bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Re: Mortality among workers in the geothermal power plants at Larderello, Italy. Am. J. Ind. Med. 35:536–539, 2000*
Authors: Pira Enrico , La Vecchia Carlo , Maroni Marco 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIn a cohort mortality study, a few basic rules must be respected for risk estimation including:(1) the definition of the criteria of entry in the cohort;
(2) the time period of observation;
(3) the outcome, which must be the same for observed and expected events [Breslow and Day, 1987; MacMahon and Trichopoulos, 1996].In their letter to the Editor referring to our article "Mortality Among Workers in the Geothermal Power Plants at Larderello, Italy" [Pira et al., 1999], Merler et al. appear to ignore these basic principles, since they extend the observation period from 1990 to 1998 for observed but not for expected events and do not distinguish between incidence and mortality. Consequently, their relative risk estimates are simply not interpretable. Anyway, an update of the follow‐up to the end of 2000 has already been planned.
A pilot evaluation of tibia lead concentrations in Taiwan
Authors: Todd Andrew C. , Ginde Neeta R. , Ho Chi‐Kung , Luo Jiin Chyuan John , Tolman Jill , Tsai Jin‐Lian , Wu Trong‐Neng , Liou Saou‐Hsing 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe aims of this study were to examine some of the factors that influence tibia lead concentrations, tibia lead x‐ray fluorescence measurement uncertainty and blood lead concentrations, and to compare tibia lead concentrations in Taiwanese lead workers to those observed in lead workers from other countries.MethodsA pilot evaluation of 43 adult lead workers who underwent measurements of tibia lead and blood lead concentrations.ResultsMean and maximum tibia lead concentrations were 54 μg of Pb per g of bone mineral(μg/g) and 193 μg/g, respectively. Mean and maximum blood lead concentrations were 44 μg/dl and 92 μg/dl, respectively.ConclusionPast occupational control of lead exposure in Taiwan, ROC, did not prevent these workers from accumulating tibia lead concentrations greater than those in similar workers elsewhere in the world. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:127–132, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intervention for prevention of low back pain in Japanese forklift workers
Authors: Shinozaki Toshiaki , Yano Eiji , Murata Katsuyuki 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe effectiveness of two different approaches for the prevention of low back pain (LBP) was compared in forklift workers. The first approach (personal) consisted of providing lumbar support, arctic jacket and physical exercise, and the second (facility approach) included the improvement of forklift seats and tires.MethodsThe self‐reported prevalence of LBP was surveyed three times before and after the two forms of interventions, in 260 male blue‐collar workers including 27 forklift workers, and 55 male white‐collar workers of a copper smelter.ResultsThe initial prevalence of LBP was 63% in the forklift workers, which was significantly higher than that found in the other blue‐collar workers (32%) and in the white‐collar workers (22%). One year after the first intervention (personal approach) to the forklift workers, the prevalence of LBP fell to 56%. The second intervention (facility approach), which was mainly comprised of a reduction in whole body vibration, was subsequently added, and 9 months later the prevalence of LBP in the forklift workers further decreased to 33%. The reduction of the prevalence from the initial survey was significant (P = 0.008), and that from the second survey was nearly significant (P = 0.070).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the facility approach is more effective for a reduction of LBP than the personal approach. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:141–144, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of educational interventions in the Pennsylvania Central Region Farm Safety Pilot Project†
Authors: Landsittel Douglas P. , Murphy Dennis J. , Kiernan Nancy Ellen , Hard David L. , Kassab Cathy 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundEvaluation of agricultural safety interventions has frequently been identified as an area requiring further research. This study prospectively evaluates the effectiveness of three specific educational safety interventions in reducing farm hazards.MethodsFarm characteristics and hazard conditions at 216 farms in Pennsylvania were assessed through a questionnaire and objective audit, respectively, at both pre‐ and post‐intervention time points. Counties were assigned to one of the following interventions: youth education, community coalition, self‐audit, pre/post control, or post‐only control group. Changes in hazard were analyzed through linear regression.ResultsSelf‐audit was the most effective intervention, leading to a 20% reduction in hazard scores. The community coalition and pre/post control group also showed reductions.ConclusionsIntervention effectiveness significantly differed depending on initial hazards, indicating the need to target specific interventions for more or less hazardous farms. Findings of this prospective evaluation differed from the initial cross‐sectional results, thus underscoring the need for longitudinal investigations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:145–152, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pesticide exposure beliefs among Latino farmworkers in North Carolina's Christmas tree industry*
