bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cape Asbestos, Barking, health and environment: 1928–1946
Authors: Greenberg Morris 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe mining of chrysotile began in the province of Quebec in the late 1870s. Twenty years later, while annual exports were still measured in hundreds of tonnes, serious and lethal effects were being reported in England and shortly after in France. In 1913, after a number of years of operating in South Africa, Cape Asbestos Company established a factory in Britain in Barking, Essex. Some 15 years later, in 1929, the local Medical Officer of Health was seeing their asbestotic workers at his Chest Clinic, the local Chest Hospital was investigating them and publishing their findings, and the Coroner began what was to be a long series of inquests.MethodsDocuments from the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, The Royal School of Mines, Central Library of Imperial College, The Porton and Barking Archives, and documents obtained by legal discovery were utilized in preparing this historical perspective.ResultsDespite complaints from the local authority, Parliament was assured that there was no special incidence of disease at Cape, Barking, and that its exhaust ventilation was quite up to the general standard and constantly being improved. Reports on the factory environment and information on the health of Cape's workforce that are available for the years 1928–1934, provide a less sanguine view of the situation, as was confirmed by subsequent health reports on its workforce.ConclusionsThe case of asbestos is considered as a paradigm for the economic considerations that are considered to justify the perpetuation of unsafe and unhealthy occupations, decisions with which medical opinion can be found to concur. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 109–119, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between occupational exposure to power frequency electromagnetic fields and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A review
Authors: Li Chung‐Yi , Sung Fung‐Chang 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundFor the past two decades, there has been concern over electromagnetic exposure and human health. While most research has focused on cancer and reproductive outcomes, there is interest in the relationship between electromagnetic fields (EMF) and neurodegenerative diseases.MethodsWe review epidemiological findings and evidence regarding the association between occupational exposure to power frequency EMFs and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Medline was searched for citations related to occupational hazards and ALS, literature reviews and epidemiological evaluations.ResultsNine out of the ten epidemiological studies that have been conducted on the risk of ALS in relation to occupational exposure to EMF show moderate to strong relative risk estimates that supported a link between them. Although data from these studies was consistent, the causal inference to a link between EMF exposure and ALS is restricted mainly due to the lack of direct information on EMF exposure and incomplete consideration of the other potential risk factors for ALS at workplaces. For instance, electric shock, in particular, is more common in electrical occupations than in any other occupations.ConclusionsThis review concludes that further studies should consider investigating the separate effect of EMF exposure and electrical shocks to make more specific interpretations. On‐site measurements of EMF should be conducted to include information on EMF exposure from residences as well as workplaces to improve exposure assessment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 212–220, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of the delta‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) polymorphism on biomarkers of lead exposure in Turkish storage battery manufacturing workers
Authors: Süzen H. Sinan , Duydu Yalçın , Aydın Ahmet , Işımer Aşkın , Vural Nevin 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between delta‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase polymorphism (ALAD) and biomarkers of exposure was investigated in Turkish lead workers in this study.MethodsSeventy two male lead battery manufacturing workers were selected for the study. Blood lead (BPb) and urinary lead (UPb) concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Erythrocyte ALAD activity and urinary 5‐aminolevulinic acid (UALA) were measured spectrophotometrically. The polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique was used to determine the genotype of the ALAD gene.ResultsIn total, 51 workers (70.8%) had the ALAD 1‐1 genotype, whereas 21 workers (29.2%) had the ALAD 1‐2 genotype. No significant relationships were found between the two genotypes and BPb, UPb, and ALAD activity. ALAD1 homozygotes showed significantly higher levels of UALA in comparison with those ALAD2 carriers.ConclusionsALAD 1‐1 individuals might be an increased risk compared to ALAD2 carriers to disturbance in heme biosynthetic pathway in high lead exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 165–171, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lifetime principal occupation and risk of Alzheimer's disease in the Kungsholmen project
Authors: Qiu Chengxuan , Karp Anita , von Strauss Eva , Winblad Bengt , Fratiglioni Laura , Bellander Tom 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundSome studies suggest that manual work is associated with dementia. This study is aimed at identifying the specific occupational categories that may be related to dementia.MethodsA cohort of 913 non‐demented subjects aged 75 + years was longitudinally examined twice over 6 years to detect incident dementia using the DSM‐III‐R diagnostic criteria. The lifetime longest occupations of all subjects were divided into different categories according to the occupation‐based classification system. Data were analyzed with Cox models.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period, 260 subjects were diagnosed with dementia (197 with Alzheimer's disease). Manual work was associated with an increased risk of dementia, and the association was dependent on educational level. Compared with non‐manual work, manual work involving goods production had a multi‐adjusted relative risk (95% CI) of 1.6 (1.0–2.5, P = 0.046) for Alzheimer's disease and 1.4 (0.9–2.1) for dementia.ConclusionsAn association between goods production, manual work and Alzheimer's disease found in this study suggests that factors in the mid‐twentieth century goods production environment may be involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 204–211, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
