bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T‐cell alveolitis in lung lavage of asbestos‐exposed subjects
Authors: Sprince Nancy L. , Oliver L. Christine , McLoud Theresa C. , Ginns L. C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, it has been reported that lymphocyte proportions in lung lavage predict the subsequent clinical course. Recent evidence has suggested that lymphocytes are important in the alveolitis of asbestosis. We hypothesized that a greater relative proportion of T‐lymphocytes in lung lavage of asbestos‐exposed subjects is associated with immune activation and may predict the subsequent clinical course. We assessed lymphocyte subsets in lung lavage and peripheral blood (PB) of 97 asbestos‐exposed subjects and 10 unexposed normals, using flow cytometry analysis of monoclonal antibody‐treated cells. T‐cell alveolitis was defined as follows: [%lymphocytes in lavage × %CD3 in lavage] > 2 SD above that product in normals. Eighteen subjects had T‐cell alveolitis (group 1) and 79 did not (group 2). There were no significant differences between the groups in age, smoking status, duration of exposure, lung function results, or frequency of plaques or profusion ≥ 1/0. Percent CD2 was higher in lavage of group 1 compared with group 2. There was a trend for higher %Ia in lavage of group 1 compared with group 2. These results identify a subgroup of asbestos‐exposed subjects with T‐cell alveolitis but no present excess of asbestos‐related disease who may be at risk for future asbestos‐related disease.
The impact of anticipation of job loss on psychological distress and worksite blood pressure
Authors: Schnall Peter L. , Landsbergis Paul A. , Pieper Carl F. , Schwartz Joseph , Dietz Diane , Gerin William , Schlussel Yvette , Warren Katherine , Pickering Thomas G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe impact of occupational stressful life events on psychological distress and blood pressure was examined among employees of a major New York City brokerage firm undergoing massive layoffs. One hundred thirty‐nine employees of the firm, who had participated in a blood pressure screening in 1986, were rescreened during the period of layoffs within their company in 1989.About two‐thirds of the 139 employees reported being “somewhat” or “very” anxious or upset in 1989 during the period of layoffs, and psychological distress was significantly elevated among those employees reporting possible or definite layoff or job change and/or difficulty in obtaining a comparable job. However, we found no increase in overall blood pressure level, and no effect of anticipation of job loss on 1989 blood pressure when controlling for 1986 blood pressure level, age, body mass index, work hours, and other demographic variables. On the other hand, employment in a department sold to another employer on the day of screening, as well as employment in a clerical job title, were both associated with significant increases in diastolic blood pressure of about 5 mm Hg.
Adverse health effects in workers exposed to cadmium
Authors: Kahan Ernesto , Derazne Estela , Rosenboim Joseph , Ashkenazi Ruth , Ribak Joseph 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOne hundred fifty‐two workers who had been exposed to different levels of cadmium (Cd) absorption (blood Cd mean 16.34 μg/L, median 11.0 μg/L) in a factory making nickel‐cadmium batteries were studied. A physical evaluation, as well as blood and urine cadmium and N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG), and other routine laboratory tests were performed in order to assess the relationship between different levels of exposure to occupational cadmium and potential cadmium‐induced renal damage and other adverse health effects. We found significant correlation between levels of cadmium exposure and a selected group of symptoms and signs. The best predictor of this group of symptoms and signs was an indicator called internal dose index (Cd × exposure time). This indicator appears as the strongest, even after control by confounding factors, such as age and smoking. It is concluded that this index can be used for biological monitoring.
Parenchymal and pleural fibrosis in construction workers
Authors: Oksa Panu , Koskinen Heikki , Rinne Jouko‐Pekka , Zitting Anders , Roto Pekka , Huuskonen Matti S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractExposure to mineral dust was studied among construction workers (N = 437) with the aid of a questionnaire and a chest X‐ray examination of the lungs. The results of the questionnaire showed that 81% of the construction workers had been exposed to asbestos. Exposure had occurred in all of the occupational groups studied. Pleural plaques and/or lung fibrosis (ILO ≥ 1/1) were found in 26% of the examined workers; the prevalence varied from 18 to 40% among the various occupational groups. Comparison with a representative sample of the Finnish male population from another investigation indicates that the frequency of lung fibrosis (ILO ≥ 1/1) is at least two times higher among the examined construction workers than among the general population. It seems likely that exposure to asbestos dust can be considered an etiological factor for an appreciable number of the X‐ray findings.
