bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory morbidity of pattern and model makers exposed to wood, plastic, and metal products
Authors: Robins Thomas G. , Haboubi Ghalib , Demers Raymond Y. , Schork M. Anthony 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPattern and model makers are skilled tradespersons who may be exposed to hardwoods, softwoods, phenol‐formaldehyde resin‐impregnated woods, epoxy and polyester/styrene resin systems, and welding and metal‐casting fumes. The relationship of respiratory symptoms (wheezing, chronic bronchitis, dyspnea) and pulmonary function (FVC% predicted, FEV1% predicted, FEV1/FVC% predicted) with interview‐derived cumulative exposure estimates to specific workplace agents and to all work with wood, plastic, or metal products was investigated in 751 pattern and model makers in southeast Michigan. In stratified analyses and age‐and smoking‐adjusted linear and logistic regression models, measures of cumulative wood exposures were associated with decrements in pulmonary function and dyspnea, but not with other symptoms. In similar analyses, measures of cumulative plastic exposures were associated with wheezing, chronic bronchitis, and dyspnea, but not with decrements in pulmonary function. Prior studies of exposure levels among pattern and model makers and of respiratory health effects of specific agents among other occupational groups support the plausibility of wood‐related effects more strongly than that of plastic‐related effects.
Biological monitoring of carbon disulfide
Authors: Meuling W. J. A. , Bragt P. C. , Braun C. L. J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the relation between exposure to carbon disulfide, as measured by personal air sampling, and the excretion of 2‐thiothiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (TTCA) in urine. The subjects of investigation were 29 workers involved in the production of viscose rayon fibers. The average exposure level was 12.6 mg/m3 (range <1‐66). The present Dutch occupational exposure limit (“MAC‐value”) is 60 mg/m3. After logarithmic transformation of the data, the following linear regression equation was found: log (TTCA) = 0.84 log (CS2) ‐ 1.10, wherein TTCA is expressed as mmol/mol creatinine and CS2 as mg/m3. The correlation coefficient was 0.95. Neither the hepatic drug‐metabolizing capacity (antipyrine clearance) nor the degree of obesity (Quetelet index) influenced the relationship significantly. On basis of the equation it was possible to establish tentative biological limit values corresponding to the respective occupational exposure limit values. The calculated biological limit value of 0.77 mg/g creatinine (= 0.57 mmol/mol creatinine) corresponds, with 95% confidence, to time‐weighted average of air concentration lower than the TLV level of 30 mg/m3.
Decreased lung function and exposure to diisocyanates (hdi and hdi‐bt) in car repair painters: Observations on re‐examination 6 years after initial study
Authors: Tornling Guran , Alexandersson Rolf , Hedenstierna Guran , Plato Nils 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThirty‐six car painters and 115 control persons participated in a follow‐up investigation 6 years after the initial study, including measurement of lung function (dynamic spirometry and nitrogen washout test) and estimation of exposure to diisocyanates based on individual working routines, use of respiratory protection equipment, and measurements. The mean exposure for the car painters was 0.0015 mg/m3 hexamethylenediiso‐cyanate (HDI) and 0.09 mg/m3 hexamethylenediisocyanate‐biurettrimer (HDI‐BT), but frequently there were peak exposures exceeding 2.0 mg/m3 HDI‐BT for at least 30 sec. Compared with smoking controls, the smoking car painters had greater yearly reduction in FVC (95 versus 38 ml), FEV1 (61 versus 28 ml), and VC (77 versus 30 ml). The nonsmoking car painters showed no differences in lung volumes compared with their nonsmoking controls. The impairment correlated well with the frequency of high peak exposures to HDI‐BT, but not with the mean exposure to diisocyanates.