National Health Interview Survey mortality among US farmers and pesticide applicators
Authors: Fleming Lora E. , Gómez‐Marín Orlando , Zheng Diane , Ma Fangchao , Lee David 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe mortality experience of pesticide‐exposed workers across the US has not been thoroughly studied.MethodsCox regression mortality analyses adjusted for the complex sample survey design were performed on mortality‐linked 1986–1994 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data.ResultsNine thousand four hundred seventy‐one farmers and pesticide applicators with 571 deaths were compared to 438,228 other US workers with 11,992 deaths. Age‐adjusted risk of accidental death, as well as cancers of the nervous and lymphatic/hematopoietic systems, was significantly elevated in male and female pesticide‐exposed workers; breast, prostate, and testicular cancer mortality risks were not elevated.ConclusionsCompared to all other workers, farmers and pesticide applicators were at greater risk of accidental mortality. These pesticide‐exposed workers were not at an increased risk of cancers possibly associated with exposure to estrogen analogue compounds, but were at an increased risk of hematopoietic and nervous system cancers. NHIS mortality follow‐up represents an important occupational health surveillance instrument. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 227–233, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative analysis of asbestos burden in women with mesothelioma
Authors: Dodson Ronald F. , O'Sullivan Michael , Brooks Dwaina R. , Hammar Samuel P. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundLung tissue from 15 women who died from mesothelioma was evaluated for tissue burden of ferruginous bodies and uncoated asbestos fibers. The group contained individuals who had occupational exposure to asbestos and others had family members whose work history included vocations where contact with asbestos containing materials occurred.MethodsTissue samples from tumor free lung were digested and filtered and then investigated for ferruginous bodies by light microscopy and asbestos and non‐asbestos fibers by analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM). Size and type of fibers were also analyzed.ResultsAsbestos bodies were found in 13 of the 15 samples and asbestos fibers were found in all cases. The most commonly found uncoated asbestos fiber in these individuals was amosite whereas tremolite was the second most commonly found form. The asbestos fiber burden in these females was often of mixed types.ConclusionsThe asbestos body and fiber burden in these cases show variation in tissue burden. Some cases in this study had appreciable burden, which was attributed to secondhand exposure from occupationally exposed family members. Mesothelioma can occur also in individuals with comparatively low tissue burdens of asbestos. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 188–195, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stressful psychosocial work environment increases risk for back pain among retail material handlers
Authors: Johnston Janet M. , Landsittel Douglas P. , Nelson Nancy A. , Gardner Lytt I. , Wassell James T. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundBack pain is a major source of lost work time. Occupational physical activity only accounts for a fraction of low back pain; therefore, there is growing interest in investigating other possible causes of back pain including the psychosocial work environment.MethodsMaterial handlers (N = 6,311) in 160 newly opened stores were interviewed at study entry and approximately 6 months later. Factor analysis was used to reduce the 37 psychosocial questionnaire items to seven distinct factors.ResultsAfter adjusting for history of back problems and work‐related lifting, risk of back pain was moderately increased among employees who reported high job intensity demands (odds ratio (OR) = 1.8), job dissatisfaction (OR = 1.7), and high job scheduling demands (OR = 1.6).ConclusionsModification of the psychosocial work environment for material handlers in large retail stores may help reduce back pain among employees. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 179–187, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Drake Health Registry Study: Findings from fifteen years of continuous bladder cancer screening
Authors: Marsh Gary M. , Cassidy Laura D. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe Drake Health Registry Study (DHRS) is an ongoing bladder cancer screening program initiated in 1986 due to workers' probable past exposure to the bladder carcinogen, beta‐naphthylamine (BNA).MethodsAt periodic screening visits, a health survey is administered and three screening tests are applied to a urine sample, urinalysis (UA), papanicolaou (PAP), and quantitative fluorescence image analysis (QFIA). Positive screens are eligible for a free bladder cystoscopy with random biopsies.ResultsForty of 51 persons eligible for diagnostic evaluation underwent cystoscopy. One person was diagnosed with carcinoma in situ, two with transitional cell papilloma, 14 with dysplasia, two of which developed transitional cell carcinoma; 26 had bladder abnormalities such as chronic inflammation, chronic cystitis, atypical changes, atypia, hyperplasia, or papillary clusters.ConclusionsThe DHRS continues to identify early stage bladder cancer and other abnormalities among workers exposed to BNA before 1981 and generates useful clinical, psycho‐social, and epidemiologic data. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 142–148, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health care utilization of carpenters with substance abuse‐related diagnoses