Patterns of asbestosis in New Jersey
Authors: Henneberger Paul K. , Stanbury Martha J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHospital discharge data from New Jersey were used to identify cases of asbestosis for the 8 years 1979–1986. Multiple admissions were deleted so that each individual was counted once at the time of his/her first hospitalization with an asbestosis diagnosis. White males had the highest age‐adjusted average annual discharge rate of 19.3 cases/100,000 population, followed by black males (12.3 cases/100,000) and white females (1.2 cases/100,000). The discharge rate was positively associated with age in each race/sex category. The relationship between rates for black males and white males depended on age: under 65 years, the rates were almost equal, and at 65 years and older, the white rates were nearly twice the black rates. There were two areas of the state where the rates were highest: the north‐central and southwest regions. These two areas represent manufacturing and shipbuilding applications of asbestos, respectively. During the years 1979–1986, the annual percentage increase in asbestosis rates was 20% for white males, 17% for black males, and 8% for white females. Continued surveillance will reveal when the rates for asbestosis stop increasing. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chest radiographs in subjects with asbestos‐related abnormalities: Comparison between ilo categorizations and clinical reading
Authors: Hilt Bjørn , Borgersen Arne , Lien Jan Th. , Langård Sverre 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe findings of a previous chest X‐ray screening, determined without using standardized criteria, were reassessed by means of the ILO classification. Of 470 radiographs that had been determined as showing asbestos‐related changes, 430 were categorized according to the ILO Classification. Small opacities with profusion ≥ 1/0 were described in 39 (52%) of 75 participants who, on the original clinical reading, had been determined as having lung fibrosis, and in 45 (12.7%) of 355 who were determined as having pleural changes only. When considering circumscribed pleural thickening at the chest wall or diaphragm, as categorized by the ILO Classification, such changes were present in 401 (93.7%) of 428 subjects with pleural changes as determined on the clinical reading. In addition to the improved sensitivity and specificity achieved, the ILO Classification also allows comparison with other studies. The most apparent disadvantage of the ILO system is that it cannot firmly separate the various types of asbestos‐related pleural changes. The study revealed that the previous asbestos exposure of the case subjects had occurred in many different workplaces and occupations. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reevaluation of silicosis and lung cancer in North Carolina dusty trades workers
Authors: Amandus H. E. , Castellan R. M. , Shy C. , Heineman E. F. , Blair A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe previously reported on the lung cancer mortality through 1983 of 760 males who were diagnosed with silicosis during 1930–1983 by the State of North Carolina's medical examination program for dusty trades workers. The lung cancer SMR (95% confidence interval) was 2.6 (1.8–3.6) among 655 white members of this group. In this paper, we report the results of a reanalysis of mortality among a subgroup for whom chest radiographs were currently available for rereadingTechnically acceptable radiographs were available for 306 white males and were independently reclassified for pneumoconiosis by 3 “B” readers using the 1980 ILO Classification. Lung cancer SMRs were 1.7 (0.8–3.1) for the entire group of 306 white males, 2.5 (1.1–4.9) for 143 subjects reclassified as simple silicosis, and 1.0 (0.1–3.5) for 96 subjects whose radiographs were reclassified as ILO category 0. There were no lung cancer deaths among 67 subjects whose radiographs were reclassified as progressive massive fibrosisCorresponding lung cancer SMRs for subjects who had never been employed in a job with exposure to known occupational carcinogens were 1.2 (0.2–4.4) for those reclassified as category 0, and 2.4 (1.0–5.0) for those reclassified as having simple silicosis. The age‐adjusted lung cancer rate ratio among subjects with simple silicosis compared to those with category 0 was 1.5 (0.4–5.8)Our findings from this reanalysis, which effectively controls for misclassification of silicosis due to errors in radiograph interpretation by North Carolina program readers, offer additional evidence consistent with the hypothesis of an association between silicosis and lung cancer in this study group. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the utility of a standard history questionnaire in assessing the neurological effects of solvents
Authors: Bukowski J. A. , Sargent E. V. , Pena B. M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUsing a standard battery of medical surveillance questions, a study was undertaken to determine if an increase in reported neurologic symptoms was resulting from solvent exposure at a pharmaceutical research, development, and manufacturing site.The prevalence of positive responses to 13 interval history questions pertaining to neurological symptoms was compared between those enrolled in exposed surveillance programs (n = 840) and those enrolled in other, non‐solvent exposed surveillance programs (n = 1,042). The ratio of positive responders between the exposed and unexposed groups was used to generate a relative prevalence ratio (RPR).No significantly elevated RPRs were seen when the analysis was adjusted for the confounding factors of age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, noise exposure, and number of interval histories. These results suggest that workplace solvent exposures in the employees studied did not appear to result in obvious neurologic symptoms. However, low‐level neurotoxic exposures can cause asymptomatic or sub‐clinical disorders. Therefore, more sensitive neurotoxic surveillance systems need to be developed.
