bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiologic studies of scottish oil shale workers: II. Lung function in shale workers' pneumoconiosis
Authors: Louw S. J. , Cowie Hilary A. , Seaton Anthony 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn a case control study of 122 ex‐shale workers, half of whom had simple pneumoconiosis and half of whom did not, those with pneumoconiosis were found to have the poorer lung function. Significant reductions in forced expiratory capacity (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), Vmax50, lung volumes, and carbon monoxide transfer were found in men with pneumoconiosis. It is suggested that these abnormalities may represent a mixture of pulmonary fibrosis and airways obstruction related to exposure to dust and fumes in shale mines and at shale retorts.
Gallium scanning in differentiating malignant from benign asbestos–related pleural disease
Authors: Teirstein Alvin S. , Chahinian Philippe , Goldsmith Stanley J. , Sorek M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn order to assess the utility of 67gallium citrate in delineating malignant pleural mesothelioma from benign asbestos–related pleural disease, 49 patients with malignant mesothelioma and 16 with benign asbestos–related pleural disease were studied. Seven patients with malignant mesothelioma had no history of asbestos exposure, while the remaining 58 patients were exposed. Forty–three of the 49 patients (88%) with malignant mesothelioma had a positive67 gallium scan including 36 of the 42 (86%) patients with asbestos exposure and all 7 patients without a history of asbestos exposure. Three of 16 patients (19%) with benign asbestos–related pleural disease had a positive scan. 67Gallium radionuclide imaging is nonspecific but may be valuable in noninvasive monitoring of asbestos–exposed populations, which have a high risk for the late development of benign and/or malignant pleural disease.
Rare‐earth pneumoconiosis: A new case
Authors: Sulotto F. , Romano C. , Berra A. , Botta G. C. , Rubino G. F. , Sabbioni E. , Pietra R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA new case of rare‐earth (RE) pneumoconiosis is described. The subject had worked as a photoengraver for 13 years and had not been exposed for 17 years. Chest X‐ray showed a diffuse nodular pattern (q 2/3–ILO/1980). The patient was asymptomatic despite a restrictive spirometric impairment. The diagnosis derived from the finding, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, of abnormal levels of La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Tb, Yb, and Lu. The presence of these elements was demonstrated by two methods: the neutron activation analysis and (as regards Ce alone) the X‐ray energy spectrometry of mineral particles observed with electron microscope. Abnormal levels of rare earths were demonstrated also in the nails, suggesting an absorption of the RE from the lung.
A health examination of railway high‐voltage substation workers exposed to ELF electromagnetic fields
Authors: Baroncelli P. , Battisti S. , Checcucci A. , Comba P. , Grandolfo M. , Serio A. , Vecchia P. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis is a cross‐sectional survey on the health conditions of railways workers active in 258 interconnection and conversion substations all over Italy. Measurements performed in both kinds of substations operating at 220 kV have shown that maximum levels of the electric field strength and of the magnetic flux density at 50 Hz are of the order of 5 kV/m and 15μT, respectively. Three subject groups, differently exposed (1, 10, 20 h/week), and an unexposed control group, for a total number of 627 workers, constitute the population at study. All subjects underwent a general medical examination, laboratory investigations, and a series of selected examinations relative to three systems (nervous, cardiovascular, and haematopoietic) considered at higher risk. No differences have been found between the exposed and the control groups. It is concluded that workers exposed to ELF electromagnetic fields of moderate strength do not show the presence of clear effects on their state of health.