Methyl bromide intoxication in four field‐workers during removal of soil fumigation sheets
Authors: Herzstein Jessica , Cullen Mark R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMethyl bromide is a highly toxic and penetrating compound used extensively as an insecticide for dry foodstuffs and as a soil fumigant (in greenhouses and fields) for the control of nematodes, fungi, and weeds. More than 300 cases of systemic poisoning and 60 fatalities attributable to methyl bromide have been reported [Alexeeff and Kilgore, 1983], resulting in substantial regulations concerning its handling, storage, application, and disposal. A recent exposure incident at a Connecticut nursery represents to our knowledge the first report of toxicity stemming from exposures in the field during removal of plastic sheets days after injection of methyl bromide into soil. Following removal of polyethylene sheets covering soil fumigated with methyl bromide, four field‐workers developed fatigue and light‐headedness and 3 workers noted progressive respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and neurologic symptoms. The acute systemic symptoms improved over several days, but later‐onset neuropsychiatric symptoms persisted for several weeks. This incident stresses the need for improved worker education and strict adherence to safety precautions during all stages of methyl bromide fumigation and raises the possibility of an increased risk of toxicity associated with methyl bromide fumigation during a cool season.
Asbestos‐related pulmonary disease in boilermakers
Authors: Demers Raymond Y. , Neale Anne Victoria , Robins Thomas , Herman Sandra C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBoilermakers are skilled building tradesmen who construct, repair, and dismantle boilers. The present study reports on the evaluation of members of a Michigan boilermaker's union for the presence of signs and symptoms of chronic pulmonary disease. Study variables included standardized evaluations of chest x‐ray findings, pulmonary function testing, physical examination, and respiratory symptoms. An overall participation rate of 69% was achieved. A non‐participant survey identified no significant differences between participants and non‐participants in dyspnea, cough, age, or smoking history. Among participants with greater than 20 years experience in the trade, the mean FVC was 91% of predicted; the FEV1 was 86% of predicted; 25% showed at least a 1/0 profusion of interstitial markings on chest x‐ray; 30% had bilateral pleural abnormalities; and 52% had audible inspiratory rales on physical examination. Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume at one second both decreased with years in the trade. Chest x‐ray findings of interstitial fibrosis and pleural plaques were related to ten or more years in the trade, as were respiratory symptoms of pulmonary rales, wheeze, and dyspnea.
Urothelial cancer and some industry‐related chemicals: An evaluation of the epidemiologic literature
Authors: Steineck Gunnar , Plato Nils , Norell Staffan E. , Hogstedt Christer 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn a previous cohort study by our group, certain industry‐related chemicals were judged as warranting further attention as possible urothelial carcinogens. In this paper, the epidemiologic literature of cancer of the lower urinary tract is evaluated for these substances. We would like to add combustion gases/soot from coal to the substances considered as increasing the risk of urothelial cancer. It is, however, uncertain whether this risk is due to contaminants of aromatic amines in tar volatiles or whether it depends on other agents, such as nitroarenes or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Furthermore, we find some support for the hypothesis that exposure to chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons increases the risk of urothelial cancer. For creosote, cutting fluids and cutting oils, hair dyes, and polychlorinated biphenyls, data are scarce. Available data do not support the hypothesis that asbestos is associated with urothelial cancer. “Publication bias,” such that only limited information was available, was judged to be a potential problem in the review for many, but not all, of the substances investigated.
Occupational health in developing countries: Review of research needs
Authors: Christiani David C. , Durvasula Ramesh , Myers Jonathan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOver the past two decades, industrial activity has increased rapidly in developing nations. Industrial growth has also increased the health risks facing workers in these countries both by intensifying existing health problems and by introducing new hazards. Inadequate information about occupational hazards creates major obstacles to effective prevention of occupational diseases in many developing countries. This brief report reviews the occupational health determinants of developing nations and suggests current research needs and objectives. Our purpose is to stimulate discussion and initiate debate among health professionals worldwide who confront growing problems in occupational health.
