bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of depression among electrical workers
Authors: Savitz David A. , Boyle Coleen A. , Holmgreen Patricia 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo address the possible association between electric and magnetic field exposure and depression, we analyzed data from the Vietnam Experience Study. In order to compare the risk of diagnosed depression, depressive symptoms, and elevations in personality scales indicative of depression, we classified employed participants as electrical workers (N = 183) and nonelectrical workers (N = 3,861) and compared their scores on the Diagnostic Interview Survey (DIS) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Electrical workers in the aggregate showed little evidence of increased risk, with the possible exception of an increase in elevated MMPI depression scores among short‐term workers. Data on electricians yielded indications of increased risk for several markers of depression. Despite the limited number of electrical workers, uncertainty regarding exposure, and our inability to address other workplace exposures, these results suggest that electrical workers in general are not at increased risk for depression. However, our results encourage further evaluation of depression among electricians. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ELF magnetic field exposures in an office environment
Authors: Breysse Patrick , Lees Peter S. J. , McDiarmid Melissa Anne , Curbow Barbara 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPotential exposures to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields were investigated in response to worker concerns about an apparent increased spontaneous abortion risk in a payroll office environment. Concern in this office centered on the use of video display terminals (VDTs), which have been investigated as a potential cause of adverse reproductive outcomes among women. In this investigation, magnetic field sources were evaluated using a hand‐held survey meter. Emdex datalogging dosimeters were also used to determine full shift personal exposures for 15 women working in the payroll area. On average, the exposures of workers to ELF magnetic fields in the payroll office area ranged from 1.0 to 6.5 mG with a mean of 3.2 /pm 1.5 mG. The results of this study indicate that many sources of ELF magnetic fields, including printers, photocopiers, and the electrical distribution system, can contribute to a worker's exposure in an office environment. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of suicide rates among industrial groups
Authors: Liu Tiepu , Waterbor John W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSuicide rates among industrial groups were examined systematically using death certificate data from 1984 through 1989 in Alabama. Poisson loglinear modelling was used to estimate the rate ratios (RR) of industries compared to a referent and to adjust for confounding. Marked differences in suicide rates were found among industrial groups. The rates ranged from 5.31 to 62.36 per 100,000 population per year. People employed in public administration had the lowest rate. In comparison with public administration, the construction industry had the highest risk (adjusted RR = 11.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.6–14.6). Employees of the mining industry experienced a similarly high risk (adjusted RR = 11.5, 95% CI: 8.2–16.3). Persons employed in farming, agriculture services, forestry, and fisheries, manufacturing, and transportation, communications, and other public utilities industries had intermediate risks. Smaller elevations of suicide rates compared to public administration were observed in the wholesale trade, retail trade, finance, insurance, and real estate, and services industries. The differences of suicide rates may be related to sociodemographic differences, self‐selection for occupation, ease of access to lethal agents, or job stress. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retrospective cohort mortality study of workers with potential exposure to epichlorohydrin and allyl chloride
Authors: Olsen Geary W. , Lacy Susan E. , Chamberlin Steve R. , Albert David L. , Arceneaux Terri G. , Bullard Linda F. , Stafford Beth A. , Boswell Jeffrey M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPrevious epidemiologic research has associated potential epichlorohydrin exposure with lung cancer and, in conjunction with allyl chloride exposure, to heart disease mortality. The study was designed to test both hypotheses by examining the mortality experience of 1,064 male employees (12,574 person‐years) who had a minimum of 1 month work experience between 1957–1986 in the production or use of epichlorohydrin and allyl chloride and 1 year total employment duration at Dow Chemical's Texas Operations. Vital status follow‐up occurred through 1989 of which there were 66 total deaths (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 62–101). There were no significantly elevated SMRs for all malignant neoplasms, lung cancer, circulatory system disease, or arteriosclerotic heart disease when compared to external (U.S.) or internal (Texas Operations) populations. There were no apparent mortality trends with cumulative exposure analyses of potential epichlorohydrin exposure with and without accompanying allyl chloride exposure. A high prevalence of circulatory system death certificates were certified by nonphysicians in the local county and more than one third were described in nonspecific terms. The study results are not consistent with the prior hypothesized associations. However, the study results are limited by the cohort's size, duration of follow‐up, relatively few number of observed and expected deaths, and the level of potential epichlorohydrin exposure experience. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cohort mortality study of rock salt workers in Italy