Case‐control study of silicosis, silica exposure, and lung cancer in white South African gold miners
Authors: Hessel P. A. , Sluis‐Cremer G. K. , Hnizdo E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA case‐control study was undertaken to assess the association between lung cancer and silicosis or silica dust exposure in white South African gold miners. Cases and controls were identified from deaths reported to the Gold Miners Provident Fund for the period January, 1979–October, 1983. Two controls were matched to each case by year of birth (± 2 years) and by smoking (± 5 cigarettes or equivalents per day) assessed 10 years (± 2 years) prior to death. One hundred thirty‐three matched triplets were identified.The results showed no overall association between lung cancer and radiological silicosis (OR = 1.08, p = 0.92). Autopsy data indicated no overall associations between lung cancer and silicosis of the lung parenchyma (OR = 1.49, p = 0.11), the pleura (OR = 0.72, p = 0.30), or the hilar glands (OR = 0.85, p = 0.72). A trend toward increased severity of silicosis of the parenchyma was evident; however, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Odds ratios for lung cancer and silicosis were higher at lower levels of cumulative silica dust exposure (ORs = 2.43, 1.72, 1.35 and 0.62 for lung cancer and autopsy silicosis of the parenchyma for the lowest, second, third, and highest quartiles of dust exposure, respectively; all p > 0.05). Cases did not differ from controls for total silica dust exposure, length of exposure, weighted average intensity of exposure, or number of shifts at high dust (all p > 0.20).The data do not support the hypothesis of a carcinogenic role for silica dust and no statistically significant associations were found between lung cancer and silicosis. Trends in the data on the severity of parenchymal silicosis at autopsy and lung cancer and differences in the association between silicosis and lung cancer at various levels of dust exposure are suggestive and warrant further study.
Asbestos dust exposure during brake repair
Authors: Rödelsperger K. , Jahn H. , Brückel B. , Manke J. , Paur R. , Woitowitz Med H.‐J. Prof Dr 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAbout 10,000 tons of chrysotile per year are used in the Federal Republic of Germany for the production of friction materials. During brake repair an unknown number of approximately 300,000 mechanics in automobile service stations are exposed to asbestos dust. In a field study, asbestos fiber concentrations during brake repair were measured. Occupational histories and chest X‐rays of brake service mechanics are being examined. Ninety dust measurements in 76 service stations were made by phase contrast microscopy and by scanning transmission electron microscopy. By electron microscopy, extremely fine chrysotile fibers with lengths < 5 μm were identified in brake drum dust. Fibers with lengths ⩾ 5 μm constituted less than 1% of all chrysotile fibers counted in brake drum dust. Short‐term asbestos dust exposures were measured by light microscopy in 101 personal samples during blowing out of brakes, and grinding and turning of brake linings. During blowing out of car brakes, as well as during grinding of brake linings, the product of fiber concentration with length > 5 μm and sampling time amounted to about 4–5 fibers/ml · min corresponding to a concentration of 106 fibers/m3 over 4–5 min. For trucks and buses higher amounts of 5–10 · 106 fibers/m3 · min were observed during these operations. From occupational histories of 210 vehicle mechanics, an average duration of employment of x̄ ± s = 21 ± 10 years and a mean cumulative fiber dose of x̄ ± s = (0.54 ± 1.1) · 106 fibers/m3 · years were calculated.
Hazardous agents in agricultural dusts and methods of evaluation
Authors: Donham Kelley J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOrganic dusts in agriculture vary with type of agriculture, weather conditions, geographical location, and agricultural practices. It is difficult to ascribe a specific biological effect to a specific agent in agricultural dusts, and we are only able to develop a list of candidates for disease‐causing agents. Future studies should be designed to define more specifically the hazardous agents in agricultural dusts by using more precise analytical techniques and documenting the clinical effects to man, developing dose‐response relationships.
Report on diseases
Authors: doPico Guillermo A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSpecific diseases associated with the agricultural environment were identified as allergic rhinitis and asthma, pneumonitis/alveolitis, the organic dust toxic syndrome and bronchitis. Diagnostic criteria were formulated and current research techniques, in terms of epidemiological studies were outlined. The workgroup summarized a priority for epidemiological studies to evaluate the incidence of the different diseases as well as the identification of predisposing host and environmental factors.
Report on prevention and control
Authors: Clark Scott 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMeans for reduction of dust control were summarized and priorities assigned to education and engineering control of farm equipment in the work on prevention. Personal protection equipment was reviewed and positive pressure respiratory helmets suggested for more extended use. A fuller characterization of exposure agents, such as peak levels and measurement of different particle sizes was recommended. For medical prevention, priorities should be given to establishment of health care delivery organizations, particularly for farmers, and to specific prevention measures which were discussed in connection with each disease entity. Recommendations for further research include development of new measuring techniques, assessments of new equipment and work practices, and establishment of additional information on dose‐response relationships and etiologic agents causing lung disease.
