bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Background and design of a danish cohort study of workers in phenoxy herbicide manufacture
Authors: Lynge Elsebeth 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn 1982, a Danish cohort study was initiated of workers in the manufacture of 2,4‐dichlorophenol‐ and 4‐chloro‐ortho‐cresol‐based phenoxy herbicides, after a governmental working group had indicated the need for further data on the long‐term health consequences of exposure to these phenoxy herbicides. A cohort study of workers in the manufacture of these substances was considered to be a valuable supplement to the Swedish case‐control studies of patients exposed mainly in spraying. Manufacture of phenoxy herbicides was commenced in Denmark by Kemisk Vaerk Koege (KVK) in 1947, and this company has produced 2,4‐D and MCPA, and later 2,4‐DP and MCPP. Very limited amounts of 2,4,5‐T have been processed in this plant, mainly in the formation of esters based on a purchased acid. Manufacture of MCPA was commenced by Esbjerg Kemikaliefabrik (EK) in 1951, and this production was later supplemented with 2,4‐DP. Furthermore, MCPA was produced by Cheminova and Danske Gasvaerkers Tjaerekompagni for short periods in the late 1950s. All persons employed at KVK and EK from the time when these plants began operation, in 1933 and 1951 respectively, until 1982 were intended to be included in this cohort study. The registration was based on company records and, from 1964 onward, supplemented with data from a public pension scheme (ATP). Linkage of company records from KVK with ATP records for the overlapping period 1964–1980 showed 2,163 persons to be known in both datasets, whereas 614 persons were known only from the ATP records. The data collection has consequently shown that ATP provides a valuable data source for control of company records in Denmark. For the study period before 1964, the number of registered employees could be controlled by comparison with the number of employees reported by the companies on questionnaires for the national industrial statistics 1945–1969. In the analysis of this cohort study, special attention was given to soft tissue sarcomas and malignant lymphomas, which are the diagnostic groups associated with exposure to phenoxy herbicides in the Swedish case‐control studies. Soft tissue sarcomas, in both organs and connective tissue, can be identified using the classifications found in the Danish Cancer Registry.
Serum type III procollagen peptide: Indicator for pulmonary fibrosis: II. Application in 80 asbestos insulation workers
Authors: Okazaki Isao , Maruyama Katsuya , Kobayashi Yumiko , Lilis Ruth , Suzuki Yasunosuke 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAn assay for type III procollagen peptide (P‐III‐P) was applied to serum from 80 asbestos insulation workers in order to evaluate its relationship with pulmonary and pleural fibrosis. The serum peptide levels of 16 control workers were 7.8 ± 2.0 ng/ml (mean ± SD). An association between the serum values of P‐III‐P and the profusion of small irregular opacities on chest X‐rays was noted. The levels in the group with moderate interstitial pulmonary fibrosis [profusion category 2 (2/1, 2/2, and 2/3)] and with marked interstitial pulmonary fibrosis [profusion category 3(3/3)] were 9.9 ± 2.3 ng/ml (n = 5) and thus tended to be higher than those of 16 control workers (p<0.1). On the other hand, there was not correlation between serum peptide levels and pleural lesions nor between the former and duration of asbestos exposure. From the results of the investigation [part I of which is reported elsewhere (Okazaki et al, 1986)] this assay may be useful for detecting individuals with a more marked tendency for progression of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis due to asbestos exposure in insulation work.
Mutagenicity assessment of airborne particles from three polyurethane foam manufacturing facilities
Authors: Ong Tong‐Man , Stewart John , Whong Wen‐Zong , Boeniger Mark 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn conjunction with industrial hygiene surveys, mutagenicity studies were performed for the airborne contaminants in three polyurethane manufacturing plants. Airborne particles were collected on glass‐fiber filters with Hi‐Vol pumps from different locations in each plant. Gases were collected in multiple‐sorbent cartridges. The collected airborne particles and sorbent cartridges were extracted with organic solvents. Each extract was tested for mutagenic activity using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. The results showed that airborne particles from all three plants are mutagenic to TA98 with or without S9 activation. The mutagenicity with S9, however, was two to four times higher than that without S9. None of the samples of gases collected on sorbent cartridges showed mutagenic activity.
Correlates of early fetal death among women working in industry
Authors: Cavedon Gianfranco , Figà‐Talamanca Irene 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe objective of the study was to identify and compare occupational‐environmental and demographic factors associated with fetal loss using data collected in a large‐scale epidemiologic study among female industrial workers. Information on maternal, demographic, and occupational characteristics and on pregnancy outcome was available for 3,332 women classified by gravidity groups. The data were subjected to step‐wise regression analysis using the following independent variables: age at pregnancy, pregnancy order, educational level, type of industrial work, smoking during pregnancy, and place of birth. The step‐wise procedure showed that two biological characteristics (age and pregnancy order) and two socio‐environmental characteristics (educational level, and to a lesser degree, smoking) were all significantly associated with fetal death. The place of origin and the type of industrial work the women performed were not. Fetal death was more frequent in older age groups, in high parity orders, among women with more education, and among smokers.
