bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chloracne associated with employment in the production of pentachlorophenol
Authors: O'Malley Michael A. , Carpenter Arvind V. , Sweeney Marie Haring , Fingerhut Marilyn A. , Marlow David A. , Halperin William E. , Mathias C. G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo evaluate the association between exposure to pentachlorophenol (PCP) and the occurrence of chloracne, we studied the medical and personnel records for individuals employed in the manufacturing of PCP. Forty‐seven cases of chloracne were identified among 648 workers (7.0%) assigned to PCP production at a single plant between 1953 and 1978. The annual incidence rate varied considerably, ranging from 0 (in 1953) to 1.46 (in 1978). No linear trend in the risk of chloracne was observed with the duration of employment in the pentachlorophenol department. Workers with a documented episode of direct skin contact with PCP had a significantly increased risk of chloracne compared with workers who did not have a documented episode of direct skin contact (cumulative incidence ratio = 4.6; 95% confidence interval 2.6–8.1). Our results confirm that chloracne is associated with exposure to PCP contaminated with hexachlorinated, heptachlorinated, and octachlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans.
Spontaneous abortions among women exposed to organic solvents
Authors: Lindbohm Marja‐Liisa , Taskinen Helena , Sallman Markku , Hemminki Kari 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe investigated the association between medically diagnosed spontaneous abortions and occupational exposure to organic solvents. The study population was composed of women biologically monitored for solvents. The workers were classified into exposure categories on the basis of work description and the use of solvents as reported in the questionnaires, and on biological exposure measurements. The odds ratio of spontaneous abortion for solvent exposure, adjusted for potentially confounding factors, was significantly increased (2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.2–4.1). The increase was most consistent among workers exposed to aliphatic hydrocarbons: the odds ratio for high exposure was 3.9 (95% CI = 1.1–14.2) and for exposed graphics workers 5.2 (95% CI= 1.3–20.8). The odds ratio was increased also among toluene‐exposed shoe workers (9.3, 95% CI= 1.0–84.7). The results of the study support the hypothesis of a positive association between spontaneous abortion and exposure to organic solvents during pregnancy and suggest that exposure, especially to aliphatic hydrocarbons, increases the risk of abortion.
Mortality and cancer morbidity in workers exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride monomer at a polyvinyl chloride processing plant
Authors: Hagmar Lars , Kesson Bengt , Nielsen Jsrn , Andersson Christina , Lindan Katarina , Attewell Robyn , Muller Torgil 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo study whether exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) causes increased risk for cancer morbidity and death from ischemic heart disease, a cohort study was performed among 2,031 male workers at a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing plant who had been employed for at least 3 months during the period 1945–1980. An almost significantly increased total mortality (SMR = 116, 95% CI99‐136) was found. Deaths caused by violence or intoxication were significantly increased (SMR = 153, 95% CI 109‐213), but not deaths from ischemic heart disease (SMR = 100, 95% CI 73‐135). A significant increase in total cancer morbidity was observed (SMR = 128, 95% CI 101‐161). Respiratory cancers were significantly increased (SMR = 213, 95% CI 127‐346). Furthermore, six brain tumors (vs. 2.6 expected) were observed. This increase, however, was not significant (SMR = 229, 95% CI 84‐498). No liver hemangiosarcoma was observed. Applying a latency period of 10 years from start of employment did not change the risk patterns. There were no significant exposure‐response associations between exposure estimates for VCM, asbestos, and plasticizers and cancer morbidity.
Prevalence of pneumonoconiosis among coal and heavy metal miners in zimbabwe
Authors: Cullen Mark R. , Baloyi Rabelan S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNo prevalence data on pneumonoconiosis among Zimbabwe's 30,000 miners have been available. Passage of a 1984 law requiring examination of all miners has provided a data base to assess this, but the records had not been previously evaluated or stored in a manner to facilitate this. In 1988 we developed a strategy to utilize the existing records to estimate cross‐sectional rates rapidly. In this report, we describe the approach and demonstrate high rates of simple pneumonoconiosis among long‐term workers in the coal, nickel, copper, and gold mines. These data, though limited, provide a rationale for more detailed investigations in these workforces and an impetus to establish an ongoing surveillance plan for the nation's miners.