Authors: Tarchi Marzia , Orsi Daniela , Comba Pietro , de Santis Marco , Pirastu Roberta , Battista Giuseppe , Valiani Mauro 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA cohort mortality study of rock salt workers was carried out in Volterra. Italy. The occupational risk factors identified during environmental hygiene surveys were high noise levels and exposure to dusts and to chrysotile asbestos. The cohort consists of 487 subjects (367 males and 120 females) employed in the mine between 1/1/1965 and 12/31/1989. At the end of follow‐up, 387 individuals were alive (295 males and 92 females), and 100 were deceased (72 males and 28 females). For two decedents, the cause of death was unknown. Regional rates were used for the computation of standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). In the entire cohort, observed mortality for all causes was similar to expected (SMR = 98, 100 obs); SMR for all cancer was 127 (41 obs); for lung cancer, the SMR was 146 (10 obs). Two cases of pleural mesothelioma, both in males, resulted in a statistically significant elevation of this cause (SMR = 741, 90% confidence interval (CI) 131‐2,332). Two malignant brain tumors were detected (SMR = 328, 90% CI 58‐1,032); one of these was identified as a secondary neoplasm with consideration of additional clinical information. Among males, mortality for all cancers was significantly increased (SMR = 140, 90% CI 106‐192). The observed mortality for malignant tumors of the digestive and the respiratory systems was higher than expected. In women, two cases of malignant ovarian cancer were observed vs. 0.42 expected on the basis of the regional rates. Increased mortality from lung and pleural tumors was consistent with the exposure to asbestos, which has also been shown to play a role in the development of ovarian tumors. The main limitations of this study were the small number of subjects and the definition of exposure solely in terms of duration of employment. Further studies of rock salt workers are needed to elucidate our findings. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Silicosis surveillance in ontario: Detection rates, modifying factors, and screening intervals
Authors: Finkelstein Murray M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe Province of Ontario has had a surveillance program for workers in dusty industries for almost 70 years. This paper reports the detection rates of silicosis among 68,701 silica‐exposed individuals who were first exposed to dust in 1950 or later, and who were still employed in 1979 or later. The detection rate varied strongly with latency, being less than two new cases per 10,000 examinations during the first two decades from first exposure, reaching two new cases per 1,000 examinations at 27 years from first exposure, and averaging between two and four new cases per 1,000 examinations thereafter. The silicosis incidence rate among miners was only about half that among foundry workers. Cigarette smoking was also found to be a risk factor for the diagnosis of silicosis. These data were used to model the detection rate of new cases of silicosis as a function of the time interval between examinations, and results are presented for examination cycles between 2 and 10 years. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimates of the extent of morbidity and mortality due to occupational diseases in Canada
Authors: Kraut Allen 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective: To estimate the extent of occupational disease morbidity and mortality in Canada by comparing and contrasting four different data sources. Data Sources: 1) Canadian National Workers' Compensation Boards Statistics, 2) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics adjusted to Canadian Workforce, 3) California Physician's First Reports adjusted to the Canadian Workforce, and 4) proportionate model of overall disease incidence obtained through literature review. Main Findings: Each data source was limited in its ability to provide a true estimate of the extent of morbidity and mortality due to occupational disease in Canada. Collectively, an estimate of between 77,900 and 112,000 new cases of occupational diseases and 2,381 to 6,010 occupational disease deaths were obtained. Conclusions: Occupational diseases are a significant and underestimated cause of morbidity and mortality in Canada. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muconic acid in urine: A reliable indicator of occupational exposure to benzene
Authors: Lauwerys Robert R. , Buchet Jean‐Pierre , Andrien Fabian 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn male subjects not occupationally exposed to benzene, the concentration of muconic acid (MA) in urine is usually below 0.5 mg/g creatinine. At ambient levels of benzene exposure (below 0.01 ppm), the mean MA level was greater in 21 smokers than in 14 nonsmokers. In 38 male subjects employed in garages and coke ovens, a statistically significant correlation was found between the airborne concentration of benzene measured with passive monitors and MA in postshift urine. The mean postshift MA concentrations corresponding to a benzene 8‐hour time‐weighted average exposure (TWA) of 0.5 and 1 ppm were 0.8 and 1.4 mg/g creatinine, respectively. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in international radiation protection standards
Authors: Morgan Karl Z. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP, is the only organization that has ever effectively set standards at the international level for protection from exposure to ionizing radiation. Thus, this paper deals primarily with the ICRP, its shortcomings, and changes that should be made in ICRP and its operation. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A survey of actinic keratoses among paraquat production workers and a nonexposed friend reference group
