bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modernization and trends in occupational health and safety in the people's republic of China 1981–1986
Authors: Quinn Margaret M. , Punnett Laura , Christiani David C. , Levenstein Charles , Wegman David H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractExchanges between U.S. and Chinese professionals have provided opportunities for observation of recent developments in occupational health in China. For the past decade, China has been committed to an unprecedented drive for economic modernization, including new policies on ownership, business management, employment, health care, and disability as well as increased activity in heavy, light, and service industries. Chinese occupational health professionals and labor organizations have set a goal of modernizing worker health along with the rest of society. Examples of advances in occupational health occurring since 1981 are the coordination of industrial hygiene and health research and services, an emphasis on epidemiology, interdisciplinary approaches to problem‐solving, the pretesting of toxic substances, regulation and standard setting, and on‐site workplace hazard prevention.
Asbestos disease in sheet metal workers: II. Radiologic signs of asbestosis among active workers
Authors: Michaels David , Zoloth Stephen , Lacher Margot , Holstein Edwin , Lilis Ruth , Drucker Ernest 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA review of chest x‐rays of 707 currently employed New York metropolitan area sheet metal workers found that 29.3% of the workers with 20 years or more of union membership (a surrogate for years of exposure) had radiologic abnormalities characteristic of parenchymal and/or pleural asbestosis, with 18.6% having abnormalities characteristic of parenchymal asbestosis (International Labor Organization [ILO] classification 1/0 or higher) and 17.4% of pleural asbestosis. The prevalence of abnormalities characteristic of either parenchymal and/or pleural asbestosis in the group as a whole was 16.4%, with 10.9% exhibiting signs of parenchymal asbestosis and 9.2% of pleural asbestosis. There was a strong, statistically significant relationship between years in the trade and the prevalence of radiologic abnormalities. These findings underscore the need for medical surveillance of all asbestos‐exposed construction workers, including retirees and workers who have had past exposure but who are no longer exposed.
Nasal cancer in the U.S. shoe industry: Does it exist?
Authors: Decouflé Pierre , Walrath Judy 
Published: April 2007

AbstractStudies in England and Italy have demonstrated a striking association between employment in the shoemaking industry and cancer of the nasal cavities and sinuses. However, three recent, large‐scale proportionate mortality studies of U.S. shoeworkers do not show any deaths from these tumors. This paper reviews the methodology of those studies, emphasizing the underlying data and statistical power. In addition, epidemiologic and other considerations important in assessing and interpreting the apparent absence of a nasal cancer risk in the U.S. shoe industry are discussed.
Isocyanates and respiratory disease: Current status
Authors: Musk A. William , Peters John M. , Wegman David H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper reviews the known respiratory effects of isocyanates. There is good evidence to indicate that isocyanates: cause chemical bronchitis/pneumonitis; are potent pulmonary sensitizers capable of causing “isocyanate asthma”; cause nonspecific airways disease, including chronic bronchitis; can induce a general asthmatic state; and can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Similar dose‐response relationships are seen for both acute and chronic effects. There are plants operating in which exposures are well controlled and in which no respiratory effects can be detected. Suggestions are provided for preplacement assessment and periodic surveillance for workers exposed to these compounds.
Pleural mesotheliomas and asbestos exposure in the pulp and paper industries: A new risk group identified by linkage of official registers
Authors: Järvholm Bengt , Malker Hans , Malker Birgitta , Ericsson Jan , Sällsten Gerd 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAnalysis of data obtained by linking the 1960 Swedish Census and the Swedish Cancer Registry has demonstrated an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma among pulp and paper workers. The present study was undertaken with the aim of revealing possible environmental risk factors. The work histories of the 25 cases identified earlier were reviewed. “Certain” or “probable” exposure to asbestos was found among 70% of these workers. The study illustrates how linkage of official registers can be used to identify new risk environments and encourage the establishment of preventive measures.
