bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scientific basis for an occupational standard for cadmium
Authors: Thun Michael J. , Elinder Carl‐Gustaf , Friberg Lars 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a revised 8‐hour permissible exposure limit (PEL) for cadmium in air of either 1 or 5 μg/m3, based upon the prevention of lung cancer and kidney dysfunction. To evaluate the scientific basis for these alternative standards, we compare the OSHA estimates of risk, derived from mathematical modelling of selected studies, to empirical data on lung cancer and kidney dysfunction in the published literature. At least seven epidemiologic studies examine renal tubular proteinuria by cumulative cadmium exposure. Three suggest increased proteinuria at cumulative exposures below 500 μg/m3‐year (equivalent to a PEL of 11.1 μg/m3 over 45 working years). One shows prevalence increasing at cumulative exposures between 100 and 299 μg/m3 (equivalent to a PEL between 2.2 and 6.6 μg/m3). Insufficient data exist to estimate a no‐effect level for kidney toxicity. For lung cancer, qualitative evidence of carcinogenicity in humans is seen in four of five occupational cohorts. Quantitative estimates of risk based on epidemiologic data provide lower and more plausible estimates of lifetime risk than do estimates from a rodent bioassay. The data overall suggest that the PEL for cadmium should not exceed 5 μg/m3 to protect workers from kidney dysfunction and lung cancer over a working lifetime.
An algorithm for matching anonymous hospital discharge records used in occupational disease surveillance: Anonymous record matching algorithm
Authors: Keller Jane E. , Howe Holly L. , Noak John R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe expense of collecting primary data, coupled with limited authority to mandate reporting, requires alternative methods of implementing an occupational disease registry in Illinois. One alternative data source for surveillance of some occupational diseases is hospital discharge records. Because these records lack personal identifiers, it has been impossible historically to match records belonging to the same individual and obtain reliable case estimates. To circumvent this difficulty, an algorithm has been developed to match anonymous hospital discharge records collected from all Illinois hospitals. The algorithm was based on the assumption that specific combinations of occupational disease code, sex, zip code, and date of birth would identify an individual to whom multiple hospitalizations belong. Matching with the algorithm reduced the 1986 case estimates from 597 to 499 for all cases of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, and silicosis.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in workers exposed to lead, zinc, and copper in relation to peripheral nerve conduction: A study of R‐R interval variability
Authors: Murata Katsuyuki , Araki Shunichi 
Published: April 2007

AbstractQuantitative assessment of the autonomic neurotoxicity due to lead was undertaken by measuring variability in the electrocardiographic R‐R interval (CVRR) in 16 male workers exposed to lead, zinc, copper, and tin and in 16 unexposed control subjects. Two component coefficients of variation in the R‐R interval, the C‐CVRSA (respiratory sinus arrhythmia) and C‐CVMWSA (Mayer wave related sinus arrhythmia), were examined; these indices are considered to reflect parasympathetic and sympathetic activities, respectively. Maximal motor and sensory conduction velocities (MCV and SCV) in the median nerve were also measured. In the 16 exposed workers, blood lead concentrations ranged from 16 to 60 (mean 34) pg/dl. The CVRR and C‐CVRSA were found to be significantly reduced in the workers with elevated lead, zinc, and copper absorption as compared to unexposed control subjects; also, the MCV and SCV were significantly slowed. The C‐CVMWSA was not significantly reduced, and was positively related to plasma zinc concentrations. No significant relationships were found between indicators of lead and copper absorption and these electrophysiological measurements. These data suggest that subclinical toxicity of lead occurs in the parasympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system as well as in the peripheral nerves. Zinc may antagonize the autonomic nervous dysfunction caused by lead.