A health survey of toll booth workers
Authors: Strauss Pamela , Orris Peter , Buckley Lucille 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe prevalence of respiratory and other health problems in a cohort of highway toll booth workers was surveyed by mailed questionnaire. In a low proportion of respondents (43.2%), a high prevalence of central nervous system complaints (headaches, irritability, or anxiety, and unusual tiredness), mucous membrane irritation (eye irritation, nasal congestion, and dry throat), and musculoskeletal problems (joint and back pains) was found.We believe these symptoms are reflective of the acute irritant and central nervous system effects of exposure to motor vehicle exhaust. The musculoskeletal complaints are likely the result of bending, reaching, and leaning out of the toll booth. The need for in‐depth evaluation of the ventilation systems and the ergonomic and job stressors of work at toll booths is suggested by these results.
Responses among New Jersey's largest employers to legislation restricting smoking at the worksite
Authors: Lewit Eugene M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn 1985, New Jersey enacted a state law requiring that employers with more than 50 employees implement policies to control smoking in places of employment. The 104 largest private employers in New Jersey were surveyed in 1988 to assess their worksite smoking policies. Of the 92 respondents, 97% had implemented restrictive workplace smoking policies. Only 12% of respondents had implemented such policies prior to the date required by the law, and 86% cited the law as the reason for restricting smoking in the workplace. Over two‐thirds of respondents placed restrictions on smoking in open areas, while only one‐third restricted smoking in private offices. Nonsmoking employees were reported by 80% of respondents to be supportive of restrictive smoking policies, but 23% reported dissatisfaction by their smoking employees. The New Jersey law appears to have been an important factor in the adoption of work place smoking restrictions by the state's largest employers.
A participatory workplace health and safety training program for ethylene oxide
Authors: Lamontagne Anthony D. , Kelsey Karl T. , Ryan Charlotte M. , Christiani David C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulated ethylene oxide (EtO) on the basis of its acute toxicity and its potential carcinogenic and reproductive effects since 1971. OSHA's 1984 EtO standard and its 1988 revisions focused new attention on health and safety training and other preventive measures. An EtO health and safety training program for hospital sterilization workers was developed by the staff of an independent occupational and environmental health clinic. Participatory and empowerment training methods were central to the approach. Also included were hands‐on, demonstration, interactive presentation, and other methods. An EtO Health and Safety Training Manual was developed based on the training experiences. This paper presents the challenges, benefits, and limitations of incorporating participatory and empowerment approaches in the design, implementation, and evaluation of EtO health and safety training.
Hardware to hard hats: Training workers for action (from offices to construction sites)
Authors: Baker Robin , Stock Laura , Szudy Betty 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA university‐based labor education program provides training to unionists, emphasizing the skills needed by workers and their representatives in order to promote their rights to health and safety on the job. The article describes two examples of this training approach. The first example is a training program for video display terminal (VDT) operators which prepares them to take a leadership role in advancing policies to regulate working conditions for VDT users. The second is a program designed to improve the quality of safety, or “tailgate” meetings in the construction industry by promoting an approach that encourages active worker participation in identifying potential hazards and developing solutions. The methodologies used to achieve action‐oriented outcomes are described.
Implementing right‐to‐know legislation for health care workers in Manitoba: A bipartite sectoral train‐the‐trainer approach
Authors: Elias J. D. , Yassi A. , Kennedy T. , Andres S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn October 1988, right‐to‐know legislation was introduced in Canada. This presented a technical and administrative challenge to the health care sector. With over 170 health care facilities in Manitoba to be brought into compliance, some large, some small, some rural, some urban, a cooperative approach was needed. A labor‐management steering committee with representatives from a cross‐section of facilities as well as the various health care unions was formed to design and implement a train‐the‐trainer program. A small‐group, highly participatory modular program was developed with input from all parties, and delivered across the province by trainers selected jointly by labor and management.The program achieved its goal of assisting member facilities to implement the legislation. Follow‐up surveys and discussions with health care workers showed improved understanding of labelling requirements, material safety data sheet interpretation, and requirements for hazard control. This first bipartite program empowered the health care workforce to use its newly acquired right‐to‐know, and has provided the incentive to implement other cooperative safety and health programs.
Waking up the audience: The use of trigger videos in labor education
Authors: Ginzberg Abby 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUse of trigger videos can enhance union education programs by encouraging an active learning process, in which class members can identify with the problems posed in the video, and are motivated to seek a collective action‐oriented solution to those situations which exist in their own workplaces. Such an approach empowers workers to develop their own answers in a supportive and mutually reinforcing context.
