bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detecting cumulative trauma disorders in workers performing repetitive tasks
Authors: Young V. Leroy , Seaton Mary K. , Feely Christine A. , Arfken Cynthia , Edwards Dorothy F. , Baum Carolyn M. , Logan Samuel 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOn‐site testing of 157 poultry processors disclosed that 50% had three or more abnormal upper extremity findings out of a total of 22 possibles. The average worker had five to six abnormal findings. Impaired pinch strength, decreased vibration sensitivity in the fingertips, and reports of current numbness were the most prevalent. Of workers with signs, 25% reported no symptoms, whereas only 8% of workers reported symptoms but had no signs. The investigators concluded that this measurement method has utility for assessments of worker populations to determine prevalence of CTDs and, potentially, for preclinical detection of these disorders to permit early intervention, reduce medical costs, and minimize disability. The need for accurate measurement to enhance early detection and prevention is discussed.
Prevalence and Work‐Relatedness of Self‐Reported Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among U.S. Workers: Analysis of the Occupational Health Supplement Data of 1988 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Tanaka Shiro , Wild Deanna K. , Seligman Paul J. , Halperin William E. , Behrens Virginia J. , Putz‐Anderson Vern 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo estimate the prevalence and work‐relatedness of self‐reported carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among U.S. workers, data from the Occupational Health Supplement of 1988 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed. Among 127 million “recent workers” who worked during the 12 months prior to the survey, 1.47% (95% CI: 1.30; 1.65), or 1.87 million self‐reported CTS, and 0.53% (95% CI: 0.42; 0.65), or 675,000, stated that their prolonged hand discomfort was called CTS by a medical person. Occupations with the highest prevalence of self‐reported CTS were mail service, health care, construction, and assembly and fabrication. Industries with the highest prevalence were food products, repair services, transportation, and construction. The risk factor most strongly associated with medically called CTS was exposure to repetitive bending/ twisting of the hands/wrists at work (OR = 5.2), followed by race (OR = 4.2; whites higher than nonwhites), gender (OR = 2.2; females higher than males), use of vibrating hand tools (OR = 1.8), and age (OR = 1.03; risk increasing per year). This result is consistent with previous reports in that repeated bending/twisting of the hands and wrists during manual work is etiologically related to occupational carpal tunnel syndrome.
Workers' response to risk notification
Authors: Boal Winifred L. , Friedland Joan , Schulte Paul A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSince 1988, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has notified workers who were subjects in occupational epidemiology studies of the study findings (“worker notification”). This paper describes seven notifications and the worker's reactions to them. The chemicals of interest in the studies were: carbon monoxide, o‐toluidine, bis‐chloromethyl ether, polychlorinated biphenyls, cadmium, acid mist, and dioxin. Materials describing the study results were sent to 15,958 subjects who were notified of their increased risk of arteriosclerotic heart disease, bladder cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, kidney dysfunction, laryngeal cancer, all cancers combined, or soft tissue sarcoma. Workers provided feedback via telephone calls, and for three notifications, by postcards containing workers' comments and ratings of the notification materials. The percentage of telephone calls received from notified workers ranged from 0.3% to 3.8%, and the percentage returning postcards ranged from 8.8% to 17.6%. The two largest categories of callers were those with questions about their disease risk (30%) or who reported on their health status (25%). Most of the comments on postcards (26%) were complimentary or expressed appreciation for receiving the letters; reports of ill health were second (20%). A majority (66%) rated the notification materials well done. Few of the callers (5%) requested information on legal issues. Most (85%) did not find the materials, which ranged in reading level from sixth to ninth grade, too hard to read, although 15% reported difficulty reading them. Although this response system was effective in producing some input from workers, its limitation is that respondents may not be representative of all notified workers. However, such information is useful because there are few data on the effects of notifications on workers. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perimenstrual symptoms and working conditions among hospital workers in quebec