Changes in smoking characteristics by type of employment from 1970 to 1979/80
Authors: Weinkam James J. , Sterling Theodor D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractChanges in the distribution of smoking status between and within occupations by sex, race, and age are examined for 1970 and 1979/80, 10 years that saw rapid changes in smoking prevalence. The pattern of occupation within smoking categories remains basically unchanged, and, in fact, becomes more pronounced among males. The probability of young people taking up smoking remains tied to eventual occupational choice. The decline in smoking prevalence is larger among the employed than among those who are not employed. There has been a substantial increase in refusals to answer questions about smoking.
Accumulation of long asbestos fibers in the peripheral upper lobe in cases of malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Churg Andrew , Wiggs Barry 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAnimal studies suggest that mesothelioma is most effectively induced by fibers longer than 8 μ. However, studies of asbestos fibers recovered from human lungs in cases of mesothelioma indicate that, at least in large‐scale samples, relatively few fibers meet this size criterion, perhaps implying that the animal data do not apply to man. Since asbestos concentration in lung is known to be extremely inhomogeneous, it is also possible that long fibers may selectively accumulate in specific sites, such as under the pleura. To examine this possibility, we selected ten cases of mesothelioma that contained relatively large amounts of amosite asbestos and extracted fibers from an 0.5‐cm‐thick strip of subpleural tissue and an area 3‐cm deep to the subpleural sample for upper and lower lobes. Amosite fibers were identified and sized by electron microscopic techniques. Fibers in the peripheral upper lobe were significantly longer, broader, and of higher aspect ratio than those in the central upper lobe. The lower lobe showed a reverse pattern, with longer fibers and broader fibers in the central sample. These data indicate that the two lobes behave differently in regard to fiber size, with selective accumulation of long fibers in the peripheral upper lobe, but not in the peripheral lower lobe. Whether these differences reflect differences in initial deposition of fibers within the lung, or, more likely, specific redistribution of fibers, is unclear, but in either case, accumulation of long fibers immediately under the upper lobe pleura may be important in the genesis of mesothelioma.
Occupational factors associated with astrocytomas: A case‐control study
Authors: Olin Robert G. , Ahlbom Anders , Lindberg‐Naviery Inger , Norell Staffan E. , Spännare Bo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe most malignant form of all brain tumors is the supratentorial astrocytoma. Little is known about its etiology, but exogenous factors have been blamed. In this case‐control study, 78 astrocytoma patients have been compared with 197 clinical and 92 population controls. An extensive questionnaire was used to gather information about occupational and residential environment exposure. Inquiries concerning groups of or individual chemicals elicited low rates of affirmative response, with negligible differences between cases and controls. However, the questions “working at an airfield” and “living near a petrochemical plant” indicated elevated risks in comparison with both control groups; so too did “living near a municipal sewage treatment plant.” These results focus attention on exposure to organic compounds and should be considered together with similar findings in current research. No other occupation, branch of industry, or vicinity questions showed differences between cases and controls, with the exception of “living in the neighborhood of a paper mill or a saw mill,” which gave moderately increased relative risks.A separate report gives the results from the nonoccupational part of the study.
Outbreak of carbon tetrachloride poisoning in a color printing factory related to the use of isopropyl alcohol and an air conditioning system in Taiwan
Authors: Deng Jou‐Fang , Wang Jung‐Der , Shih Tung‐Sheng , Lan Fwu‐Liang 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThree workers from a color printing factory were admitted to community hospitals in 1985 with manifestations of acute hepatitis. One of the three had superimposed acute renal failure and pulmonary edema. An investigation was subsequently conducted at the plant to determine the etiology of the outbreak and the prevalence of liver disease among the remaining workers. Comprehensive medical evaluations were conducted, which included physical examinations, liver function tests, and serological screening for hepatitis. Seventeen of 25 workers from the plant had abnormal liver function tests 10 days after the outbreak, and a significant association was found between the presence of abnormal liver function tests and a history of recently having worked inside any of three rooms in which an interconnecting air conditioning system had been installed to cool the printing machines. After further investigation, it was determined that the incident occurred following inadvertent use of carbon tetrachloride to clean a pump in the printing machine. A simulation of the pump cleaning operation revealed ambient air levels of carbon tetrachloride of 300–500 ppm. Ultimately, it was concluded that the outbreak was in all likelihood due to the combined use of carbon tetrachloride and isopropyl alcohol in the cleaning operation. This outbreak underscores the importance of adopting appropriate industrial hygiene measures in a rapidly industrializing nation such as Taiwan.
