortality ratio, PMR = 167) and to brain tumors (PMR = 211). A statistically significant excess proportion of deaths due to colon cancer (PMR = 163) and to leukemia (PMR = 200) were observed among the members of the predominantly wood shop locals.Nonsignificant excess proportions of cancer deaths occurred at a number of other anatomical sites. Predominant occupational exposures included wood and plastic dusts and epoxy resins in wood shops and cutting oil mists and solvent vapors in the metal shops. These results suggest the need for better work practices in this industry while more definitive studies are completed.
Lead exposure in stained glass workers
Authors: Landrigan Philip J. , Tamblyn Peter B. , Nelson Mark , Kerndt Peter , Kronoveter Kenneth J. , Zack Matthew M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo evaluate lead exposure in stained glass workers, we measured blood lead levels in 12 professional glass workers, in 5 hobbyists, and in 4 workers' family members. Professional workers lead levels (mean 20.7 μg/dl) were higher than hobbyists' (11.6 μg/dl) (P = 0.02) or family members' (11.3 μg/dl). Levels increased with years worked, hours worked per week, and percentage of work involving lead. The mean lead concentration in settled dust samples from a stained glass workshop was 11,000 parts per million. Stained glass workers are at increased risk of lead exposure.
Nickel concentrations in plasma and urine of shipyard workers
Authors: Grandjean Philippe , Selikoff Irving J. , Shen Samuel K. , Sunderman F. William 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNickel concentrations were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectro‐photometry in plasma from workers at a repair shipyard and a construction shipyard. Four groups of workers were studied: (a) 62 welders, (b) 31 painters, (c) 27 riggers/carpenters, and (d) 21 shipfitters/pipefitters. Controls were 15 hospital workers and 28 retirees at the repair shipyard. In the combined groups of all tested workers at the repair shipyard, increased plasma Ni concentrations (>5.2 μg/liter) occurred in 32 of 82 subjects (39%);(p <.05 vs increased plasma Ni concentrations in 13 of 59 workers at the construction shipyard [22%]. and p <.001 vs increased plasma Ni concentrations in 1 of 43 controls [2%]). At both shipyards, plasma Ni concentrations were higher in the groups of painters and shipfitters/pipefitters than in the groups of welders and riggers/carpenters. In random urine specimens from workers at the construction shipyard, Ni concentrations exceeded 5.2μg/liter in 9 of 24 welders [38%]. (p <.01 vs increased urine Ni concentrations in 1 of 15 controls [hospital workers]). The ratios of plasma/urine nickel concentrations were higher in painters (p <.05) and lower in welders (p <.05) than in other workers at the construction shipyard. Increased concentrations of nickel in body fluids of shipyard workers are attributed to exposures to nickel compounds and alloys in the working environment.
Lung cancer prevalence among shipyard workers
Authors: Nicholson William J. , Lilis Ruth , Frank Arthur L. , Selikoff Irving J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe prevalence of lung cancer has been ascertained during a survey of 286 shipyard workers all 20 to 45 years from onset of asbestos exposure in shipyard work. Two men had had previous thoracic surgery for lung cancer. In addition, bronchogenic carcinoma was found in five men. One was among the 35 men less than 30 years in the yard; three were in the 191 who had begun work 30 to 39 years before, and one was in the group of 60 men who were 40+ years from onset. The potential usefulness of large‐scale surveillance programs for the early detection of lung cancer among current and former shipyard workers is discussed.
Chromosome investigations in lymphocytes of workers employed in areas in which styrene‐containing unsaturated polyester resins are manufactured
Authors: Thiess A. M. , Schwegler H. , Fleig I. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCytogenetic evaluation of 24 employees exposed to an average styrene concentration rate of 6.0 ppm in the laboratory, and to 58.1 ppm in the polyester processing pilot plant, has revealed no statistically significant increase in chromosome aberration rates as compared to a matched control group.
Neuropsychological effects of industrial toxins: A review
Authors: Feldman Robert G. , Ricks Nancy L. , Baker Edward L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractQuantitative assessment of nervous system function is essential in characterizing the nature and extent of impairment in individuals experiencing symptoms following workplace exposure. In recent years, the application of standardized neuropsychological tests to the evaluation of exposure to toxic industrial substances has significantly increased the understanding of the effects of these compounds. Within this review, the specific toxic neuropsychological effects of lead, carbon disulfide, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, mercury, styrene, and pesticides are discussed in detail. These discussions draw on our clinical experience with patients exposed to these substances as well as material from the medical literature. Factors affecting the utilization of these tests in occupational settings are also considered.
State of the art: Historical perspective of smelting
Authors: Cassady Melvin E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis article discusses the general processing of non‐ferrous ores by pyrometallurgical methods. A general description of the process flows are given for copper, lead, zinc, antimony, nickel, and cadmium. Also described, in the case of copper, are the new pyrometallurgical processes being utilized in the U.S. copper industry.