Mortality patterns of american merchant seamen 1973–1978
Authors: Kelman Howard R. , Kavaler Florence 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAmong 1,922 deaths in the American merchant marine population who were patients in the United States Public Health Service Hospital system in 1973–78, 46% were cancer associated. Eighteen percent of all deaths were due to heart disease. This pattern represented a reversal of the pattern found among patients of acute general care hospitals nationwide for the year 1975. Respiratory cancer amounted to 19.3% of the total, more than twice the number of such deaths among non‐seamen patients. These patterns were consistent across a six‐year time period.The finding in this study of an excess of cancer‐associated deaths, particularly respiratory cancer, could be indicative of an occupationally associated risk. Data on the total population of merchant seamen at risk and of seamen deaths which may have occurred outside of the United States Public Health Service Hospital system are required to test more definitively the hypothesis of an occupational risk of cancer–especially lung cancer–among American merchant seamen.
Mortality surveillance in a large chemical company: The union carbide corporation experience, 1974–1983
Authors: Teta M. Jane , Schnatter A. Robert , Ott M. Gerald , Pell Sidney 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe mortality experience of 88,000 Union Carbide Corporation employees from 1974 to 1983 is presented using a population‐based surveillance system. The study included many long‐term employees, with most deaths contributed by those retired or terminated. The total population exhibited 30% lower mortality overall and 10% lower cancer mortality, as compared with the general U.S. population. Excesses of benign neoplasms and malignant melanoma of the skin were observed in both hourly and salaried males. Mortality rates for lymphosarcoma and reticulosarcoma were significantly elevated due to higher rates among hourly male employees and a cluster in one location. This same location also exhibited an excess of liver cancer associated with vinyl chloride operations. There were no other significant excesses in the hourly male workers and fewer deaths than expected due to brain cancer, respiratory cancer, and nonmalignant respiratory diseases. Salaried, and particularly hourly, women experienced favorable mortality, although for the women, time since hire was relatively short. Location‐specific findings were similar to what had been observed in the company's previously conducted cohort studies. Future value lies in the development of a database that will have greater power to address possible effects of past exposures and outcomes related to more recent lower level exposures.
Occupation and industry on death certificates of long‐term chemical workers: Concordance with work history records
Authors: Olsen Geary W. , Brondum Jack , Bodner Kenneth M. , Kravat Brandi A. , Mandel Jack S. , Mandel Jeffrey H. , Bond Gregory G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis study evaluated the concordance between occupation and industry listed on death certificates with actual work history information for a group (n = 5,882) of long‐term (10 years or more) workers at a chemical company. Match rates were calculated as the percent of death certificate occupation and company entries that were confirmed by work history data using 3‐digit 1980 U.S. Census Bureau group codes. The concordance rate for industry differed by employment status at death: employed, 94.9%; inactive, 30.8%; and retired, 91.1%. Concordance on occupation was analyzed for employed (n = 467) and retired (n = 932) subjects who had computerized work histories (randomly done prior to the study) and who had matched on the company on the death certificate. Concordance ranged from 0 to 50% for the first job, to 50 to 70% for the last job, longest job, and longest job in the last 10 years of company employment. The most consistent predictor of concordance was job duration. Misclassification was reviewed by occupational category. Results from this and other investigations lead to the inevitable conclusion that usual occupation data from death certificates are grossly inadequate for studies of occupational risks.
Investigation of a lung cancer cluster in the melt shop of an ontario steel producer
Authors: Finkelstein Murray M. , Wilk Nancy 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWorkers' concerns about an excess of cancer in an electric arc steelmaking operation were investigated. In comparison with men who had worked elsewhere in the plant, an increased risk of lung cancer death was observed among men who had been employed in the melt shop. The hypothesis that the association might be related to occupational exposures is supported by the persistence of the association when the hypothesis‐generating cases were removed from the analysis (p = 0.063) and by a significant trend in the risk of lung cancer with years of exposure in the melt shop. No air sampling had been performed in earlier years. Current environmental analyses in the melt shop found no polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (detection limit: 0.001 mg/m3), and silica levels were below 0.1 mg/m3. The carcinogenic metals arsenic and chromium were detected, but their concentrations in earlier years are unknown.