Effect of repeated occupational exposure to lead, cessation of exposure, and chelation on levels of lead in bone
Authors: Hu Howard , Pepper Lewis , Goldman Rose 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA sensitive K‐X‐ray fluorescence (K‐XRF) instrument was used to measure lead levels in the tibia and patella on a series of twelve subjects who had relatively well‐documented histories of lead exposure and blood lead levels. For some subjects, K‐XRF measurements were taken at multiple points in time, and before and after chelation with EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid). Results confirm that K‐XRF measured bone lead levels correspond to cumulative blood lead indices and not to current blood lead levels. Moreover, the data suggest that bone lead levels; (1) correspond to urinary lead following the EDTA mobilization test unless previous chelation has occurred; (2) rise initially after lead exposure ceases and blood lead levels decrease, probably from redistribution from soft tissue, and then fall; and (3) do not decrease with a 3‐ to 5‐day course of therapeutic EDTA chelation. K‐XRF levels in the patella were noted to decrease more rapidly than levels in the tibia after cessation of lead exposure, a finding that probably reflects the greater turnover of lead in trabecular bone than in cortical bone.
Difficulties of attribution of effect in workers exposed to fiberglass and asbestos
Authors: Kilburn Kaye H. , Warshaw Raphael H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMan‐made mineral fibers have many properties of asbestos that raise concern about their safety. We studied 175 fiberglass production workers, using chest radiographs, measurement of total lung capacity, chest examinations, and occupational and medical histories. Pulmonary volumes and flows were calculated as percent of predicted, adjusted for height, age, ethnicity, and cigarette smoking. Thirty‐one men with radiographically evident small irregular opacities of profusion of 1/0 or greater and/or pleural abnormalities were observed. Eight of 38 men with such changes said they had been exposed only to fiberglass; the other 23 with radiologically detectable pleural and/or pulmonary changes were among the 137 whose histories indicated that they had been exposed to asbestos and to fiberglass. Pulmonary function measurements as group means were reduced in the 175: FVC was 94.8% predicted, FEV, was 91.3% predicted, FEF25–75 was 80.7% predicted, FEF25–85 was 73.1% predicted and FEV1/FVC was 0.73. Total lung capacity (TLC) was elevated to 114.2% predicted (mean) and RV/TLC (mean 0.46) was also elevated. Although only 78% of fiberglass production workers gave histories of asbestos exposure, all had shared the air in a manufacturing plant where ovens insulated with asbestos were continuously cleaned, repaired, dismantled, and rebuilt. It appears that attribution of the effects of their exposure to fiberglass could not be estimated independently of the effects of asbestos exposure.
Historical perspectives in occupational medicine. Evaluation of delayed effects of ionizing radiation: An historical perspective
Authors: Stewart Alice M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIt is widely assumed that after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki there were no lasting effects of the acute injuries (which included extensive damage to blood forming tissues by the radiation) or the massively high death rate (which was caused by environmental effects of the blast as well as personal injuries). However, close inspection of the dose response curves for non‐cancer deaths has shown that this could be a false impression caused by one effect of marrow aplasia being confused with leukemia (defective erythropoiesis) and a second effect being confused with early selection in favor of general fitness (defective immune responses). Possible consequences of such confusion (for cancer risk coefficients) are discussed in relation to what is known about late effects of prenatal x‐rays and occupational exposures of to radiation.
Measuring exposure for the epidemiologic study of acute effects
Authors: Wegman David H. , Eisen Ellen A. , Woskie Susan R. , Hu Xiaohan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis report explores the importance of characterizing short‐term (peak) exposures for successful epidemiologic study of acute reversible effects. By selecting upper respiratory tract irritation, which is time‐limited, reversible, and not critically affected by host factor sensitivities, the illustrated approach (directed at an acute respiratory irritant) provides insights on issues important in the general study of acute effects. The fundamental concern in a study of acute irritant effects is that such events occur in response to abrupt increases in exposure. This calls for a closer examination of how to distinguish bursts, or peaks, of exposure from continuous exposures measured simply as time weighted averages. Three parameters of peak exposures are discussed: duration, magnitude, and frequency. The importance of duration is illustrated by contrasting exposure patterns relevant for the study of acute vs. chronic health effects. The minimum magnitude of a peak relevant to the study of a specific physiologic response requires knowledge of the threshold below which no detectable response occurs. For any identified threshold level, only exposures exceeding that level are defined as relevant peaks for an exposure‐response analysis. Finally, the issue of frequency, the minimum length of time between successive exposures necessary for the subject to return to baseline risk, is explored. A study of respiratory irritation associated with sodium borates is used to illustrate these issues.