Ferric chloride leach‐electrolysis process for production of lead
Authors: Sandberg R. G. , Wong M. M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, under a cost‐sharing, cooperative research agreement with lead producers, is studying a process to eliminate sulfur oxide generation and to minimize lead emission in the production of lead. The new process consists of leaching lead sulfide concentrate with a ferric chloride‐sodium chloride solution to produce lead chloride, and fused‐salt electrolysis of lead chloride to produce lead metal and chlorine. The chlorine is used to regenerate ferric chloride in the leach solution.The study is being conducted in a process investigation unit which treats 750 lb of concentrate a day. This paper discusses the results of operation of the process investigation unit, data on lead monitoring, and the precautions employed to control lead levels in the workplace atmosphere. The monitoring data for the initial phase of the investigation show lead levels well within OSHA permissible exposure limits. Continued development is necessary before the process can be considered for implementation.
An overview of occupational exposure control technology in nonferrous smelting
Authors: Burton D. Jeff 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPrinciples of exposure control include: (1) exposure determination, (2) emission characterization, (3) control options development and analysis, (4) technical and economic feasibility evaluation, and (5) selection, implementation, and testing of the exposure control. New technologies that may reduce exposures are being developed in Europe and the United States. These include new approaches to pyrometallurgical smelting and the development of hydrometallurgical smelting technologies. However, for the time being, retrofit controls will be the primary means of exposure control in the domestic nonferrous smelter industry.
Chronic cadmium exposures associated with kidney function effects
Authors: Smith Thomas J. , Anderson Robert J. , Reading James C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA follow‐up study was conducted on 27 workers with a median of 25 years exposure to airborne cadmium. Two exposure groups had been selected a low exposure group of office, laboratory and supervisory personnel (n=11, average urinary cadmium 13.1 μg/1); and a high exposure group of production workers with long histories of work in areas with substantial airborne cadmium (n= 16, average urinary cadmium 45.7 μg/1). An estimate of each subject's time‐weighted‐average inhalation exposure to cadmium was calculated from personal sampling data (1973‐1976) and area sampling data (1943‐1976). Based on the findings of another study, the average inhalation exposures in each of the work areas were adjusted for use of personal protective masks (respirators). Comparison of kidney function status between the high and low exposure groups showed a significant reduction in creatinine clearance, and increased uric acid and β2 microglobulin excretion by the high group. Significant renal effects were associated with estimated average inhalation exposures of 63 μg/m3 over a 25 year period. The relationship between urinary cadmium excretion and cumulative exposure changed for higher exposures; this was consistent with the “critical concentration” model of cadmium's effects on the kidney.
Health risks associated with residence near a primary copper smelter: A preliminary report
Authors: Mattson Margaret E. , Guidotti Tee L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMortality for three groups of ICD codes covering acute, chronic, and malignant respiratory diseases were studied for adult white women in communities near or adjacent to primary copper smelting facilities in the United States between 1968 and 1975, a period when women had not as yet entered the industrial work force.A previous comprehensive survey, sponsored by the EPA, of all U.S. counties used multiple regression analysis as a method of statistical surveillance to assess the association of mortality with industrial activity. This preliminary study suggested an excess mortality from non‐malignant respiratory diseases in copper mining and smelting counties. We directly examined town mortality rates for white female residents, aged 35 to 74, in eight U.S. copper smelting communities and compared them to demographically and geographically matched communities without industries likely to produce significant air pollution, using death certificates obtained from state sources. Site‐specific air quality data were also obtained for these communities.Our direct examination of community death rates for copper smelting towns confirmed the preliminary observation at the county level of an excess risk from acute respiratory diseases but did not detect evidence of an elevatedmortality from chronic respiratory diseases or cancer of the respiratory tract.
Effects of sulfuric acid aerosol inhalations
Authors: Lippmann Morton , Schlesinger Richard B. , Leikauf George 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSubmicrometer H2SO4 droplets can affect pulmonary functions in humans. The lowest concentration which has been reported to produce a statistically significant effect on pulmonary mechanics is l mg/m3. Effects on tracheobronchial mucociliary clearance of inert particles were observed in our laboratory at much lower concentrations. For ten nonsmoking humans exposed for one hour via nasal mask to 0.1 mg/m3 of H2SO4, the mean bronchial clearance half‐time was reduced by 38% (p <0.02) while for l mg/m3, it was increased by 48% (p <0.03). Four donkeys exposed for l hour daily to 0.1 mg/m3 six months developed clearance abnormalities which persisted for at least three months after the last exposure. The patterns of mucociliary clearance responses to H2SO4 are similar to those seen previously in humans and donkeys following exposure to cigarette smoke, a known causal factor for chronic bronchitis.