But they are not thresholds: A critical analysis of the documentation of threshold limit values
Authors: Roach S. A. , Rappaport S. M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThreshold Limit Values (TLVs) represent conditions under which the TLV Committee of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) believes that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect. A detailed research was made of the references in the 1976 Documentation to data on “industrial experience” and “experimental human studies.” The references, sorted for those including both the incidence of adverse effects and the corresponding exposure, yielded 158 paired sets of data. Upon analysis it was found that, where the exposure was at or below the TLV, only a minority of studies showed no adverse effects (11 instances) and the remainder indicated that up to 100% of those exposed had been affected (8 instances of 100%). Although, the TLVs were poorly correlated with the incidence of adverse effects, a surprisingly strong correlation was found between the TLVs and the exposures reported in the corresponding studies cited in the Documentation. Upon repeating the search of references to human experience, at or below the TLVs, listed in the more recent, 1986 edition of the Documentation, a very similar picture has emerged from the 72 sets of clear data which were found. Again, only a minority of studies showed no adverse effects and TLVs were poorly correlated with the incidence of adverse effect and well correlated with the measured exposure. Finally, a careful analysis revealed that authors' conclusions in the references (cited in the 1976 Documentation) regarding exposure‐response relationships at or below the TLVs were generally found to be at odds with the conclusions of the TLV Committee. These findings suggest that those TLVs which are justified on the basis of “industrial experience” are not based purely upon health considerations. Rather, those TLVs appear to reflect the levels of exposure which were perceived at the time to be achievable in industry. Thus, ACGIH TLVs may represent guides of levels which have been achieved, but they are certainly not thresholds.
Occupational health services for farmers
Authors: Emanuel Dean A. , Draves D. L. , Nycz G. R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThere are many unmet health needs in the farming community, needs that are peculiar to the agriculture industry. Health research and regulations to protect the safety of the farmer have lagged far behind those for other sectors of our economy. At a time when health needs are increasing, there is a decreasing availability of hospitals, physicians, nurses, and other health care personnel. The ability of the rural section to pay for these services is also declining. The evidence calls for a multifaceted solution, with improved cooperation and understanding on the part of the consumer as well as the provider. The regional health network is one system that may help solve some of these dilemmas.
National surveillance of occupational fatalities in agriculture
Authors: Myers John R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAgriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. Although estimates vary, all reporting agencies show agriculture having an occupational fatality rate three to five times higher than that of the general private sector. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Division of Safety Research's National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) data base monitors occupational fatal injuries in all industries in the United States through death certificates. Uniform case‐selection criteria are applied nationwide. NTOF shows that for the years 1980 through 1985, agriculture had a work‐related fatality rate of 20.7 deaths per 100,000 workers compared with 7.9 deaths per 100,000 workers for the private sector U.S. work force. Age‐specific rates indicate that the risk of a fatal occupational injury increases with age for agricultural workers. Workers over 64 years old have an average annual rate of 55.7 deaths per 100,000 workers. Other uses of the surveillance system, as well as its limitations, are discussed.
Injury surveillance in agriculture
Authors: Gunderson Paul , Gerberich Susan , Gibson Robert , Adlis Susan , Carr Peter , Erdman Art , Elkington Jane , French Ronald , Melton Joseph , True Jack 
Published: April 2007

AbstractInformation on agricultural trauma is limited and difficult to find. Planning for effective prevention strategies and evaluation is compromised by lack of a good surveillance system. Several agencies and organizations have provided some data. Although their summation is at best an approximation of the real situation, a critical review of current data bases is presented. The literature is also reviewed attempting to characterize agricultural trauma. This characterization was classified into: 1) case descriptions, 2) reviews of general articles on the hazards of farming, and 3) descriptive surveys of agricultural injuries. A summary of the available literature still leaves a rather superficial understanding of the entire injury picture. A new approach to surveillance is necessary to overcome past deficiencies. A combined modality approach is suggested, utilizing on‐site survey, mail survey, telephone interviewing, and medical record verification. Trial applications of two such systems in Minnesota are described.
Surveillance of fatal and non‐fatal farm injuries in Kentucky
Authors: Stallones Lorann 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis report describes one approach to establish a surveillance method of farm injuries. The surveillance system is designed to be used to evaluate ongoing prevention activities related to education, training, and equipment design. To define the subset of information to be included in a surveillance system, existing data were analyzed. The mortality data were death certificates and the morbidity data were from the Farm Accident Survey conducted in 1978, (National Safety Council forms and sampling design). Limitations of the data currently available are discussed; information needs for an agricultural injury surveillance system are presented.
Practical aspects of sampling for organic dusts and microorganisms
Authors: Morey Philip R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAir sampling for organic dusts and microorganisms was carried out in silos when moldy silage was discarded through the discharge chute. Concentrations of respirable dust and airborne viable microorganisms exceeded 20 mg/m3 and 1 × 109/m3, respectively, when dry silage was removed from silos. Much lower concentrations of dust and microorganisms were present when wet silage was discarded. Impinger and filter cassette samplers were equally effective in collecting the hardy spores present in silage dusts.