Authors: Cooper Sharon P. , Downs Thomas , Burau Keith , Buffler Patricia A. , Tucker Stephen , Whitehead Lawrence , Wood Susan , Delclos George , Huang Boji , Davidson Tony , Key Marcus 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFollow‐up on two reports of an excess of keratoses among paraquat production workers was conducted to evaluate the contribution of occupational exposures to the prevalence of keratoses among workers in a paraquat production plant in Texas. A cross‐sectional study design was used to compare the prevalence of keratoses among current workers to an age, race, and sex frequency‐matched group of their friends who had never worked at the plant. The analysis is based on 112 workers and 232 friends. Exposure, outcome, and covariables used in the analyses were obtained from an interview questionnaire, dermatology exam, and company records. Overall, the prevalence proportion of the presence of any actinic keratoses among workers and friends was similar (0.30 and 0.28, respectively). Among high cumulative exposed workers, the prevalence of any actinic keratoses was 0.40 compared to 0.20 among low‐exposed workers and 0.28 among friends. These results were further explored using a multiple logistic regression approach to adjust for known risk and possibly confounding variables. Statistically significant high risks of actinic keratoses were demonstrated for freckling before age 16 years, older age, suntanning behaviors, occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and Fitzpatrick skin type. There was no significant contribution of overall exposure status (worker vs. friend). Similar to the crude analysis, the odds of actinic keratoses of high‐exposed workers compared to friends was 1.9 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.9‐4.2) whereas the comparable odds ratio for low‐exposed workers vs. friends was 0.6 (CI = 0.2–1.7). These data do not demonstrate an excess of actinic keratoses overall nor any consistent increase in the odds of keratoses with an increase in plant exposure level. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lead poisoning from mobilization of bone stores during thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Goldman Rose H. , White Roberta , Kales Stephen N. , Hu Howard 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe describe a case of thyrotoxicosis accompanied by markedly elevated blood lead levels (initially 53 μ/dl) in a 37‐year‐old woman. No current source of lead exposure was found; the woman gave a history indicative of lead exposure as a child and as an adult 7 years previously, however. In addition, she was found to have markedly elevated bone lead levels, as measured by K‐x‐ray fluorescence (154 /pm 5 in the mid‐tibia and 253 /pm 6 μ/g bone mineral in the patella), and an increased serum osteocalcin level (2.76 nmol/1), reflecting the increased bone turnover that often accompanies hyperthyroidism. During treatment with propylthiouracil, serial observations demonstrated a decline in serum osteocalcin that paralleled a decline in blood lead levels. Bone lead levels did not change appreciably. The patient also continued to have lingering neuropsychological symptoms consistent with chronic lead effects. We suggest that increased bone turnover accompanying thyrotoxicosis led to clinically significant lead poisoning in this patient, due to mobilization of accumulated bone lead stores acquired many years earlier. This phenomenon raises the general issue of more subtle forms of lead exposure from increased bone turnover states (e.g., osteoporosis). © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer mortality in workers employed at a transformer manufacturing plant
Authors: Yassi Annalee , Tate Robert , Fish David 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis study examined mortality to December 31, 1989 in a cohort of 2,222 males employed between 1947 and 1975 at a transformer manufacturing plant in Canada, where there had been extensive use of transformer fluid, some containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). A combined cohort list of 2,222 names was independently obtained from plant management and union officials. Mortality of 1,939 workers with known birthdates was ascertained by record linkage with the Canadian Mortality Database.Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for different criteria for acceptance of the death certificate link and for cohort membership (based on work history) ranged from .71–1.05. There was no significant increase in overall cancer deaths. The only significant site‐specific increased mortality was pancreatic cancer (11 deaths), with SMRs ranging from 2.92–7.64 and higher mortality risk in those who entered the cohort prior to 1960. All but one of these deaths had a latency period of at least 10 years, and greatest SMRs were found in departments with the greatest exposure to transformer fluid.Several previous studies have found excess pancreatic cancers in association with oil exposures and electrical equipment manufacturing. The need to further investigate pancreatic cancer in transformer manufacturing and related exposures is evident. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Personal history, training, and worksite as predictors of back pain of nurses
Authors: Harber Philip , Peña Laura , Hsu Paul , Billet Elizabeth , Greer Deborah , Kim Katty 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBack pain among nurses is a common problem. Prior studies of this problem have been based on cross‐sectional or retrospective data. This 18‐month prospective study involving nurses newly graduated from nursing school investigated personal, worksite, and training factors associated with future risk of back pain. Each nurse underwent a preliminary interview and periodic follow‐ups to identify those with back injuries. Contingency tables and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that prior significant back pain episodes (evidenced by previous job changes because of back pain, frequent medication use, etc.) were associated with increased future risk. Training at nursing school or on the job did not have a protective effect. This pilot study therefore suggests factors useful in placement and counseling of new nurses and indicates the need for further implementation of mechanical lift assist device use. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extended mortality follow‐up among men and women in a U.S. furniture workers union