Authors: Tissot France , Messing Karen 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPerimenstrual symptoms are among the most common disorders of women. Seven perimenstrual symptoms were related to working conditions among 539 hospital workers in a retrospective cohort questionnaire study, as part of a larger examination of health problems and working conditions of Quebec hospital workers. Only 8% of women had experienced no symptoms of discomfort associated with their last menstrual period. Lower abdominal pain, the most common symptom (58% prevalence), was associated with lifting weights (usually patients) in a logistic regression adjusted for parity and contraceptive use. Back pain, leg pain, swelling, and headache were associated with indicators of time pressure and fast work speed. Back pain during menstruation was experienced by 44% of workers. Studies of the prevalence and etiology of back pain, a common occupational health problem among hospital workers, may be confused if perimenstrual back pain is not taken into account. Similar reservations hold for the results on other perimenstrual symptoms that are also likely to occur outside the perimenstrual period, such as leg pain, irritability, and headache. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Tumor markers in serum, polyamines and modified nucleosides in urine, and cytogenetic aberrations in lymphocytes of workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Buchet J. P. , Ferreira M. , Burrion J. B. , Leroy T. , Kirsch‐Volders M. , Van Hummelen P. , Jacques J. , Cupers L. , Delavignette J. P. , Lauwerys R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSome polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(a)anthracene are well‐established genotoxic agents. Long‐term exposure to PAHs may lead to proliferative cell disorders in humans, predominantly in the skin, lung, and bladder. The concentration of several tumor markers in serum, of polyamines and modified nucleosides in urine, and of cytogenetic endpoints in peripheral lymphocytes (sister‐chromatid exchanges, high frequency cells [HFC], and micronuclei) were measured in 149 male workers exposed to PAHs in two coke oven and one graphite electrode plants, and in 137 controls. We have assessed whether these biomarkers were related to several parameters reflecting exposure to PAHs, i.e., the sum of the airborne concentration of 13 PAHs, 1‐hydroxypyrene (1‐OHP) concentration in postshift urine, ben‐zo(a)pyrene‐diolepoxide adducts to hemoglobin (BPDE‐Hb adducts), and duration of exposure, taking also into account several possible confounding factors. HFC was the biomarker most consistently associated with the intensity of current exposure to PAHs. Smoking exerts an independent effect on the same parameter. On the basis of the logistic regression between the prevalence of abnormal HFC values and PAHs in air and 1‐OHP in postshift urine found in nonsmokers, it is suggested that the latter should be kept below 6.4 μg/m3 and 2.7 μg/g creatinine, respectively. No relationship was found between the cytogenetic effects and BPDE‐Hb adducts although both parameters are statistically correlated with the airborne PAH level. Some tumor markers in serum (carcinoembryonic antigen, tissue polypeptide antigen, sialic acid) and the urinary concentration of some polyamines were correlated with either PAHs in air or 1‐OHP in urine. The associations, however, were very weak which suggests that these biomarkers have limited practical value for the health surveillance of groups of workers exposed to genotoxic PAHs. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Irritant dermatitis among workers cleaning up a pesticide spill: California 1991
Authors: Koo Denise , Goldman Lynn , Baron Roy 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAn outbreak of dermatitis occurred among county jail inmates who removed dead fish from the Sacramento River in California after a spill of metam sodium. The spilled chemical decomposes to methylisothiocyanate (MITC), a known skin irritant. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the inmates and their crew leaders. Among 42 jail group members, 27 had dermatitis involving the feet and ankles; dermatitis was associated with lower extremity water contact (RR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.0‐11.8); the attack rate increased with length of time spent in the water. For comparison, other state and federal employees who worked in the river at the same time were also interviewed. None reported dermatitis. Over three‐quarters (24/31) of these other clean‐up workers whose feet became wet changed to dry clothing immediately; none of the jail group changed immediately. The river concentration of MITC measured 20‐40 ppb at the time of exposure. We speculate that prolonged wetness, occlusive boots, friction, and heat contributed to chemical irritation at this low concentration; the experience of the other clean‐up workers suggests that this outbreak could have been prevented.