Authors: Elmore Rebecca C. , Arcury Thomas A. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundPesticide exposure is a major preventable occupational hazard for farmworkers. This study examined the beliefs of Latino farmworkers in North Carolina's Christmas tree industry regarding pesticide exposure.MethodsIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 Mexican male seasonal farmworkers. Participants discussed beliefs about agricultural chemicals, routes of exposure, and health effects of these chemicals. They also discussed their knowledge and use of pesticide safety practices and safety training received.ResultsMost farmworkers knew that pesticides could be harmful, though workers varied in their levels of knowledge regarding routes of exposure, specific health effects of pesticides, and ways to avoid and reduce exposure. Workers varied considerably in the amount of safety training received and use of safety practices. Perceived lack of control and health beliefs were salient factors that decreased workers' use of safety practices.ConclusionsThis study adds to the growing body of research which documents the health beliefs of Latino farmworkers in the U.S. relative to pesticides and pesticide safety. This literature is beginning to show convergence on several points (e.g., farmworker knowledge of acute vs. long‐term illness resulting from pesticide exposure), as well as regional variation in pesticide safety beliefs. This study substantiates the need for pesticide safety education to address issues of control as well as beliefs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:153–160, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of neuropsychiatric and mucous membrane irritation complaints among Palestinian shoe factory workers exposed to organic solvents and plastic compounds
Authors: Nijem Khaldoun , Kristensen Petter , Al‐Khatib Awni , Takrori Fahed , Bjertness Espen 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term exposure to organic solvents is associated with neuropsychiatric and mucus membrane irritation. In developing countries, efforts to secure a good working environment are inadequate and protection against chemical exposures is often neglected.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional survey, the prevalence of self‐reported health complaints and the association with long‐term exposure to solvents and plastic materials in the work environment was studied among 167 shoe‐factory workers. Prevalences and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR)were calculated in Cox regression. 95% confidence intervals were estimated for PRs of adverse health effects.ResultsOverall, the workers reported high prevalences of neuropsychiatric and mucus membrane complaints: headache (65%), mental irritabilit (53%), tingling of limbs (46%), and sore eyes (43%). Cleaning work was associated with tingling of limbs (PR = 1.8, 1.0–3.2), sore eyes (PR = 1.9, 1.1–3.3), and breathing difficulty (PR = 2.0, 1.0–3.9); plastic work was associated with tingling of limbs (PR = 1.8, 1.2–2.9)and sore eyes (PR = 1.7, 1.1–2.7); and varnishing was associated with breathing difficulty (PR = 1.9, 1.1–3.5).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of self‐reported health complaints and the exposure‐outcome association could be due to volatile organic solvents (dichloromethane, n‐hexane)and plastic compounds (isocyanates and polyvinyl chloride). Absence of a satisfactory work environment is likely to contribute to high exposure levels. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:192–198, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Medical aspects of global warming
Authors: Yoganathan Dushana , Rom William N. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundGlobal warming is caused by increased carbon dioxide (CO2)resulting in a greenhouse effect with enhanced warming of the earth. Measurements of CO2 show a steady increase over the past 30 years caused by the burning of fossil fuels and from the loss of natural CO2 sinks. A 100‐year increase in global temperature by 0.3 to 0.6°C is reflected in atmospheric warming, glacier shrinkage, and rising sea levels.ObjectivesPlanetary ecosystem dynamics are being altered, challenging public health. It is predicted that morbidity and mortality will increase as a result of heat stress, as seen in recent heat waves in the U.S. Weather disaster effects will increase in number and magnitude, and both noninfectious and infectious diseases may flourish. A significant challenge will be the changes in life cycles of microbial species due to the warmer environs. Specific increases in incidence have been noted for vector‐borne diseases, in addition to pulmonary findings, cardiovascular morbidity, neurological diseases, and occupational diseases.ConclusionsWarming can be demonstrated by the observed changes that have already occurred in the environment, particularly the thinning of polar ice caps. The United States Global Research Program has been established to coordinate research activities, which responds to issues deemed important by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Research issues pertain to the scientific uncertainties in the greenhouse effect, temperature measurements at various atmospheric levels and latitudes, and impact on biota redistribution. The Kyoto Protocol has mandated specific solutions, e.g., a 7% reduction in CO2 levels within 10 years. Future recommendations involve supporting new technologies that are available to decrease emissions as well as understanding the role that occupational and environmental specialists have in global warming recognition. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:199–210, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fatal unintentional occupational poisonings by hydrofluoric acid in the U.S.