Mortality of a municipal worker cohort: III. Police officers
Authors: Vena John E. , Violanti John M. , Marshall James , Fiedler Roger C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractVery little is known about the long‐term health risks associated with the high stress police officer occupation. We report here on a retrospective cohort of 2,376 ever‐employed white male police officers employed between January 1950 and October 1979. Vital status was obtained for 96%, the officers accumulating a total of 39,462 person‐years. Six‐hundred sixty‐one deaths were observed. Total mortality from all causes was comparable to that of the overall U.S. white male population (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 106). Significantly increased mortality was seen for all malignant neoplasms combined (SMR = 127), cancer of the esophagus (SMR = 286), and cancer of the colon (SMR = 180). Significantly lower than expected mortality was seen for infectious diseases (SMR = 26), respiratory diseases (SMR = 64), and accidents (SMR = 60). Internal cohort comparisons revealed that policemen exhibited significantly higher mortality from suicide compared to all other municipal employees (rate ratio = 2.9). Analysis of mortality by length of service as a police officer showed that those employed 10–19 years were at significantly increased risk of digestive cancers and cancers of the colon and lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues and decreased risk for all diseases of the circulatory system. Policemen employed more than 40 years had significantly elevated SMRs for all causes, all malignant neoplasms combined, digestive cancers, cancers of the bladder and lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues, and arteriosclerotic heart disease. Risk of mortality from arteriosclerotic heart disease tended to increase with increasing years employed. These findings are discussed in light of the police stress literature. The hypotheses generated in this study must be tested through study of the role of important confounders including reactions to stress on the job.
Clinical confirmation of organophosphate poisoning of agricultural workers
Authors: Coye Molly J. , Barnett Paul G. , Midtling John E. , Velasco Antonio R. , Romero Pablo , Clements Charlie L. , O'Malley Michael A. , Tobin Michael W. , Lowry Larry 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA group of 31 lettuce harvesters exposed to the organophosphate pesticide mevinphos presented to a local emergency room with moderate cholinergic symptoms and eye and skin irritation, with 22 of the subjects (76%) reporting three or more symptoms. None had baseline cholinesterase values, and plasma cholinesterase activity for all but two workers was above the lower limit of the laboratory normal range. None of the workers received antidotes and all were released for return to work. Twenty‐nine workers sought additional care when symptoms persisted, and were followed by the investigators until 12 weeks after exposure. Plasma and red blood cell (RBC) cholinesterase increased until 14 days after exposure. Plasma cholinesterase was estimated to have been inhibited by an average of 15.6% (p < 0.01), and RBC cholinesterase by 5.6% (p < 0.01). These findings support the utility of sequential postexposure plasma cholinesterase analyses in confirmation of suspect organophosphate‐induced illness when baseline values are not available.
The morbidity and mortality of vermiculite miners and millers exposed to tremolite‐actinolite: Part II. Mortality
Authors: Amandus H. E. , Wheeler R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe vermiculite ore and concentrate of a mine and mill located near Libby, Montana was found to be contaminated with a fiber of the tremolite/actinolite series. A study was conducted to estimate the exposure‐response relationship for mortality for 575 men who had been hired prior to 1970 and employed at least 1 year at the Montana site. Individual cumulative fiber exposure (fiber‐years) was calculated. Results indicated that mortality from nonmalignant respiratory disease (NMRD) and lung cancer was significantly increased compared to the U.S. white male population. For those workers more than 20 years since hire, the standard mortality rate (SMR) for lung cancer (ICDA 162–163) was 84.7, 225.1, 109.3, and 671.3 for less than 50, 50–99, 100–399, and more than 399 fiber‐years respectively. Corresponding results for NMRD (ICDA 460–519) were 327.8, 283.5, 0, and 278.4. Based on a linear model for greater than 20 years since hire, the estimated percentage increase in lung cancer mortality risk was 0.6% for each fiber‐year of exposure. At 5 fiber‐years, the estimated percentage was 2.9% from an unrestricted (nonthreshold) linear model and 0.6% from a survival model.