Morbidity and mortality in talc‐exposed workers
Authors: Wergeland Ebba , Andersen Aage , Berheim Anders 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCancer incidence and cause‐specific mortality were studied in a male cohort of 94 talc miners and 295 talc millers, exposed to non‐asbestiform talc with low quartz content. No excess risk was found compared with national age‐specific incidence. Six cases of lung cancer occurred versus 6.49 expected (miners: observed 2, expected 1.27; millers: observed 4, expected 5.22). There were 3 deaths due to non‐malignant respiratory disease against 10.9 expected (miners: observed 1, expected 2.5; millers: observed 2, expected 8.4). Mesothelioma, tuberculosis, or pneumoconiosis were not recorded as causes of death. Pneumoconiosis was noted as a contributory cause in three cases (silicosis two, talcosis one). Further follow‐up will reduce any potential impact of “healthy worker” selection.
Brain cancer mortality at a manufacturer of aerospace electromechanical systems
Authors: Park Robert M. , Silverstein Michael A. , Green Margaret A. , Mirer Franklin E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractStandardized proportional mortality ratios and mortality odds ratios were calculated for 583 deaths between 1950 and 1986 among employees who had worked for at least 10 years at a facility manufacturing missile and aircraft guidance systems. There was a statistically significant excess of brain cancer proportional mortality (PMR = 16/3.8 = 4.2, p = .00001). Among hourly employees, 12 brain cancer deaths occurred for 2.7 expected (PMR = 4.4, p = .00005). The PMR for brain cancer increased from 1.8 (p = .45) among hourly workers with less than 20 years to 8.7 (p = .000003) in those with more than 20 years employment. Work in “clean rooms,” where gyroscopes were assembled, was associated with the brain cancer excess but did not fully account for it. Among 105 deceased hourly women, all three brain cancer deaths occurred among gyro assemblers working in clean rooms, and the risk increased with duration in clean rooms. Although the proportion of brain cancer deaths among hourly men with clean‐room experience was similar to that for women, only three of the seven male brain cancer deaths occurred in this group. The suspect agents include gyro fluids and chlorofluorocarbon solvents.
Occupational exposures to styrene in denmark 1955‐88
Authors: Jensen Allan Astrup , Breum Niels Oluf , Bacher Jens , Lynge Elsebeth 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAn assessment of the occupational exposure to styrene and associated chemicals in Denmark was carried out by retrieving all measurements from the archives of the Danish National Institute of Occupational Health. A total of 2,528 air samples containing styrene had been collected from 256 workplaces during the years 1955‐88 and analyzed by the chemical laboratory at the Institute. The mean for all samples was 265 mg/m3. The concentration decreased from 714 mg/m3 in the early period (1955‐70) to 172 mg/m3 in the late period (1981‐88). Spraying and unspecified lay‐up and production of boats, carriages, and stationary containers were associated with the highest concentration. A total of 34 chemicals were measured. The most frequent co‐contaminant to styrene was acetone, which was measured in 2,263 samples with a mean concentration of 131 mg/m3. Dichloromethane was measured in 208 samples with a mean concentration of 51 mg/m3, xylene in 148 samples with a mean concentration of 49 mg/m3, and toluene in 116 samples with a mean concentration of 113 mg/m3. The study was undertaken to analyze historical styrene concentrations in air to aid in the selection of industrial cohorts to be included in epidemiologic studies.
Dermal absorption potential of industrial chemicals: Criteria for skin notation
Authors: Fiserova‐Bergerova V. , Pierce J. Thomas , Droz P. O. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA dermal penetration rate (flux), predicted from physical properties of 132 chemicals, is suggested as an index of the dermal absorption potential of industrial chemicals. The prediction is designed for organic nonelectrolytes. Two reference values are recommended as criteria for skin notation: 1 dermal absorption potential, which relates to dermal absorption raising the dose of nonvolatile chemicals or biological levels of volatile chemicals 30% above those observed during inhalation exposure to TLV‐TWA only—dermal absorption of chemicals belonging to this category should be considered when data obtained by biological monitoring are interpreted; and 2 dermal toxicity potential, which relates to dermal absorption that triples biological levels as compared with levels observed during inhalation exposure to TLV‐TWA only. Chemicals belonging in this category should carry a skin notation. The toxicity criteria may not be valid for chemicals whose TLVs are based on preventing irritation and discomfort.