Methodologic issues in exposure assessment for case‐control studies of cancer and herbicides
Authors: Blair Aaron , Zahm Sheila Hoar 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEpidemiologic studies of cancer and exposure to herbicides have shown puzzling inconsistencies. Exposure‐response gradients have been reported for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in Sweden and Kansas, but no significant associations were seen in New Zealand or Washington State. Subjects in these studies were categorized by exposure using information obtained primarily by interview. A number of questions can be raised regarding the reliability and validity of such an exposure assessment. We examined procedures used to assess pesticide exposures in case‐control studies of cancer to evaluate their limitations and their probable effects on risk estimates. Except for case recall bias, problems of misclassification in these studies would tend to bias risk estimates toward the null and dilute exposure‐response gradients. These problems are, therefore, unlikely explanations for the positive associations between cancer and herbicide use noted in some investigations. A tendency for false‐negative findings, however, is not reassuring, and improvements in exposure assessment are needed if epidemiologic investigations are to continue to provide reliable information on the relationships of cancer and pesticide exposure.
Effects of organophosphate insecticide residue variability on reentry intervals
Authors: Popendorf William J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA stochastic simulation program was written to study the importance of residue variability in predicting excessive chronic (seasonal) cholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and acute illness among a cohort of agricultural harvesters grouped into crews exposed to AChE‐inhibiting insecticides. It was concluded that residue variability can substantially affect the cohort's AChE level only for daily mean AChE inhibitions below 4% per day, increasing end‐of‐season mean AChE inhibition but actually decreasing the cohort's end‐of‐season variability. The incidence of acute individual and group (crew) AChE inhibitions in excess of that potentially producing clinical symptoms (assumed herein to be >50% in a day), exhibits a fairly clear boundary as a function of a combination of the residue's mean and deviation. The predicted acute response accurately parallelled reported rates, thus validating the simulation model.
Noise‐induced hearing loss in randomly selected New York dairy farmers
Authors: May John J. , Marvel Matthew , Regan Margaret , Marvel Laura H. , Pratt David S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo understand better the effects of noise levels associated with dairy farming, we randomly selected 49 full‐time dairy farmers from an established cohort. Medical and occupational histories were taken and standard audiometric testing was done. Forty‐six males (94%) and three females (6%) with a mean age of 43.5 (±13) years and an average of 29.4 (±14) years in farming were tested. Pure Tone Average thresholds (PTA4) at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kHz plus High Frequency Average thresholds (HFA3) at 3.0, 4.0, and 6.0 kHz were calculated. Subjects with a loss of ≥20 db in either ear were considered abnormal. Eighteen subjects (37%) had abnormal PTA4s and 32 (65%) abnormal HFA3s. The left ear was more severely affected in both groups (p≤.05, t‐test). Significant associations were found between hearing loss and years worked (odds ratio 4.1, r= .53) and age (odds ratio 4.1, r= .59). No association could be found between hearing loss and measles; mumps; previous ear infections; or use of power tools, guns, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or stereo headphones. Our data suggest that among famers, substantial hearing loss occurs especially in the high‐frequency ranges. Presbycusis is an important confounding variable.
Reaching the difficult audience: An experiment to provide occupational health services to farmers and ranchers in Colorado, U.S.A
Authors: Sandfort Del 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFrom its inception in the late 1970s, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation funded Workplace Health in Agriculture Program at Colorado State University underwent numerous evolutions as the needs of the agricultural community were identified. Direct health and safety consultation with agribusiness met with limited success due to the cost of providing services over a wide geographic area and a general unwillingness within this group of employers to involve themselves with “OSHA”‐type regulations. Therefore, the program changed from promotion of, and providing health and safety consultation upon request, to education of specific target groups within the agricultural community supplemented by consultation services when needs were identified.Target groups for educational services included rural health care providers, vocational‐agriculture students and teachers, farm/ranch clubs and groups (with special emphasis on farm wives groups), and rural emergency services. These groups became the promoters of health and safety within the agriculture community, which resulted in a direct, positive impact on requests for, and interest in health and safety services provided by the program.
A case for medical, environmental, and safety screening
Authors: Emanuel Dean A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAgriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States, yet there has been no improvement noted over the past 30 years. While occupational health and safety improvements have been noted in other industrial sections, agriculture continues to pose many unusual health threats to the farmer. Screening programs are fraught with many problems in view of the widely dispersed nature of agriculture. Pulmonary function studies, dust levels, serological testing, hearing testing and noise level production, and cholinesterase levels are but a few of the tools that are available, and are helpful in looking for problems in this most vital industry in the United States.