The morbidity and mortality of vermiculite miners and millers exposed to tremolite‐actinolite: Part III. Radiographic findings
Authors: Amandus H. E. , Althouse R. , Morgan W. K. C. , Sargent E. N. , Jones R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA study was conducted to estimate the exposure‐response relationship for tremolite‐actinolite fiber exposure and radiographic findings among 184 men employed at a Montana vermiculite mine and mill. Workers were included if they had been employed during 1975–1982 and had achieved at least 5 years tenure at the Montana site. Past fiber exposure was associated with an increased prevalence of parenchymal and pleural radiographic abnormalities. Smoking was not significantly related to the prevalence of small opacities. However, the number of workers who had never smoked was small, and this prevented measurement of the smoking effect. Under control for smoking and age, the prevalence of small opacities was significantly greater for vermiculite workers with greater than 100 fiber/cc‐years exposure than for comparison groups (cement workers, blue collar workers, and coal miners) who had no known occupational fiber exposure. A logistic model predicted an increase of 1.3% in the odds ratio for small opacities at an additional exposure of 5 fiber‐years.
Texaco mortality study: III. A cohort study of producing and pipeline workers
Authors: Divine Barbara J. , Barron Virginia 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWhile there have been numerous epidemiology studies of refinery workers, no studies have been done on producing and pipeline workers. This is a retrospective follow‐up study of all persons who were employed for at least 6 months at a Texaco producing or pipeline location and who worked at some time during the period 1946–1980. Of the 11,098 white men in the cohort, 8,964 were alive, 1,886 were known to be dead, and the vital status of the remaining 248 as of December 31, 1980 was unknown. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 63 for all causes was significantly low, on the basis of 2,976 expected deaths. Statistically significant deficits also were seen for all major causes of death. Mortality patterns were also examined for the major job categories in these departments. Similar patterns of mortality were seen, although there was a significant excess of thyroid cancer in those employed as pumper‐gaugers. However, it was based on only four cases.
Behavioral changes during exposure to 1,1,1‐trichloroethane: Time‐course and relationship to blood solvent levels
Authors: MacKay C. J. , Campbell L. , Samuel A. M. , Alderman K. J. , Idzikowski C. , Wilson H. K. , Gompertz D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe report the results of an exposure chamber study in which volunteers were exposed to 0, 950 mg.m−3 (175 ppm) and 1,900 mg.m−3 (350 ppm) of 1,1,1‐trichloroethane for 3.5 hours. The time‐course of the behavioral changes and the relationship to blood concentrations of 1,1,1‐trichloroethane were investigated.A pattern of performance deficits consistent with earlier work was found for some of the tests of psychomotor performance. The time‐course of these appeared to be rapid, occurring in some cases within 20 minutes of exposure. For those tasks shown to be sensitive to 1,1,1‐trichloroethane exposure, the development of performance changes followed the time‐course of blood solvent levels. Two behavioral tests not previously used in this type of work were also employed. One was concerned with the distractability of attention and concentration (the Stroop test), and the other was concerned with analysing grammatical statements (the syntactic reasoning test). Different effects were found. In the Stroop test, enhanced performance was observed following exposure; however, the syntactic reasoning test was found to be resistant to solvent effects. Measures of short‐term subjective well‐being were not affected by exposure.It is suggested that the observations of time‐course effects in performance and their relationship to change in blood solvent levels have implications for psychological test selection and for study designs for examining field exposure.