Occupational exposures and brain cancer mortality: A preliminary study of East Texas residents
Authors: Speers Marjorie A. , Dobbins James G. , Miller Van S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe relationship between various occupational exposures and brain cancer was investigated in a case‐control study using mortality data from 202 males who died in East Texas from gliomas in 1969‐1978 and 238 male controls randomly selected from all deaths in East Texas in 1969‐1978. Using the occupational classification scheme of the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the risk for brain cancer was significantly increased for male workers employed in the transportation, communication, and utilities industries [odds ratio (OR) = 2.26, confidence intervals (CI) = 1.18‐4.32]. Further examination of this finding showed that male workers employed in occupations associated with electricity or electromagnetic (EM) fields had an elevated risk for brain cancer (OR = 3.94, CI = 1.52‐10.20). In addition, there was a linear relationship between the probability of exposure to EM fields and brain cancer. Significantly elevated risk for brain cancer was also found among male workers in the trucking industry.
Relative risk of mesothelioma among railroad machinists exposed to chrysotile
Authors: Mancuso Thomas F. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis study challenges the assertion of low relative risk of chrysotile in the causation of mesothelioma. Data are provided on the time period use of various types of asbestos in the United States and in insulation materials. The focus of the study is on mesothelioma among railroad machinists employed in the steam locomotive era who were exposed to chrysotile. Within a cohort of machinists alive January 1, 1945, a sub‐cohort method was applied to all successive machinists hired in each of the respective years (1920‐1929) followed through 1986. The total cohort was 181 and the number of deaths 156, with 14 mesotheliomas identified among 41 cancer deaths. The findings demonstrated an extremely high relative risk for machinists exposed to chrysotile for the induction of mesothelioma in the individual year of hire cohorts. A similar observation was noted for other crafts hired in the same time period. One mesothelioma occurred for every 13 machinists hired in the succeeding years (1920‐1929) and constituted 34% of all cancer deaths. It is concluded that chrysotile is far more hazardous in the induction of mesotheliomas and that the asbestos cancer risk in the steam locomotive eras was much higher than had been previously estimated.
A retrospective cohort mortality study of workers exposed to formaldehyde in the garment industry
Authors: Stayner Leslie Thomas , Elliott Larry , Blade Leo , Keenlyside Richard , Halperin William 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn order to assess the possible human carcinogenecity of formaldehyde we conducted a retrospective cohort mortality study of workers exposed for at least three months to formaldehyde in three garment facilities which produced permanent press garments. A total of 11,030 workers contributing 188,025 person‐years were included in the study. Vital status was successfully ascertained through 1982 for over 96% of the cohort. The average (TWA) formaldehyde exposure at the three plants monitored in 1981 and 1984 by NIOSH was 0.15 ppm but past exposures may have been substantially higher. In general, mortality from nonmalignant causes was less than expected. A statistically significant excess in mortality from cancers of the buccal cavity (SMR = 343) and connective tissue (SMR = 364) was observed. Statistically nonsignificant excesses in mortality were observed for cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung (SMR = 114), pharynx (SMR = 112), bladder (SMR = 145), leukemia and aleukemia (SMR = 113), and other lymphopoietic neoplasms (SMR = 170). Mortality from cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung was inversely related to duration of exposure and latency. In contrast, mortality from cancers of the buccal cavity, leukemias, and other lymphopoietic neoplasms increased with duration of formaldehyde exposure and/or latency. These neoplasms also were found to be highest among workers first exposed during a time period of high potential formaldehyde exposures in this industry (1955‐1962). However, it should be recognized that these findings are based on realtively small numbers and that confounding by other factors may still exist. The results from this investigation, although far from conclusive, do provide evidence of a possible relationship between formaldehyde exposure and the development of upper respiratory cancers (buccal), leukemias, and other lymphopoietic neoplasms in humans.