Occupational exposure of deck crews to carcinogenic agents on crude oil tankers
Authors: Moen Bente E. , Hollund Bjørg E. , Berntsen Morten , Flo Ragnar , Kyvik Knut Rasmus , Riise Trond 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOccupational exposure to carcinogenic agents on the decks on six Norwegian crude oil tankers was examined in five harbors. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the need for improving the working environment on deck on these tankers. Technical arrangments and the work itself on the deck were observed during loading or unloading. Occupational monitoring was performed by active sampling of benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and some aldehydes. The crew answered a questionnaire concerning their work, use of protective equipment, and occurrence of acute symptoms. The levels of air‐borne carcinogenic agents were low, probably due to closed loading systems on all tankers. However, the seamen reported discomfort during the work that may be related to other chemical agents in the cargo. The seamen were frequently painting with lead chromate paint without using personal protective equipment. This type of chemical exposure should be evaluated.
Relationship between locations of chromosome breaks induced by vinyl chloride monomer and lymphocytosis
Authors: Fučić Aleksandra , Hitrec Vlasta , Garaj‐Vrhovac Vera , Barkovic Danica , Kubelka Dragan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe distribution of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)‐induced chromosome breaks was studied in cultured lymphocytes of subjects occupationally exposed to this gas. In the examined subjects, the mean group value of chromosome aberrations is 6.5% and for sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies, the mean value per cell is 7.9. These values are significantly higher than in the control population. Occupational exposure to VCM caused lymphocytosis together with disturbances of mitogenic activity in lymphocytes stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin. The results of G‐banding showed that sites of chromosome breakpoints caused by VCM can be related to the lymphatic tissue disorders. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Malignant mesothelioma in thermoelectric power plant workers in Italy
Authors: Crosignani Paolo , Forastiere Francesco , Petrelli Grazia , Merler Enzo , Chellini Elisabetta , Pupp Nicoletta , Donelli Stefano , Magarotto Giancarlo , Rotondo Ezio , Perucci Carlo , Berrino Franco 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAsbestos has been widely used in Italian thermoelectric power plants and instances of exposure to workers have been documented in a variety of jobs. Preventive measures were put into effect only in the late 1970s. We report here on four mesothelioma cases among workers of three Italian power plants where cohort studies were carried out, and on three additional cases recorded by a systematic survey carried out on this neoplasm in Tuscany.When the data of the cohorts sources are merged, a significant excess of lung cancer is also evident. Even without a quantitative assessment of exposure, this report shows the importance of asbestos risk in thermal power plants. The risk appears not to be restricted to any particular category of workers. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pleural mesotheliomas are underreported as occupational cancer in Sweden
Authors: Andersson Eva , Torén Kjell 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to estimate to what degree malignant pleural mesotheliomas were reported as occupational cancers. The study included all malignant pleural mesotheliomas (n = 210) found in the Cancer Registry 1980‐1989 from four Swedish counties. Whether or not a case was reported as occupational cancer was found in the Swedish Register of Reported Occupational Diseases. To evaluate the presence of exposure histories, the chest department files for 58 mesotheliomas from one county were reviewed.The reporting was low, with only 75 mesotheliomas (36%) reported. All the cases were men, and for the men, the reporting frequency was 42%. The reporting was significantly lower for the last part of the decade than for the first part. The reporting frequency decreased with age. In the review of the chest department files, an exposure history was found in 93% of the reported cases and in 47% of the unreported cases. It is concluded that physicians must give more priority to exposure histories in patients with pleural mesotheliomas. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fibers in lung tissues of mesothelioma cases among miners and millers of the township of asbestos, quebec