Exposure variables in ergonomic epidemiology
Authors: Hagberg Mats 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe ergonomic field is rather new to epidemiology and ergonomists are usually without knowledge in epidemiology. This review presents exposure variables used in ergonomic epidemiology, especially those that concern mechanical trauma to the musculoskeletal system at the workplace and suggests how to approach exposure definition, exposure assessment, and exposure evaluation. The exposure variables that define the exposure can be divided into five main categories: posture, motion/repetition, material handling, work organization, and external factors. There is no consensus on how different exposure variables should be pooled and interpreted as single estimates of cumulative exposure. For future ergonomic epidemiology, it is suggested that exposure be described by different exposure variables giving an exposure profile and not by a single estimate of the exposure. The possibly short time‐response relationship for many work‐related musculoskeletal disorders provides a challenge in evaluating different cumulative exposure measures. These measures could easily turn into effective hazard surveillance tools. Large etiological fractions found for some musculoskeletal diseases indicate a great potential for ergonomic interventions.
Dose‐response in epidemiology—age and time aspects
Authors: Järvholm Bengt 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe influence of age and time factors on the dose‐response relationship will depend on the parameter of risk estimation; e.g., excess risk may increase with age at exposure while relative risk may decrease with age at exposure. “Time since onset of exposure” and “time since last exposure” are probably more important factors to consider than “age at exposure” in most types of occupational epidemiology.
Historical perspective on approaches to estimation of inhalation risk by air sampling
Authors: Corn Morton 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEpidemiological investigation involving historical cohorts requires reconstruction of individual cohort member exposures during the period of study. However, past approaches to exposure assessment by industrial hygienists were characterized by different professional expectations for air sampling, and different orientations for evaluation of air sampling results. The activity designated as “exposure assessment” today was not seriously undertaken prior to the late 1970s. It is important to understand the methodologies utilized in earlier years to assess the quality of workplace air because assumptions of exposure during those years are critically dependent on the utilization of short‐term air sampling results obtained by methods which differ from those employed today.This paper reviews the approaches and methodologies utilized in the United States during the 1930–1980 period to measure airborne concentrations of suspended particulate matter and gaseous contaminants. Specific examples are used to illustrate the obstacles encountered when translating these usually limited data into cumulative exposure indices utilized in testing the hypothesis of a dose‐response relationship in epidemiological investigations. The misuse of these data results in exposure misclassification and obscuration of any dose‐response relationship(s). Selected options for validation of earlier exposures and for increasing or decreasing confidence in recognized incomplete earlier exposure information are discussed.The problems identified and explored in this presentation are inevitable in dealing with available historical occupational exposure data. They will persist for years and demand attention if the information associated with these incomplete data sets is to be defensibly utilized.
Immunological and respiratory changes in animal food processing workers
Authors: Zuskin Eugenija , Kanceljak Bozica , Schachter E. Neil , Witek Theodore J. , Maayani Saul , Goswami Satindra , Marom Zvi , Rienzi Nicholas 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA group of 35 men employed in the processing of animal food was studied to assess the relation between respiratory findings and immunological status. The most frequent positive skin prick reactions to occupational allergens were to fish flour (82.9%), followed by carotene (77.1%), corn (65.7%), four‐leaf clover (62.9%), sunflower (54.3%), chicken meat (31.4%), soy (28.6%), and yeast (22.7%). Increased total IgE serum levels were found in 14/35 (40.0%) animal food workers compared to 1/39 (2.6%) in a healthy population (p < 0.01). A significantly higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was found among the exposed workers compared to control workers. There was however, no significant difference in the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms between animal food workers with positive and negative skin tests to house dust or to fish flour or among those with increased or normal IgE (except for dyspnea). The frequency of acute symptoms associated with the work shift was high among the animal food workers but similar by immunological status. There were significant mean across‐shift reductions for all ventilatory capacity tests, being particularly pronounced for FEF25. Workers with positive skin tests to fish flour antigen had significantly larger across‐shift reductions in FEF25 than workers with negative skin reactions. An aqueous extract of animal food dust caused a dose‐related contractile response of isolated guinea pig tracheal muscle in vitro. Our data suggest that, in addition to any immunological response animal food dust may produce in vivo, it probably also causes direct irritant or pharmacological reactions on the airways as suggested by our in vitro data.