Substance data bases and right to know laws: Application to occupational epidemiology
Authors: Davis F. G. , Chung M. W. , Mallin K. M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe Illinois Right to Know (RTK) law included requirements for substance lists to be submitted by companies to the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL). This provided an opportunity to test the feasibility of identifying workplaces utilizing common chemicals for future epidemiologic investigations.A sample of IDOL files (n = 115) was obtained, and relevant data elements were coded. A second sample of substance names within these files (n = 1,015) was selected, and searches in three standard references were conducted to identify chemical descriptions.Equal proportions of employers and manufacturer/suppliers were in general compliance with RTK law reporting requirements (58%). Forty‐five percent of substances sampled from employers (chemical users) and 71% of substances sampled from manufacturer/suppliers (chemical producers and distributors) could be identified. The ability to identify substances reported using chemical names was approximately equal across companies (90%), while the ability to identify substances with nonchemical names was greater in manufacturer (59%) than in employer (32%) files.This study suggests that the ability to identify potential occupationally exposed groups using this resource may be greater among manufacturers than among employers. Recognition of substances used in the workplace could be improved if companies were required to report chemical names.
Asbestos disease in sheet metal workers: Proportional mortality update
Authors: Michaels David , Zoloth Stephen 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper, updating the findings of an earlier study, provides additional evidence that sheet metal workers in the construction trades are at increased risk for asbestos‐related disease. A proportional analysis of cause of death among 331 New York sheet metal workers found a significantly elevated PMR for lung cancer (PMR = 186). In addition, there were six deaths attributable to mesothelioma (three classified as lung cancer deaths) and three death certificates mentioned asbestosis or pulmonary fibrosis, although none of these three deaths were attributed to these diseases.
Studies of Transformer Repair Workers Exposed to PCBs: II. Results of Clinical Laboratory Investigations
Authors: Emmett Edward A. , Maroni Marco , Jefferys Joan , Schmith Joanne , Levin Barry K. , Alvares Alvito 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThirty‐eight transformer repairmen currently exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 17 former transformer repairmen, and 56 comparison workers not known to be exposed to PCBs were studied. Measurements were made of serum liver function tests, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lipid profile, thyroid function tests, and other serum biochemistry; hemoglobin; white cell count; 24‐hour excretion of delta‐aminolevulinic acid, porphyrins, 17‐hydroxycorticosteriods and 17‐ketosteroids; sperm count; spirometry; and antipyrine half‐life to evaluate microsomal mixed function oxidase induction. The total exposed group differed significantly from the comparison group in albumin, LDH, T4, T4‐RT3 index, and actual/predicted FEV1. Significant differences among all three exposure groups were seen for albumin, T4, T4‐RT3 index, and 17‐hydroxycorticosteroid excretion. Differences in FEV1 were attributable to smoking. Significant correlations between serum PCBs and serum lipids were removed by adjustment for confounding variables.After adjustment for confounding variables, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum PCBs and GGT and a negative correlation between adipose PCBs and 17‐hydroxycorticosteroid excretion. These may reflect subtle metabolic effects of PCBs.
Asbestos Exposure and Gastrointestinal Malignancy Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Frumkin Howard , Berlin Jesse 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe epidemiologic literature linking asbestos exposure with gastrointestinal malignancy is reviewed. Problems in comparing studies are discussed, appropriate strategies for comparison are developed, and study results are pooled using a model which accounts for both intrastudy and interstudy variability. Stratification of cohorts by dose reveals that significant asbestos exposure, as indicated by a lung cancer standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of at least 200, is associated with an elevated gastrointestinal cancer SMR for five or six end points examined.