Authors: Dufresne A. , Harrigan M. , Massé S. , Bégin R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTwenty cases of mesothelioma among miners of the township of Asbestos, Quebec, Canada, have been reported. To further explore the mineral characteristics of various fibrous material, we studied the fibrous inorganic content of postmortem lung tissues of 12 of 20 available cases. In each case, we measured concentrations of chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, talc‐anthophyllite, and other fibrous minerals. The average diameter, length, and length‐to‐diameter ratio of each type of fiber were also calculated. For total fibers > 5 μm, we found > 1,000 asbestos fibers per mg tissue (f/mg) in all cases; tremolite was above 1,000 f/mg in 8 cases, chrysotile in 6 cases, crocidolite in 4 cases, and talc anthophyllite in 5 cases. Among cases with asbestos fibers, the tremolite count was highest in 7 cases, chrysotile in 3 cases, and crocidolite in 2 cases. The geometric mean concentrations of fibers ⩾ 5 μm were in the following decreasing order: tremolite > crocidolite > chrysotile > other fibers > talc‐anthophyllite > amosite. For total fibers < 5 μm, we found > 1,000 fibers per mg tissue (f/mg) in all cases; tremolite was above 1,000 f/mg in 12 cases, chrysotile in 8 cases, crocidolite in 7 cases, and talc‐anthophyllite in 6 cases. Tremolite was highest in 8 cases, chrysotile in 2 cases, and crocidolite and amosite in 2 cases. The geometric mean concentrations of fibers < 5 μm were in the following decreasing order: tremolite > other fibers > chrysotile > crocidolite > talc‐anthophyllite > amosite. We conclude, on the basis of the lung burden analyses of 12 mesothelioma cases from the Asbestos township of Quebec, that the imported amphibole (crocidolite and amosite) were the dominant fibers retained in the lung tissue in 2/12 cases. In 10/12 cases, fibers from the mine site (chrysotile and tremolite) were found at highest counts; tremolite was clearly the highest in 6, chrysotile in 2, and 2 cases had about the same counts for tremolite and chrysotile. If a relation of fiber burden‐causality of mesothelioma is accepted, mesothelioma would be likely caused by amphibole contamination of the plant in 2/12 cases and by the mineral fibers (tremolite and chrysotile) from the mine site in the 10 other cases.
Chronology of asbestos cancer discoveries: Experimental studies of the saranac laboratory
Authors: Schepers Gerrit W. H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis commentary challenges a recently published perception that Dr. Le Roy Upson Gardner had not actually discovered in 1942 that inhaled chrysotile fibers could induce malignant neoplasia in mice. The handwritten laboratory notes and some of Dr. Gardner's slides have recently been found. They verify that the tumors he saw in the mice included truly malignant neoplasms. Gardner had by then also accumulated 11 cases of human lung cancer (two mesotheliomas) derived from Quebec asbestos miners and millers. An inhalation study designed by Dr. Gardner and conducted between 1951 and 1954, using cancer‐insusceptible mice, yielded neoplasia risk ratio of 5.7 compared with control animals. The studies also showed that the primary effect of chrysotile is to cause epithelial‐proliferation in alveoli adjacent to bronchioles. Chrysotile type asbestos bodies were shown to remain only transiently ferruginous, but even though invisible in direct light they can be visualized at high magnification through use of phase contrast and polarized light micrography.
Mortality of a cohort of U.S. workers employed in the crushed stone industry, 1940‐1980
Authors: Costello Joseph , Castellan Robert M. , Swecker Gary S. , Kullman Gregory J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe mortality of 3,246 males who had been employed 1 or more years during 1940‐1980 at 20 crushed stone operations was evaluated for possible association between employment and death from lung cancer, pneumoconiosis, and other respiratory diseases. Four deaths were attributed to pneumoconiosis. Based on available work histories, at least two of these deaths were probably due to dust exposures in the crushed stone industry. Mortality attributed to pneumoconiosis and other nonmalignant respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive lung disease, was significantly increased overall (SMR: 1.98; 95%CI: 1.21‐3.05), and especially so for a subcohort of crushed stone workers that processed granite (SMR: 7.26; 95%CI: 1.97‐18.59). With regard to lung cancer, overall SMRs were elevated (although not statistically significant). Analyzed by rock type, there was a significantly elevated lung cancer SMR among granite workers with at least 20 years latency (SMR: 3.35; 95%CI: 1.34‐6.90). Although not definitive, results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to respirable silica dust is a risk factor for lung cancer.