Fiberglass dermatitis from printed circuit boards
Authors: Koh D. , Aw T. C. , Foulds I. S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSeven cases of fiberglass dermatitis among production operators in the electronics industry are reported. This was due to the repeated daily handling of printed circuit boards (PRCBs). The predominant complaint of the workers was itch of the lateral aspects of the fingers and finger webs. In six workers, unroofed vesicles, pinhead areas of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and excoriation marks were noted at these sites.Skin stripping of the affected sites confirmed the presence of fiberglass spicules in all cases. The glass fibers had diameters of 11–16 μm. Patch testing of six of the workers with the European Standard series of allergens revealed no relevant work‐related contact sensitizers. Microscopic examination of the free edges and scrapings from the PRCBs showed glass fibers of similar fiber length and diameter to those found in the workers' skin.Fiberglass can be used as a reinforcement filling material in some types of PRCBs. Free edges of such PRCBs have easily detached fiberglass spicules. Workers in frequent contact with these PRCBs can have a fiberglass‐induced irritant dermatitis. Preventive measures could include the use of PRCBs with less free fiberglass at its edges, vacuuming of the newly cut boards, use of dusting powder, protective devices and emollients, and improved personal hygiene of the workers.
Acrylamide monomer and peripheral neuropathy in chemical workers
Authors: Bachmann Max , Myers Jonathan E. , Bezuidenhout Basil N. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe relationship between exposure to acrylamide monomer and neurological outcomes was investigated in 82 chemical industry workers. Vibrotactile thresholds were determined quantitatively with a Vibratron II device, using forced choice and method of limits procedures. Symptoms of numbness, limb pain, peeling skin, and sweating hands had significantly higher prevalences in the exposed than in the unexposed group. Signs of peeling skin and sweating hands were significantly more common in the exposed group. Vibration thresholds were not associated with exposure.
Possible cellular and molecular mechanisms for asbestos carcinogenicity
Authors: Walker Cheryl , Everitt Jeff , Barrett J. Carl 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAsbestos fibers may exert their carcinogenic effects on mesothelial cells and bronchial epithelial cells by direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct effects can occur following the physical interaction of fibers with target cells or by the generation of free radicals from the fiber surface; indirect effects, following the interaction of fibers with inflammatory cells can result in the production of cellular mediators such as cytokines and various reactive oxygen species. As a result, target cells may be induced to proliferate and/or sustain genetic alterations, which lead to tumor development.
Hard metal interstitial pulmonary disease associated with a form of welding in a metal parts coating plant
Authors: Figueroa Samuel , Gerstenhaber Brett , Welch Laura , Klimstra David , Smith G. J. Walker , Beckett William 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe describe two cases of hard metal pulmonary disease (one fatal) in workers employed in the same area of a metal coating plant using the detonation gun process for applying a durable metal surface to metal parts. In this form of welding, a mixture of powdered metals, including tungsten carbide and cobalt, is heated by ignition of a flammable gas and propelled from the end of the “gun” at high temperature and velocity to form a welded metal coating. This process is done in an enclosed chamber and with each application, large volumes of fine aerosols are created. Inhalation exposure to hard metal may occur during the mounting and removal of the metal parts between applications, in spite of engineering controls and industrial hygiene surveillance. One of the cases presented with minimal chest x‐ray abnormalities and an obstructive pattern on pulmonary function testing, although subsequent open lung biopsy showed diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. The fact that two cases of hard metal pulmonary interstitial disease occurred where thorough exposure control procedures and a surveillance program for cobalt were in place may indicate the need for revisions of the current technology used when hard metal is applied in the detonation gun process.