Authors: Blodgett David W. , Suruda Anthony J. , Crouch Barbara Insley 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundCase reports have identified hydrofluoric acid (HF) as causing fatal work injury, and HF has both local and systemic toxicity. Surveillance for HF‐related mortality is problematic because of the lack of unique coding for this acid in hospital records and vital statistics.MethodsWe identified HF‐related fatal work injuries investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for 1984–94 from coding of Hazardous Substance 1460 (HF) and requested case investigation files under the Freedom of Information Act. We attempted to identify HF‐related deaths in the US for the same period through literature case reports, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC).ResultsFor the 11 year period, OSHA investigated nine deaths in eight incidents which involved HF. Four deaths were from skin contact with concentrated HF, and five deaths involved both skin contact and inhalation of vapor. Unsafe work practices were factors in all of the deaths. Calcium chloride or gluconate was noted to have been administered to five of the nine victims. Calcium was administered 90 min after exposure to two victims, and more than 6 h after exposure to a third. We were able to establish that the regional poison control center had been contacted in regard to only one victim. For the period 1984–94, we were able to identify no additional deaths from CPSC reports, one additional death from AAPCC annual reports, and four other deaths from case reports in the medical literature.ConclusionsFor the period of this study, OSHA records identified the greatest number of HF‐related fatalities. The limited information in the records suggest that some victims did not receive appropriate medical care, nor was the regional poison center contacted regarding care. The full extent of health problems related to HF could be better quantified if usual surveillance sources, such as vital records, included unique coding for this acid. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:215–220, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Re: Occupational exposure to pesticides and pancreatic cancer. 2001. Ji B.‐T., Silverman D.T., Stewart P.A., Blair A., Swanson G.M., Baris D., Greenberg R.D., Hayes R., Brown L.M., Lillemoe K.D., Schoenberg J.B., Pottern L.M., Schwartz A.G., Hoover R. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:92–99
Authors: Ji Bu‐Tian , Silverman Debra T. , Stewart Patricia A. , Blair Aaron , Hoover Robert 
Published: October 2004

AbstractTo the Editor:In our recent paper describing associations of pancreatic cancer to pesticides, Table I presented JEM scores for selected occupations. We omitted several scores from the table, which indicated less variability across the study than was assessed. We have added all possible scores in Table I to reflect this variability. Also, several scores in the table may need further explanation. The supervisors, food and beverage preparation and food counter, fountain and related occupations had possible exposure to nonagricultural fungicides (i.e. disinfectants). Water and sewage treatment plant operators may handle herbicides to kill algae. Historically, textile mills and some dry cleaning operations applied insecticides to fabric. The subjects with jobs of mixing/blending machine operator/tender, or welder and cutter who were assigned pesticide exposures had worked in the chemical industry where pesticides may have been manufactured.The omissions were only in the reported data and not in the original data, and thus did not affect the epidemiologic results or conclusions.
Development of a life events/icon calendar questionnaire to ascertain occupational histories and other characteristics of migrant farmworkers
Authors: Zahm Shelia Hoar , Colt Joanne S. , Engel Lawrence S. , Keifer Matthew C. , Alvarado Andrew J. , Burau Keith , Butterfield Patricia , Caldera Soledad , Cooper Sharon P. , Garcia Deliana , Hanis Craig , Hendrikson Edward , Heyer Nicholas , Hunt Linda M. , Krauska Michelle , MacNaughton Nancy , McDonnell Cheryl J. , Mills Paul K. , Mull L. Diane , Nordstrom David L. , Outterson Beth , Slesinger Doris P. , Smith Mary Ann , Stallones Lorann , Stephens Claudia , Sweeney Anne , Sweitzer Kimberley , Vernon Sally W. , Blair Aaron 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundSpecialized methods are necessary to collect data from migrant farmworkers for epidemiologic research.MethodsWe developed a questionnaire that collected lifetime occupational histories and other lifestyle risk factors via a life events/icon calendar, and administered the questionnaire to a convenience sample of 162 migrant farmworkers in nine areas of the U.S.ResultsThe average duration of the interviews was about 1 h 30 min, with an average of 45 min for the work history section. The occupational histories covered a median of 27.6 years per person for men and 20.8 years per person for women. The median number of years spent in farm jobs was 11.3 for men and 5.8 for women. The median number of farm jobs (crop/task combination) per person was 59 among men and 27 among women. Many farmworkers performed the same crop/task combinations at multiple times throughout their lives, yielding a median of 13 unique farm jobs and 8 unique crops among men and 7 jobs and 5 crops among women.ConclusionsThe project demonstrated that it is feasible to collect detailed work histories and other risk factor data from farmworkers, documented the complexity of work histories encountered among farmworkers, and yielded recommendations for refining a questionnaire that will facilitate future epidemiologic research on farmworkers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:490–501, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determining the probability of pesticide exposures among migrant farmworkers: Results from a feasibility study†