Pathological findings in mine workers: I. Description of the PATHAUT database
Authors: Hessel P. A. , Goldstein B. , Davies J. C. A. , Webster I. , Hnizdo E. , Landau S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA computerized system for recording the results of structured, numerically coded autopsy reports on various types of mine workers has been in operation at the National Centre for Occupational Health in Johannesburg since 1975. Historical developments, particularly those associated with compensation for occupational disease, have resulted in very high autopsy rates, especially among whites. Since its inception, the pathology automation (PATHAUT) system has accumulated the results of more than 33,000 autopsies. The data set is described in the hope of stimulating interest in the possible uses of the data and encouraging collaborative research. Some characteristics of the database with potential research implications are discussed. These include differing age and work patterns for blacks and whites and geographic factors with potential influence on whether a body or only the cardiorespiratory organs are sent for examination.
A behavioral evaluation of pest control workers with short‐term, low‐level exposure to the organophosphate diazinon
Authors: Maizlish Neil , Schenker Marc , Weisskopf Carol , Seiber James , Samuels Steven 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNeurobehavioral effects of short‐term, low‐level exposure to diazinon were investigated among 99 pest control workers tested before and after their work shift with a computer‐assisted neurobehavioral test battery. Each subject completed a brief neurological screening examination, a symptom questionnaire, and tests of concentration, eye‐hand coordination, pattern recognition, visual memory, and finger tapping. The diazinon metabolite diethylthiophosphate (DETP) was measured in pre‐ and post‐shift urine samples collected from 46 diazinon applicators applying granulated diazinon onto residential properties with lawn spreaders, and 56 non‐applicators. Post‐shift median DETP for applicators and non‐applicators was 24 and 3 ppb, respectively. Full shift, whole body exposure to diazinon was quantitated for 19 subjects using personal air monitoring and passive badges. Median diazinon exposure for applicators and non‐applicators was 2.1 and 0.03 mg, respectively. Mean duration of pesticide application was 39 days (SD = 12 days) before testing.No adverse DETP‐related changes in pre‐ or post‐shift neurobehavioral function were found with multiple linear regression models after adjusting for age, sex, education, and ethanol intake, although Symbol‐Digit pairing speed was slower among the applicators as a group. The prevalence of 18 symptoms possibly related to diazinon exposure was not elevated among applicators. The study failed to demonstrate diverse behavioral effects of short‐term, low‐level diazinon exposure in a pest control program which emphasized personal protective equipment and direct supervision.
Exposure assessment for occupational epidemiology
Authors: Smith Thomas J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractExposure evaluation for epidemiology has special requirements, which can be derived from the pharmacological processes that determine the exposure‐effect relationship. Since environmental concentrations of toxic agents typically are highly variable over time, the tissue concentrations they produce will vary over time, and consequently the level of effects will also vary over time. A general, six‐step approach is proposed for developing an exposure assessment for an epidemiologic study. This approach uses pharmacologic models to guide the choice of exposure measurement parameters and to guide the epidemiologic data analysis. The approach is illustrated for evaluations of reversible airway effects of ozone and irreversible pulmonary effects of a mixed silica dust. Effect indices are introduced as a means of quantifying the temporal interrelationships of the exposure profiles and the pharmacologic models. These indices have advantages over both dose indices and simple dose‐outcome models.
Health effects of pesticides: A review of epidemiologic research from the perspective of developing nations
Authors: Shou‐zhen Xue 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAcute poisoning among pesticide applicators is still a prominent health hazard in rural areas in developing countries, but published reports are very rare. Registration analysis and descriptive study are helpful in giving guidance for orientation and evaluation of preventive strategies and measures. Data and material from China show that, in circumstances with a well organized grass‐roots‐level network of primary health care services, poisoning episodes can be prevented through dissemination of information of hazards and provision of prevention training courses. Among pesticide manufacturing workers, especially manual packers of organophosphorus insecticides, there is suggestive evidence of subacute posioning resulting from continuous low‐level exposure. Chronic delayed neuropathy has, rarely, been reported. Further study of the cause of subacute poisoning now requires analytical rather than descriptive investigations. There is still no solid documentation of an association of excess human cancer and the use of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides. Phenoxyacetic and chlorophenol herbicides recently have been widely studied for causation of soft tissue sarcoma, non‐Hodgkin's leukemia, and lymphoma. Although the evidence at present indicates a positive association, discrepancies in findings and resultant controversy require further study. Epidemiological surveys on the harmful effect of DBCP are quite instructive. Investigations in exposed populations verified and extended the observation in animals as infertility and gender ratio change in the next generation. Adverse reproductive effects of a number of pesticides, particularly birth defects resulting from pesticides (other than those already documented for organomercurials), require further study.