Rural hospitals and the provision of agricultural occupational health and safety services
Authors: Wakefield Douglas S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAgriculture is one of the most dangerous work environments in the United States. Ironically, there is a near‐total absence of occupational health and safety services being provided to agricultural workers. While many of the agricultural occupational hazards could be addressed through health and safety services provided by rural hospitals, the absence of dedicated funds to pay for these services is a major barrier. The ability of rural hospitals to provide these services and specific issues related to the unique character and problems in implementing agricultural occupational health and safety services are discussed.
Pesticide loss to the atmosphere
Authors: Plimmer Jack R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPesticides may be transformed by chemical and biological processes or transported from the site of application by several processes including runoff, movement through the soil to ground water, volatilization, transport on soil particles, and wind erosion. Contamination of water by pesticide residues is a matter of concern as is contamination of the earth's atmosphere. The form in which a pesticide enters the air and the dimensions of pesticide‐containing particulate matter affect movement and deposition. Local transport over distances of several miles may be responsible for adverse effects on nontarget species. Effects of long‐range transport are more difficult to assess, but pesticides increase the burden of organic chemicals in the atmosphere. Field measurements of pesticide volatilization and deposition of residues in rainfall, particulate matter, fog, etc., provide information on the relative importance of these processes. Adequate information concerning chemical reactions of pesticides in air is lacking. Because it is desirable to minimize low‐level human and environmental exposure resulting from airborne pesticide residues, potential for losses to the air should be taken into account in selecting pesticide formulations and application methods.
Agricultural chemical management practices to reduce losses due to drainage
Authors: Baker James L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractChemical losses with water and sediment are a product of the mass of carrier and chemical concentration in that carrier. One approach to controlling losses is to utilize chemical management practices that reduce the chemical concentrations in the water and sediment that leave a treated field; another is to control the masses of the carriers. In this paper, emphasis will be placed on the former, with a discussion of rate, timing, placement, and choice‐of‐chemical options available for the application of fertilizers and pesticides and their effect on offsite losses with surface and subsurface drainage. Particular emphasis will be on the known effects of application variables on nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) leaching and on herbicide losses in both surface runoff water and sediment and with percolation water. Current understanding of chemical transport processes will be used to extrapolate to situations in which actual data are not available. Areas of research to fill these data gaps and to improve our understanding of the effects of current management practices on losses and also to develop new chemical management practices to increase further the efficiency of use and reduce losses will be addressed. The usefulness of standards, or some form of health advisory levels, as goals for levels of control necessary will also be noted.
Agricultural chemical application practices to reduce environmental contamination
Authors: Bode Loren E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCurrent practices of applying agricultural chemicals play a major role in the environmental health concerns of agriculture. Those who mix, load, and handle the concentrated formulations run the greatest risk of exposure but field hands and others can encounter significant levels of pesticides. Drift can be a major source of contamination to residents, wildlife, and water sources. Improved methods of application and ways of reducing the total amount of pesticide applied can help reduce environmental contamination. Chemigation, direct injection, closed system handling, and fertilizer impregnation are examples of technology that affect the efficiency of applying agricultural chemicals.An area of beneficial research is related to leak and spill technology. Current surveys indicate that point sources such as spills, mixing and loading areas, back‐siphoning, and direct routes for surface water movement into the ground are often a major cause of pesticides reaching groundwater. The commercial dealer/applicator provides storage, handling, mixing, and loading for large amounts of chemicals and has received limited guidance regarding the products. Education remains an important element of any rural environmental health strategy. With appropriate information about pesticide risks and groundwater, people will be better equipped to address environmental concerns.By design, agricultural chemicals are biologically active and, in most cases, toxic. Thus, they pose potential risks to humans, wildlife, water, and the environment in general. The magnitude of the risks depends to some degree on the methods and techniques used to apply the chemicals. Pesticides are applied by persons possessing a variety of skills, using equipment ranging from hand‐operated systems to aircraft.
California's proposition 65: Extrapolating animal toxicity to humans
Authors: Kilgore Wendell W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn 1986, the voters of California passed a law regarding the concept of extrapolating animal toxicity data to humans. The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, known as Proposition 65, does five things:
It creates a list of chemicals (including a number of agricultural chemicals) known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity;
It limits discharges of listed chemicals to drinking water sources;
It requires prior warning before exposure to listed chemicals by anyone in the course of doing business;
It creates a list of chemicals requiring testing for carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity; and
It requires the Governor to consult with qualified experts (a 12‐member “Scientific Advisory Panel” was appointed) as necessary to carry out his duties.
This paper discusses the details and implications of this proposition. Areas of responsibility have been assigned. The definition of significant risk is being addressed.