Occupational exposure to carcinogens in Finland
Authors: Heikkilä Pirjo , Kauppinen Timo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFinland has kept a registry on the manufacture and use of carcinogenic agents involving occupational exposure since 1979. Employers must report annually to the labor safety authorities the employees who have been exposed to carcinogens and provide information on carcinogenic agents produced, used, or formed. Out of 131 substances or groups of agents listed as carcinogenic, occupational exposure to 78 of them was reported in 1987. About half of the agents reported were used or produced in industry and half were handled on a laboratory scale. About 15,000 employees from 1,700 work departments were reported to the registry; 17% of them were women. The number of workers reported in 1987 accounted for 0.6% of the total work force. It has been estimated that at least 60,000 workers are exposed annually to carcinogens in Finland. The three most prevalent exposures—hexavalent chromium compounds, nickel and its inorganic compounds, and asbestos—accounted for over 60% of all exposed workers; only five carcinogenic chemicals were produced in Finland in 1987.
Mortality and incidence of bladder cancer in benzidine‐exposed workers in China
Authors: Bi Wenfang , Hayes Richard B. , Feng Peiwen , Qi Yuiyong , You Xiejun , Zhen Jigang , Zhang Minqi , Qu Baoqing , Fu Zhenying , Chen Melody , Chien Harvey T. Co , Blot William J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe examined bladder cancer mortality and incidence to 1981 in 1,972 workers employed in benzidine‐exposed jobs in Tianjin, Shanghai, and Jilin, China, between 1972 and 1977, and in 1,974 unexposed workers employed during the same time period. In comparison to general population rates, in the benzidine‐exposed group the ratio of observed to expected deaths (SMR) was 17.5 (95% C.I.: 7.5–34.5) and the ratio of observed to expected incident cases (SIR) was 25.0 (95% C.I.: 16.9–35.7). No excess was noted in the unexposed group. The 25‐fold increase in bladder cancer incidence in the exposed group was related to level of exposure, with the SIR rising from 4.8 for low exposure to 36.2 for medium exposure, and 158.4 for high exposure. Risks were elevated both for producers of benzidine (SIR = 45.7; 95% C.I.: 20.9–86.8) and for users (SIR = 20.9; 95% C.I.: 12.9–32.0) of benzidine dyes. Benzidine‐exposed workers who smoked tobacco had a 31‐fold risk (95% C.I.: 20.4–46.4), while non‐smoking workers had an 11‐fold risk (95% C.I.: 3.6–25.8), suggestive of a multiplicative relationship between these two carcinogens.
Lung function and precipitating antibodies in low exposed wood trimmers in Sweden
Authors: Dahlqvist Monica , Johard Urban , Alexandersson Rolf , Bergström Björn , Ekholm Ulla , Eklund Anders , Milosevich Boris , Tornling Göran , Ulfvarson Ulf 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWood trimmers are exposed to molds that periodically grow on timber that may induce alveolitis and obstructive lung disease. We have evaluated respiratory symptoms, bronchial reactivity, and lung function in 28 wood trimmers at a Swedish sawmill and in 19 unexposed office workers. Eleven (sero‐positive) of the wood trimmers had precipitating antibodies in peripheral blood against one or several molds. The exposure to dust (median 0.26 mg/m3), viable mold spores (median 2950 cfu/m3), viable bacteria (median 370 cfu/m3), airborne endotoxins (range 0.0015–0.0025 μg/m3), and terpenes (range 0.4–23 mg/m3) was lower than levels that earlier have been reported to affect lung function. The wood trimmers reported an increased prevalence of cough and breathlessness. They also showed signs of a mild obstructive impairment with a tendency to increased bronchial sensitivity to metacholine and decreased FEV1 after 2 days free from exposure. FEV1 decreased more during the working week in the sero‐positive workers than among the sero‐negative workers, and for the whole group the decrease in FEV1 and MEF25 was correlated to the degree of mold exposure.