Prevention of work‐related injuries and diseases: Lessons from experience with ionizing radiation
Authors: Upton Arthur C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAlmost immediately after the discovery of the Roentgen ray, in 1895, radiation injuries of various kinds began to be encountered in early X‐ray workers, radium handlers, radiologists, and exposed patients. The injuries, which were predominantly acute reactions resulting from the killing of cells in affected tissues, were found to be preventable merely by keeping exposures below relevant threshold levels. By the middle of the twentieth century, however, it was realized that thresholds might not exist for certain effects of ionizing radiation, such as mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects. The risks of such effects in workers and other populations exposed to low‐level radiation have thus been of increasing concern in recent years. The scientific basis for assessing such risks and the principles that have evolved for their control have important implications for occupational and environmental health in general.
Angioedema and urticaria as acute and late phase reactions to zinc fume exposure, with associated metal fume fever‐like symptoms
Authors: Farrell Francis J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIgE‐mediated acute and late phase reactions associated with occupational metal fume exposure are rare compared with the more common metal fume fever. The latter is a common acute industrial disease caused by inhalation of oxides of metals, especially zinc. It is a flu‐like illness and is thought to be self‐limited. This article describes the first case, to my knowledge, of an immediate and a late phase reaction (urticaria and angioedema) to zinc fumes, associated with a metal fume fever‐like reaction. Hives and angioedema developed immediately and in a delayed fashion in a 34‐year‐old man after he had welded zinc at his job. There also was an associated metal fume fever‐like reaction. The relationship was proved by a challenge test done at home. The patient has been asymptomatic since using complete protective measures while welding zinc. Possible immunologic mechanisms are discussed.
Influence of occupational low‐level lead exposure on renal parameters
Authors: Verschoor Marga , Wibowo Anton , Herber Robert , van Hemmen Joop , Zielhuis Reinier 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe influence of lead exposure on renal function was examined. In 155 lead workers and 126 control workers, lead in blood (PbB) and zinc protoporphyrin in blood (ZPP) were measured as indicators of exposure to lead; various proteins in urine were measured as parameters of renal functions. Regression and matched‐pair analyses suggest that tubular parameters may be more influenced by lead exposure than glomerular parameters. Changes in renal function parameters may already occur at PbB levels below 3 μmol/liter (600 μg/liter). The excretion of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase appears to be the most consistent and sensitive parameter of an early effect on the tubular function.
Cause‐specific mortality among male chemical workers
Authors: Bond Gregory G. , McLaren Elsie A. , Cartmill Janice B. , Wymer Karen T. , Sobel Wendy , Lipps Thomas E. , Cook Ralph R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCause specific mortality was surveyed among 37,682 male employees with three or more days of service between 1940 and 1982 at the Midland or Bay City, Michigan, locations of Dow Chemical USA. Vital status was ascertained through 1982 for 97.5% of the cohort members, and death certificates were obtained for 97.1% of the 7,751 decedents. Comparisons of observed mortality with expected levels based on any of three general population groups (US, Michigan, or seven local counties) consistently demonstrated lower mortality in the cohort from each of the major causes of death, including total malignant neoplasms. Unique among hourly employees was significant excess mortality in the categories of cancer of other lymphatic tissue, and motor vehicle accidents, and both hourly and salaried nonexempt employees experienced significantly higher mortality from other and ill‐defined cancers. The influence of duration of employment and age at and period of hire were explored with the Mantel‐Haenszel method as adapted for a cohort study. Results were evaluated both including and excluding the mortality experience of subsets of employees with past exposure to known human carcinogens (arsenic, asbestos, bis‐chloromethyl ether, benzene, organic dyes, and vinyl chloride). The use of the general mortality survey in monitoring whether or not there are major health problems among the employees and in setting research priorities is emphasized.
Assessing the Feasibility of Retrospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Steenland Kyle , Stayner Leslie , Greife Alice 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWhile most epidemiologic cohort studies are preceded by some sort of feasibility study, details of such prior investigations are rarely reported. Yet it is during such feasibility studies that critical decisions are made, such as site selection and definition of exposure. Here we present the details on one such feasibility study, conducted to determine the possibility of a cohort mortality study of workers exposed to ethylene oxide. Issues discussed include methods for estimating sample size and power, for estimating levels of exposure, and for assessing the adequacy of personnel records.
Comparison of regulations on occupational carcinogens in several industrialized countries
Authors: Carnevale F. , Montesano R. , Partensky C. , Tomatis L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractRegulations controlling the manufacture and use of carcinogens in the industrial setting of various countries are examined. In addition, the occupational exposure limits (OEL) of chemicals known or suspected to be carcinogenic in humans are listed, and criteria for the establishment of OELs are discussed. It is also stressed that control measures should not be confined to a few developed countries, and it is hoped that attracting attention to their unevenness will contribute to the implementation of a more efficient primary prevention of cancer.