Concentration adjustment of spot samples in analysis of urinary xenobiotic metabolites
Authors: Trevisan Andrea 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe reliability of the adjustment for the reduction of concentration‐dilution effects in urinalysis of spot specimens was evaluated; 95.4% of spot specimens showed a crea‐tinine concentration between 0.5 and 3 g/liter, whereas 59.8% showed a specific gravity between 1.010 and 1.030. Only 6% of the specimens exceeded the specific gravity of 1.035 corresponding to a creatinine concentration of 3 g/liter. Therefore, an acceptable value for specific gravity in spot specimens of 1.035 is proposed. Although either specific gravity or creatinine provides a reliable mean of adjustment, creatinine is preferred because it has fewer physiological confounding factors.
Mortality from lung cancer among workers employed in formaldehyde industries
Authors: Blair Aaron , Stewart Patricia A. , Hoover Robert N. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA historical cohort of 26,561 workers employed in ten facilities was assembled to evaluate cancer risks associated with exposure to formaldehyde. Historical exposures to formaldehyde by job, work area, plant, and calendar time were estimated using monitoring data available from participating plants, comments from long‐term workers and company officials, exposure evaluations from walk‐through surveys conducted by project industrial hygienists, and results from monitoring specifically performed for this project. A previous report of findings from this study noted a 30% excess mortality from lung cancer among wage workers. The relative risk for lung cancer (whether estimated by SMRs or SRRs) 20 or more years after first exposure did not generally rise with increasing exposure to formaldehyde. Various estimates of exposure were investigated including duration, intensity, peak, cumulative, and average, and by exposures lagged by 5, 10, 20, and 30 years. The excess did not appear to arise gradually, but emerged suddenly among workers whose total cumulative exposure was less than 0.1 ppm‐years. Slightly positive, but nonsignificant, exposure‐response associations between lung cancer and level of formaldehyde occurred in only a few out of a large number of comparisons (e.g., for persons hired before the start dates for the study and for workers also exposed to particulates). There was a lack of consistency among the various plants for risk of lung cancer, with six plants having elevated SMRs and four plants having deficits. Mortality from lung cancer was more strongly associated with exposure to other substances including phenol, melamine, urea, and wood dust than with exposure to formaldehyde. Workers exposed to formaldehyde without exposure to these substances did not experience an elevated mortality from lung cancer. The risk did not increase with cumulative levels of formaldehyde among those exposed to other substances and there was a slightly negative trend for those exposed to formaldehyde alone. Although some role for formaldehyde, particularly in association with other substances, in the excess of lung cancer seen among these workers cannot be ruled out, these findings suggest that exposure to phenol, melamine, urea, wood dust or other exposures also occurring in the area where these substances were used (i.e., production of resin and molding compounds) may play a more primary role. This association should be further evaluated in other studies that include workers from resin and molding compound operations.
Limitations of hospital discharge diagnoses for surveillance of extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Authors: Kipen Howard M. , Tepper Allison , Rosenman Kenneth , Weinrib David 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHospital discharge diagnoses were used to identify all inpatient cases of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) from 1979 to 1982 in New Jersey. Of 170 reported cases, the hospital records of 48 were available for review. Based on published criteria for the diagnosis of EAA, only three cases (6%) could be classified as probable EAA, while 10 (21%) were possible cases, and 34 (73%) were not EAA. Limitations were apparent in the accuracy of discharge coding and also in the accuracy of the physician's diagnosis. These findings should promote caution among investigators using unvalidated reports based on ICD‐9 hospital coding of EAA. Implications for reporting of other occupational lung diseases are discussed.