Zinc protoporphyrin, blood lead and clinical symptoms in two occupational groups with low‐level exposure to lead
Authors: Fischbein Alf , Thornton John C. , Lilis Ruth , Valciukas José A. , Bernstein Jonine , Selikoff Irving J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe results of cross‐sectional clinical field surveys of 45 cable manufacturing workers and 90 telephone cable splicers are presented. Despite the rare occurrence of clinically overt lead poisoning among these occupational groups, high prevalence of lead‐associated central nervous system symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms was found. Hierarchical log‐linear models for multidimensional contingency tables were fitted to those data and indicate that there is a partial correlation between reported symptoms and zinc protoporphyrin: individuals with high zinc protoporphyrin levels were more likely to report symptoms than those with low levels. No significant partial association was found between symptoms and blood lead. Because of the intermittent lead exposure encountered in one of the populations, individuals were identified with “normal” blood lead levels associated with “elevated” zinc protoporphyrin concentrations, thus indicating the difference in the biological significance between indicators of lead absorption (blood lead) and of biological response tests (ZPP). Suggestion is made that both types of diagnostic tests be utilized in the medical surveillance of lead‐exposed workers.
Subclinical lead neuropathy
Authors: Seppäläinen Anna Maria , Hernberg S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIt has been shown that subclinical impairment of the peripheral nerves may occur in neurologically symptom‐free lead workers. In a cross‐sectional study, 78 workers from two storage battery plants and one engineering shop were studied; their lead exposure had been monitored with regular blood lead measurements (PbB). The reference group comprised 34 unexposed manual workers. An exposure‐effect relationship between occupational lead exposure and nerve functions emerged, as nerve conduction velocities decreased with increasing PbBs. The strongest correlations were found between PbB measures and sensory and motor conduction velocities of the median nerve. An exposure‐response relationship also emerged as the proportion of subjects with abnormal nerves increased with increasing exposure levels.In a prospective study 24 workers were followed‐up from the commencement of their lead work for one year and 16 for two years. The lead exposed showed a tendency of decreasing conduction velocities of arm nerves, but as a group they did not differ statistically significantly from the control group. When the lead exposed were divided into two groups using the median PbBs as the splitting point, the ones with PbBs over 30 μg/100 ml showed slowing of several nerve conduction velocities, while in the lower exposure the conduction velocities remained at the initial level. Again the clearest difference was noted in conduction velocities of the median nerve.Nerve conduction velocities, especially in the arm nerves slow down in lead exposure and this impairment is caused by really low lead exposure as noted in the prospective follow‐up study, which can be regarded as intervention study.
S(IV) chemistry in smelter produced particulate matter
Authors: Eatough Delbert J. , Hansen Lee D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEpidemiological and animal toxicological studies have indicated that reactions between SO2(g) and metal containing aerosols result in the formation of respiratory irritants. It had initially been suggested by EPA that sulfate per se was responsible for the observed health effects. That now appears unlikely. These studies point out the importance of understanding in detail the chemical species formed by such interactions. In the present paper procedures which have been used to study the formation of aerosol inorganic S(IV) species are described, together with the results obtained from studies in the flue line, workroom, and plume of smelters.Both atmospheric and laboratory studies indicate that very stable complexes of S(IV) with Fe(III) or Cu(?) can form in aerosols. The data suggest that the concentration of these S(IV) complexes in primary particulate emissions from smelters will be about 10% of the sulfate concentration. In plumes the concentration of inorganic S(IV) varied from 10 to 80% of the sulfate concentration. The most important variable controlling the formation of these S(IV) complexes in a plume aerosol droplet is the aerosol acidity. The formation of aerosol inorganic S(IV) complexes in the plume is not related to the formation of sulfate.There have been no studies previously reported that would allow an unequivocal evaluation of the toxicological implications of the chemistry reviewed in this paper. If these various S(IV) species are responsible at the low concentrations reported here for the “synergistic” effects previously reported between SO2(g) and aerosols, then additional toxicological work would appear warranted.
The chemical neutralization of inhaled sulfuric acid aerosol
Authors: Larson Timothy , Frank Robert , Covert David , Holub Dick , Morgan Michael 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe hypothesize that gaseous ammonia (NH3) released into respiratory airways can neutralize inhaled acidic particles and alter or mitigate their toxicity. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the relationship between respiratory NH3 and the chemical neutralization of inhaled sulfuric acid (H2SO4) aerosol in the surgically isolated upper airways of anesthetized dogs.With air entering via the mouth, the NH3 concentration measured at the larynx, ranged between 30 and 225 parts per billion (ppb). The extent of neutralization at this point ranged from 8%‐70% (n = 16) for the 0.5‐μm particles and 7%‐22% (n = 6) for the 1.0‐μm particles. With air entering via the nose, the laryngeal NH3 concentration ranged between 50 and 220 ppb. Neutralization values were between 15%‐65% (n = 8) for 0.5‐μm particles, and between 16%‐18% (n = 3) for 1.0‐μm particles. For both routes of entry, the extent of neutralization was correlated with the laryngeal NH3 concentration. We conclude that the chemistry of acidic particles is significantly altered by respiratory NH3 during inhalation. The extent of neutralization is related to both the NH3 concentration in the airway and the size of the particle entering the airway. The extent of neutralization per ppb of laryngeal NH3 is related to the route of entry, being greater for the mouth than the nose.