Occupational exposures to fibers and quartz at 19 crushed stone mining and milling operations
Authors: Kullman Gregory J. , Greife Alice L. , Costello Joseph , Hearl Frank J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFrom 1979 to 1982, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a cross‐sectional exposure assessment and mortality study of selected crushed stone facilities in the United States. This study was undertaken in part to address concerns that asbestos exposures could be occurring in some crushed stone operations due to the presence of amphibole and serpentine minerals. The investigation was also designed to characterize exposures to crystalline silica and other mineral compounds. Nineteen crushed stone operations, mining limestone, granite, or traprock were surveyed to assess exposures to respirable and total dusts, mineral compounds including crystalline silica, asbestos, and mineral fibers. At the initiation of the study, crushed stone operations were selected from a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) listing of the active industry in 1978. With the exception of requiring inclusion of the traprock operation in Maryland where asbestos fibers were initially discovered, a stratified sample of operations was randomly selected by rock type (granite, limestone, traprock, or sandstone). However, because of reluctance or refusal of some companies to participate and because of the closures of some of the selected operations, replacements were randomly selected. Some replacement selections were likewise replaced due to lack of cooperation from the companies. The studied sample included only 10 of the 27 randomly selected operations in the original sample. Asbestos fibers were detected at one traprock facility, the Maryland operation where asbestos was originally found. Measured personal exposures to fibers exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for two out of 10 samples. All of the samples were below the MSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), which was in effect at the time of the survey. However, due to the presence of nonasbestos mineral fibers in the environment, it could not be stated with certainty that all of the fibers counted by phase contrast microscopy were asbestos. A variety of silicate mineral fibers (other than those classified by NIOSH as asbestos) were detected in the traprock operations and at one granite operation. Crystalline silica was detected at 17 of the 19 surveyed crushed stone operations. Overexposures to crystalline silica were measured at 16 of the crushed stone operations; approximately one in seven personal‐respirable dust samples (14%) exceeded the MSHA PEL for crystalline silica. Approximately 25% of the respirable dust samples exceeded the NIOSH REL for crystalline silica. Mill operators and mill laborers consistently had the highest and most frequent overexposures to crystalline silica.
Benzene exposure assessment in rubber hydrochloride workers: A critical evaluation of previous estimates
Authors: Utterback David F. , Rinsky Robert A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMany risk assessments for leukemia associated with benzene exposure have been based on the mortality experience of the rubber hydrochloride worker cohort. Although there have been several different historical exposure assessments proposed for this cohort, Paustenbach et al. [1992, J Tox Environ Health], recently published a new historical characterization of benzene exposures based on data previously developed by Rinsky et al. [1981, Am J Ind Med] and further modified by Crump and Allen [1984: OSHA]. Adjustments by Paustenbach et al. in the Rinsky et al. data result in retrospective benzene exposure estimates far greater than those previously reported, by an order of magnitude in many cases. Judgments made on the significance of dermal contact and interpretation of historical measurement data led Paustenbach et al. to arrive at exposure estimates for this cohort that are in conflict with what is known about the adverse effects of benzene exposure. More reasonable estimates for dermal absorption are included in this report that do not substantially affect total estimates of benzene exposure for the cohort. The exposure estimates originally presented in the Rinsky et al. article appear in concordance with data not previously reported in any analyses.