Comparison of Death Certificate Occupation and Industry Data With Lifetime Occupational Histories Obtained by Interview: Variations in the Accuracy of Death Certificate Entries
Authors: Schade William J. , Swanson G. Marie 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis study compares usual and recent occupation and industry data from lifetime work histories obtained by interview with death certificate entries for occupation and industry for 2,435 persons diagnosed with cancer. Match rates are calculated as the percent of death certificate occupation and industry entries that were confirmed by interview data and are compared for exact 3‐digit 1980 U.S. Census Bureau occupation and industry codes and for groups of these codes. The overall match rate for individual usual occupation codes was 47.9% and for exact usual industry codes it was 61.8%. Significant differences between the interview data for usual occupation or industry and the death certificate entry were observed by race and gender, marital status, number of years worked, and occupation and industry groups and by age for industry. Misclassification or overreporting of occupation and industry data on the death certificate ranged from 30 to 50% in this study. Our results suggest that the utility of death certificate data for investigations into the occupational risk factors for cancer may be quite limited.
Respiratory Symptoms and Ventilatory Capacity in Soy Bean Workers
Authors: Zuskin Eugenija , Skuric Zdenka , Kanceljak Bozica , Pokrajac Duska , Schachter E. Neil , Witek Theodore J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractRespiratory function was studied in a group of 29 soy workers exposed to soy bean dust produced after extraction of soy oil. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was consistently higher in exposed than in control workers, although the differences were not statistically significant. During the Monday work shift there was a significant mean acute across‐shift decrease in maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% and 25% vital capacity (FEF50: ‐6.4%; FEF25: ‐12.4%). Changes in vital capacity (FVC: ‐3.6%) and 1‐sec forced expiratory volume (FEV1: ‐2.7%) were smaller, but still statistically significant. There were also statistically significant acute reductions in all ventilatory capacity parameters over the work shift on the following Friday, although the changes were in general smaller than on Monday (except for FEV1). An analysis of Monday preshift values of ventilatory capacity in soy bean workers suggests that exposure to soy bean dust may lead to chronic respiratory impairment in some workers.
Cardiovascular Malformations, Work Attendance, and Occupational Exposures During Pregnancy in Finland
Authors: Tikkanen Jorma , Kurppa Kari , Timonen Henri , Holmberg Peter C. , Kuosma Eeva , Rantala Kaarina 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo explore for associations between occupational factors and cardiovascular malformations, information on the parents of 160 infants with cardiovascular malformations and 160 control parents was studied. The case infants had been reported consecutively to the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations. All mothers were interviewed identically after delivery, using both open and pro forma questions about detailed work tasks, exposures, and leisure activities during pregnancy. The interview information was evaluated blindly. Neither parental occupational titles nor maternal working per se gave new clues to the teratogenic risk; nor did shift working, wearing of personal protective equipment, or the mother's own opinion on exposures during pregnancy. Identified occupational exposures, as categorized by an industrial hygienist, showed no remarkable associations to cardiovascular malformations. Few mothers were exposed substantially to specific occupational hazards. Comparing mothers who used medications in the first trimester with those who did not showed an odds ratio of 2.2 (95% confidence interval 1.3–3.9) when adjusted for potential confounding by multivariate logistic methods.
Effects of exposure to ethylene glycol ethers on shipyard painters: I. Evaluation of exposure
Authors: Sparer Judy , Welch Laura S. , McManus Kevin , Cullen Mark R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAn industrial hygiene survey was performed to characterize exposure of shipyard painters to 2‐ethoxyethanol (2‐EE) and 2‐methoxyethanol (2‐ME). One hundred and two samples were taken over six workshifts. Overall results showed that the time‐weighted average (TWA) of airborne exposure to 2‐EE ranged from 0–80.5 mg/m3 with a mean of 9.9 mg/m3 and a median of 4.4 mg/m3. Samples for 2‐ME TWA ranged from 0–17.7 mg/m3 with a mean of 2.6 mg/m3 and a median of 1.6 mg/m3. Limitations of the sampling and a few prior measurements suggest that these data may underestimate usual or previous exposure. These data are discussed in the context of available data on airborne exposure to ethylene glycol ethers from other workplaces.