Authors: Ward Mary H. , Prince Jacqueline R. , Stewart Patricia A. , Zahm Shelia Hoar 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundMigrant and seasonal farmworkers are exposed to pesticides through their work with crops and livestock. Because workers are usually unaware of the pesticides applied, specific pesticide exposures cannot be determined by interviews. We conducted a study to determine the feasibility of identifying probable pesticide exposures based on work histories.MethodsThe study included 162 farm workers in seven states. Interviewers obtained a lifetime work history including the crops, tasks, months, and locations worked. We investigated the availability of survey data on pesticide use for crops and livestock in the seven pilot states. Probabilities of use for pesticide types (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.) and specific chemicals were calculated from the available data for two farm workers. The work histories were chosen to illustrate how the quality of the pesticide use information varied across crops, states, and years.ResultsFor most vegetable and fruit crops there were regional pesticide use data in the late 1970s, no data in the 1980s, and state‐specific data every other year in the 1990s. Annual use surveys for cotton and potatoes began in the late 1980s. For a few crops, including asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, strawberries, plums, and Christmas trees, there were no federal data or data from the seven states before the 1990s.ConclusionsWe conclude that identifying probable pesticide exposures is feasible in some locations. However, the lack of pesticide use data before the 1990s for many crops will limit the quality of historic exposure assessment for most workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:538–553, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer incidence in the United Farmworkers of America (UFW), 1987–1997
Authors: Mills Paul K. , Kwong Sandy 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate cancer incidence in the membership a largely Hispanic farmworker labor union in California, the United Farmworkers of America (UFW) and to examine cancer‐site specific distributions as well as histology and stage of cancer at diagnosis in this group.MethodsAn electronic record linkage was conducted between a membership roster of the UFW and the database of the California Cancer Registry, the population‐based cancer registry in California for the years 1987–1997. Based upon the results of the linkage, morbidity odds ratios were calculated using the distribution of cancer in the California Hispanic population as the reference to determine if risk of specific cancers was higher or lower in the UFW. Time since first joining the union was evaluated, as was the proportional distribution of histologic subtypes and stage at diagnosis, again comparing the experience of the UFW membership to the California Hispanic population.ResultsSeveral types of cancer were elevated in the UFW membership in comparison to the California Hispanic population. Morbidity odds ratios and 95% confidence limits were elevated for leukemia (O.R. = 1.59: 95% C.I. = 1.07–2.37), stomach cancer (O.R. = 1.69: 95% C.I. = 1.24–2.27), uterine cervix cancer (O.R. = 1.63: 95% C.I. = 1.11–2.44) and uterine corpus cancer (O.R. = 1.68: 95% C.I. = 1.05–2.67). Brain cancer was also elevated although not significantly so (O.R. = 1.57: 95% C.I. = 0.96–2.53).ConclusionsRisk of leukemia, stomach, cervix and uterine cancers was elevated in California farmworkers. The histologic distribution of leukemia and brain cancers within the UFW membership did not differ from the distribution in the general California population although small numbers of cancers in the UFW hindered interpretation of these results. Members of the UFW experienced later stage of disease at diagnosis in comparison to California Hispanics for most major cancer sites but not for breast cancer. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:596–603, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proportionate mortality among US migrant and seasonal farmworkers in twenty‐four states†
Authors: Colt Joanne S. , Stallones Lorann , Cameron Lorraine L. , Dosemeci Mustafa , Zahm Shelia Hoar 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundUS migrant and seasonal farmworkers may be exposed to potentially carcinogenic pesticides and other agents. Little epidemiologic research has been conducted on this population.MethodsWe examined the proportionate mortality of 26,148 subjects (14,631 white men (WM), 7,299 nonwhite men (NM), 1,081 white women (WW), and 3,137 nonwhite women (NW)) who were identified as farmworkers on death certificates from 24 US states during 1984–1993.ResultsFarmworkers had significantly elevated proportionate mortality from injuries, tuberculosis, mental disorders, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory diseases, ulcers, hypertension (NW), and cirrhosis (NW). There was significantly reduced mortality from infectious diseases (other than tuberculosis), endocrine disorders, nervous system diseases, pneumoconioses, arteriosclerotic heart disease (WM), and all cancers combined. Proportionate cancer mortality analyses found excess cancers of the buccal cavity, larynx, esophagus, stomach, skin (NW), and cervix, and deficits for cancers of the colon, breast, kidney, pancreas (NW), and lymphohematopoietic system.ConclusionsThe excess deaths from injuries, respiratory disease, and stomach cancer, and the deficits of colon cancer and arteriosclerotic heart disease among farmworkers, are consistent with typical mortality patterns previously observed among farm owner/operators. The excess buccal, laryngeal, esophageal, and cervical cancers, and the deficits of breast cancer and lymphohematopoietic cancers have not generally been observed in studies of farm owner/operators. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:604–611, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.