Cancer of the stomach and the colon‐rectum among workers in a coke gas plant
Authors: Berger J. , Manz A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFour thousand nine hundred and eight male workers of the Hamburg gas plant, employed for 10 or more years during the period from January 1, 1900 to December 31, 1989, have been traced for cancer mortality. Based on their jobs, they were grouped into three subcohorts: gas furnace workers, workers in other parts of the plant, and whitecollar workers. Despite the general “healthy worker effect,” gas furnace workers showed a significant incidence of cancer of all sites (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 186), particularly cancers of the lung (SMR = 288), stomach (SMR = 177), and the colon‐rectum (SMR = 184). In comparison to the death rates of white‐collar workers, the manual workers in other parts of the plant also showed an excess of cancer mortality for cancer of these sites. The reason for this excess in cancer mortality seems to be due to the working conditions. The results contribute to the current evidence that exposure to coal carbonization fumes causes not only lung cancer, but also cancers of the stomach and colon‐rectum.
Upper extremity symptoms in supermarket workers
Authors: Harber Philip , Peña Laura , Bland Gerard , Beck John 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUpper extremity symptoms in supermarket workers, particularly those who performed checking using laser scanners, were evaluated using a questionnaire administered by trained interviewers to 124 supermarket workers. Summary indices of exposure (shortterm and long‐term) as well as indices of past personal illnesses and personal activities were employed. Outcome data were summarized by four composite symptom indices. Chi square and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that hours of checking work in the preceding 2 weeks and cumulative weighted years of work were associated with adverse upper extremity symptoms. Symptoms involved both the proximal and distal parts of the upper extremities.
Worker notification: Lessons from the past
Authors: Needleman Carolyn 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe methodological choices being made in current worker notification programs are influenced in both obvious and subtle ways by certain ground‐breaking notifications carried out during the 1970s and 1980s. A lore has built up concerning these cases. Their names are heavy with implied meaning. As worker notification gains in acceptance and frequency, some of those newly interested in the area will be unfamiliar with these early cases, their significance, and their lessons. To help provide a context for these proceedings, six landmark worker notifications are briefly described here. Different cases might have been chosen; more cases might have been added. However, these six give a flavor of the struggles, trials, triumphs, and insights that have marked worker notification's passage through recent history. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The ethics of choice in the struggle against industrial disease
Authors: Samuels Sheldon W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis article argues that broad recognition of the ethical basis for society's decisions about the reduction of the risks of workers, including notification, has been, is, and will be a more persuasive method of establishing programs implementing the rights to know and act in controlling the industrial vector in human disease than sheer power politics. If the argument is correct, then attention needs to be focused on the nature of the ethics of choice. The moral dialectic in the history of science and medicine is traced to the metaphysically assumed values of open and closed models of knowledge and action that determine how we weigh genetic and environmental factors in the process of choosing who shall live and who shall die of disease, with strong industrially generated vectors. The author suggests that we escape from the concepts of the closed systems of the past, whose grammar reflects values repugnant to the empowerment of those notified of risk, to open systems that enhance community‐ecologic values of life and freedom. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Notification of workers about an excess of malignant melanoma: A case study
Authors: Mazzuckelli Lawrence F. , Schulte Paul A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn January 1991. NIOSH completed a retrospective cohort mortality study of 3,588 Westinghouse Electric Corporation workers who had been engaged in the manufacture of electrical capacitors. The study evolved from a NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation, which was conducted at the request of the Indiana State Board of Health because of its concern about PCB exposures among the Westinghouse workers.Life table analysis revealed a fourfold excess of deaths due to malignant melanoma. Though the workers were principally exposed to PCBs, the available exposure data did not lend itself to constructing an exposure‐response curve that could relate PCB exposure to development of malignant melanomas. This was further complicated by the lack of substantial corroboration from other studies of PCB‐exposed cohorts.Because of the magnitude of the malignant melanoma excess and the fact that malignant melanoma is probably more amenable to treatment and remediation than most other cancers, NIOSH determined that notification of the individual cohort members was a prudent and necessary public health action.This article describes the notification process from the time the decision to notify was made through the postnotification period. It details the interaction between NIOSH, the former and current plant owners, the two labor organizations that represented the workers at the plant, and the recipients of the notification materials. Scientific and other issues surrounding this notification effort are also discussed. A number of lessons were learned about the notification process; these are described for the benefit of others who conduct notifications. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.