Lung cancer case‐control study in a rubber manufacturing plant
Authors: Andjelkovich Dragana A. , Abdelghany Naima , Mathew Ravi M. , Blum Steve 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis report presents the findings of a case‐control study of lung cancer among workers at a rubber manufacturing plant. Detailed work histories of 40 lung cancer deaths, which occurred during 1977 and 1978, were compared with those of 146 controls who were individually matched to cases on age, sex, and race; 66 of the controls were also matched on year of first hire. Elevated odds ratios were noted for different durations of employment in four work areas: Reclaim Operation, Chemicals, Special Products Manufacture, and Curing Preparation. A clear trend of increasing odds ratios with increasing durations of exposure was observed for the first three of these work areas. Several chemicals used in these processes are known respiratory system hazards. The results of this study suggest an association between lung cancer mortality risk and employment in Reclaim Operation, Chemicals, and Special Products Manufacture. A moderate excess risk was observed in these areas among both smokers and nonsmokers, although the risk was greater among the smokers.
Vibration white finger, digital blood pressure, and some biochemical findings on workers operating vibrating tools in the engine manufacturing industry
Authors: Bovenzi Massimo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA clinical and laboratory investigation was carried out on 76 operators using pneumatic hand grinders and impact wrenches in the engine manufacturing industry. Twenty‐two vibration‐exposed workers (28.9%) had no symptoms in the hands (stage 0 of the Stockholm Workshop scale), 34 (44.7%) were affected with sensorineural disturbances in the fingers (stage SN), and 20 (26.3%) suffered from vibration white finger (VWF stages 1–2‐3). In the vibration‐exposed operators and in 30 comparable referents not exposed to vibration, finger systolic blood pressure (FSP) was measured on a test finger and on a control finger after digit cooling to 30°C and 10°C. The results of the cold provocation test were expressed as percent change of FSP by cooling the test finger from 30°C to 10°C (FSP%t, 10°) and as digital/brachial pressure index during local cooling at 10°C (DPIt, 10°). After cold provocation the mean values of FSP%t, 10° and DPIt 10° were more significantly reduced in the vibration‐exposed workers with VWF than in those without VWF and the referents (p < 0.001). The cold provocation test was found to differentiate between VWF subjects with stages 1–2 and stage 3 (p < 0.02). It is concluded that the measurement of FSP combined with finger cooling is a useful laboratory test to diagnose objectively Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin. The vibration‐exposed workers and the referents were also tested for serum levels of immunoglobulins and complement and for daily excretion of urinary free catecholamines. Between the reference and vibration groups no differences in the mean values of the immunologic parameters and urinary catecholamines were found. The meaning of these findings is discussed.
Bladder cancer among workers in the textile industry: Results of a spanish case‐control study
Authors: Gonzales Carlos A. , Riboli Elio , Lopez‐Abente Gonzalo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper presents results from a case‐control study carried out in the county of Mataro, Spain. The study was designed to investigate the possible causes of an unusually high mortality rate from bladder cancer in Mataro county as compared to Spain as a whole, and this report focuses on occupational exposures. The study is based on 57 cases who were hospitalized for or died from bladder cancer between 1978 and 1981. Two controls per case were matched for sex, age, residence, and date of either hospitalization or death. Information was collected on smoking, coffee drinking, and occupation. Occupational histories were then evaluated and coded blind by a group of occupational health physicians. Analyses were carried out by means of conditional logistic regression. Among a group of common occupational sectors, an increased risk for past employment in the textile industry (OR = 2.2; p = .038) was found. Further analyses indicated that the risk is particularly elevated (OR = 4.41; 95% confidence limits: 1.15–16.84) for subjects who worked in dyeing or printing and who were most probably exposed to azo‐dyes. Exposure in the textile industry may be responsible for 16% of the bladder cancers in the Mataro area. A list of dyes commonly used in the Mataro textile industries was compiled and cross‐checked with lists of substances tested or evaluated for carcinogenesis.