Authors: Miller Barry A. , Blair Aaron , Reed Elizabeth J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe addition of 5 years of follow‐up and over 411,000 person‐years of observation to a cohort of 34,081 men and women employed in U.S. furniture and other related industries allowed the investigation of mortality patterns among women and minority races in addition to white men. A significant excess of pleural mesotheliomas occurred among white men (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–8.7) but could not be linked to a particular type of furniture manufacturing. SMRs for myeloid leukemia and chronic nephritis were elevated among white men employed in the wood furniture industry but were not statistically significant. Males in the black/ other race categories in wood furniture plants showed nonsignificant mortality excesses for infectious diseases and cancers of the prostate and colon and rectum. Among white women employed in wood furniture plants, mortality was elevated for cancers of the pancreas and lung during the most recent follow‐up period. In metal furniture plants, mortality was raised among men in both race groups for kidney cancer (black/other SMR = 8.0, 95% CI = 1.6–23.2; white SMR = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.4–6.2) and diabetes mellitus (black/other SMR = 2.2, 95% CI = 0.6–5.6; white SMR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.7–3.9). Stomach cancer mortality was significantly elevated (SMR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.3–6.8) among white men in metal furniture plants and was of the same magnitude over both the previous and the most recent follow‐up periods. Among those working with textiles, SMRs were significantly elevated for leukemia (SMR = 6.1, 95% CI = 1.2–7.8) and cancers of the colon and rectum (SMR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.3–4.5) for white women. Lung cancer mortality was increased for white men and women in textile operations, but SMRs were not statistically significant. SMRs for a number of other causes of death that were elevated at the end of the earlier follow‐up period were not increased during the new follow‐up period. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of porphyria cutanea tarda in U.S. workers exposed to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin
Authors: Calvert Geoffrey M. , Sweeney Marie Haring , Fingerhut Marilyn A. , Hornung Richard W. , Halperin William E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA cross‐sectional medical study was performed to evaluate whether occupational exposure to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD)‐contaminated substances is associated with porphyria cutanea tarda or porphyrinuria. The exposed participants were employed more than 15 years earlier in the manufacture of sodium trichlorophenol and its derivatives. The referent group consisted of individuals with no occupational exposure to phenoxy herbicides. A total of 281 workers and 260 referents participated. The pattern of urinary porphyrin excretion for each participant was assessed to determine if symptomatic or subclinical porphyria cutanea tarda was present. None of the participants were found to have symptomatic porphyria cutanea tarda. No difference was found between workers and referents in the prevalence of subclinical porphyria cutanea tarda (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19, 4.54). There were also no differences in the risk between workers and referents for an out‐of‐range urinary uro‐porphyrin or coproporphyrin concentration. In conclusion, this study did not find an elevated risk for porphyria cutanea tarda or porphyrinuria among workers with high serum TCDD levels. Our review of the literature indicates that there is insufficient evidence available to convincingly support or refute an association in humans between TCDD exposure and porphyria cutanea tarda or porphyrinuria.
Neuropsychological deficit among elderly workers in aluminum production
Authors: Bast‐Pettersen Rita , Drabløs Per Arne , Goffeng Lars Ole , Thomassen Yngvar , Torres Carl G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA cross‐sectional study was conducted at a Norwegian primary aluminum plant. All workers aged 61‐66 years were offered early retirement benefits. Among the workers, 47 met the study criteria and 38 (81%), comprising 14 potroom workers, 8 foundry workers, and 16 controls, volunteered to participate. They were tested with a neuropsychological test battery.Workers in potrooms with Søderberg electrolytic cells were found to show signs of impairment of the nervous system. A test for tremor discriminated significantly between the potroom group and the controls. There was a suggestion of increased risk of impaired visuospatial organization and a tendency to a decline in psychomotor tempo in the potroom workers. We suggest that the above findings may be related to long‐term occupational exposure in the potroom, and further to chronic low‐dose exposure to aluminum. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of analyses of occupational bladder cancer: Death certificate vs. population‐based case‐control interview data
Authors: Burnett Carol A. , Silverman Debra T. , Lalich Nina R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe authors examined the utility of death certificate data for occupational health surveillance by comparing the ability of the data to identify high‐risk occupations for bladder cancer with that of a population‐based case‐control study. Death certificate data for white males from 23 states for 1979–1987 were analyzed using proportionate mortality ratios. The case‐control study used cancer registry cases for 1977–1978. Results were compared for 21 a priori suspect occupations. A broad definition of agreement resulted in agreement for 62% of the occupations; the death certificate study identified eight of 15 occupations identified by the case‐control study and neither study identified five of the categories. While death certificate data have many limitations, our results indicate that death certificate data can provide clues to some potential occupational health problems. With the advantages of inexpensive data, large sample size, and industrial coverage, more refined analyses of the data should prove useful for occupational mortality surveillance and hypothesis generation. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.