Epidemiological survey among workers exposed to manganese: Effects on lung, central nervous system, and some biological indices
Authors: Roels Harry , Lauwerys Robert , Buchet Jean‐Pierre , Genet Pierre , Sarhan Mohammad Jawad , Hanotiau Isabelle , de Fays Michèle , Bernard Alfred , Stanescu Dan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA cross‐sectional epidemiological study was carried out among 141 male subjects exposed to inorganic manganese (Mn) in a Mn oxide and salt producing plant (mean age 34.3 years; duration of exposure, mean 7.1 years, range 1–19 years). The results were compared with those of a matched control group of 104 subjects. The intensity of Mn exposure was moderate as reflected by the airborne Mn levels and the concentrations of Mn in blood (Mn‐B) and in urine (Mn‐U). A significantly higher prevalence of cough in cold season, dyspnea during exercise, and recent episodes of acute bronchitis was found in the Mn group. Lung ventilatory parameters (forced vital capacity, FVC; forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV1; peak expiratory flow rate, PEFR) were only mildly altered in the Mn group (smokers) and the intensity and the prevalence of these changes were not related to Mn‐B, Mn‐U, or duration of exposure. There was no synergistic effect between Mn exposure and smoking on the spirometric parameters. Except for a few nonspecific symptoms (fatigue, tinnitus, trembling of fingers, increased irritability), the prevalence of the other subjective complaints did not differ significantly between the control and Mn groups. Psychomotor tests were more sensitive than the standardized neurological examination for the early detection of adverse effects of Mn on the central nervous system (CNS). Significant alterations were found in simple reaction time (visual), audioverbal short‐term memory capacity, and hand tremor (eye‐hand coordination, hand steadiness). A slight increase in the number of circulating neutrophils and in the values of several serum parameters (ie, calcium, ceruloplasmin, copper, and ferritin) was also found in the Mn group. There were no clear‐cut dose–response relationships between Mn‐U or duration of Mn exposure and the prevalence of abnormal CNS or biological findings. The prevalences of disturbances in hand tremor and that of increased levels of serum calcium were related to Mn‐B. The response to the eye‐hand coordination test suggests the existence of a Mn‐B threshold at about 1 μg Mn/100 ml of whole blood. This study demonstrates that a time‐weighted average exposure to airborne Mn dust (total dust) of about 1 mg/m3 for less than 20 years may present preclinical signs of intoxication.
Chronic toxic encephalopathy in solvent‐exposed painters in denmark 1976–1980: Clinical cases and social consequences after a 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Gregersen Per , Klausen Hans , Elsnab Charlotte Uldal 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOn the basis of previous investigations from occupational medicine, neurology, and neuropyschology, a retrospective evaluation was made of 21 painters in whom chronic toxic encephalopathy following exposure to organic solvents had been diagnosed during a stay in the Neurology Department of Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, in the period 1976–1980. All the painters had given up their jobs for this reason. The assumption of a causal relationship between the exposure and the intellectual impairment was supported by a possible dose‐effect relationship. The chronic toxic symptoms had considerable social consequences. Five years later, ten had not gotten other jobs. The lack of working ability was correlated to advancing age, increasing exposure, and increasing intellectual impairment. According to the results of the study, conditions at work places ought to be changed in such a way that harmful exposure can be prevented in the future.
Mortality of a municipal‐worker cohort: IV. Fire fighters
Authors: Vena John E. , Fiedler Roger C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMorbidity and mortality studies of fire fighters have produced varied and inconsistent findings regarding the potential chronic effects of fire fighting including respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The mortality experience of 1,867 white male fire fighters who were employed for the City of Buffalo a minimum of five years with at least one year as a fire fighter was studied. Vital status was determined for 99% of the cohort, resulting in 470 observed deaths. The fire fighter cohort was characteristic of a healthy worker population. All‐cause mortality was close to the expected standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 95, and significantly lower than expected mortality was seen for all external causes (SMR=67)–in particular, for suicide (SMR=21) and respiratory diseases (SMR=48). Significantly elevated SMRs were found for benign neoplasms (SMR=417), cancer of the colon (SMR=183), and cancer of the bladder (SMR=286). Cause‐specific mortality is presented by number of years employed, calendar year of death, year of hire, and latency. Cancer mortality was significantly higher in the long‐term fire fighters, and risk of mortality from all malignant neoplasms tended to increase with increasing latency. Patterns in risk of mortality among fire fighters for cancers of the bladder, colon, and brain are intriguing. Additional follow‐up of this cohort and initiation of cancer morbidity studies would be helpful in further clarifying the potential long‐term effects of fire fighting on cancer risk.