Authors: Lipscomb Hester J. , Dement John M. , Li Leiming 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundPersons in the construction trades in the US have high rates of alcohol and substance abuse. We had the unique opportunity to evaluate health care utilization through private insurance and workers' compensation for a group of carpenters at high risk of injury and substance abuse.MethodsWe identified a cohort of union carpenters. Their claims for medical care through union insurance and workers' compensation, and appropriate measures of time at risk were documented. Using methods of indirect standardization, we compared utilization and costs between carpenters with and without alcohol and substance‐abuse related diagnoses (ASRD).ResultsThrough private insurance, those with ASRD had 10% higher outpatient utilization and 2.1 times higher rates of hospitalizations for injury care; 2.6 times higher rates of outpatient care; and 2.9 times higher inpatient admissions for non‐injury care. Individuals with ASRD had only modestly increased rates (10%) of outpatient utilization through workers' compensation.ConclusionsThese findings support the need for alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment services for this workforce. Operationalizing this among highly mobile workforces, such as the construction trades, is a challenge. While not intending to minimize the problems of alcohol or substance abuse on the job among carpenters, the focus of prevention should not necessarily be in the workplace. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 120–131, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupation and smoking as risk factors for lung cancer: A population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Ruano‐Ravina Alberto , Figueiras Adolfo , Barreiro‐Carracedo María Amparo , Barros‐Dios Juan 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundLung cancer is associated with occupation, but not much is known about the influence exerted on risk by length of exposure and the joint effect of occupational exposure and tobacco on risk of lung cancer.MethodsThrough a population‐based case‐control study, we defined risk professions as those that have been associated previously with higher risk of lung cancer.ResultsThe relative risk seems to increase linearly and significantly with the number of years spent in risk occupations, rising significantly by 28% for every 10 years in a risk profession. Should such occupations be combined with exposure to a smoking habit, then in the case of heavy smokers, a working career spanning 20 years or more in risk occupations would mean tripling the possibility of developing lung cancer from occupation.ConclusionsThe high risks observed indicate a public health problem and indicate that joint exposure to risk professions and tobacco ought to be avoided. We must stress from these results the need for effective education for all workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 149–155, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Symptoms and lung function in health care personnel exposed to glutaraldehyde
Authors: Waters Andrew , Beach Jeremy , Abramson Michael 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundGlutaraldehyde is widely used as a disinfectant for endoscopic equipment. The aim of this study was to investigate work practices and glutaraldehyde exposure in relation to symptoms and lung function.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to 76 nurses. Exposed nurses (n = 38) also completed lung function tests and visual analogue scales before and after a work session in which glutaraldehyde exposure occurred. Disinfection activities were timed and counted, personal exposures established, and control measures documented.ResultsExposure values above the exposure limit (0.10 ppm) were found for all exposure control methods except for the enclosed washing machine. Skin symptoms were 3.6 times more likely to be reported by exposed workers. None of the other symptoms were significantly associated with glutaraldehyde exposure. There were significant cross‐shift reductions in FVC and FEV1 in the exposed group. No evidence of a dose–response relationship for symptoms or lung function was found.ConclusionsFurther exposure controls for both glutaraldehyde and gloves are required to improve skin care in glutaraldehyde exposed nurses. Exposure monitoring methods also need review. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 196–203, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An investigation of noise levels in Alberta sawmills
Authors: Koehncke Niels , Taylor Maurice , Taylor Chris , Harman Lloyd , Hessel Patrick A. , Beaulne Paul , Guidotti Tee 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundNoise exposure in the sawmill industry is an area of concern. This study documents the level of noise exposure in nine sawmills in the province of Alberta, Canada.MethodsPersonal noise monitoring data were collected in nine Alberta sawmills, in winter and in summer (n = 213). Exposures were considered in light of an estimated “real world” noise reduction rating (NRR) calculation assuming use of conventional hearing protection. Limited comparisons were made with spot area monitoring data.ResultsOnly 10% of the personal monitoring measurements were below the Alberta 8‐hr exposure limit of 85 dBA. Twenty‐seven percent of the personal monitoring measurements were 95 dBA or higher. Worker enclosures played a large role in reducing noise exposure. There were no significant differences between seasons in noise category distributions (P = 0.61). The planermen and planer infeed operators had the highest percentage of personal monitoring measurements 95 dBA or higher (62% and 82%, respectively).ConclusionsBased on a conservative formula, a risk of excess noise exposure could exist even when wearing required hearing protection due to very high noise levels found in planing operations in sawmills. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 156–164, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of hepatitis A virus infection among sewage workers in Georgia
Authors: Venczel Linda , Brown Stuart , Frumkin Howard , Simmonds‐Diaz Jorge , Deitchman Scott , Bell Beth P. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundWastewater (WW) workers could have opportunity for direct contact with raw sewage, which might contain hepatitis A virus (HAV).MethodsA serologic survey of WW workers and a comparison population of roads and drainage workers (RD). Factors potentially associated with anti‐HAV positivity were evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsAmong the 365 WW workers, overall anti‐HAV prevalence was 38%, similar to that (35%) of the 166 RD workers (P = 0.5). Prevalence varied by wastewater job type from 45% among the 164 field crew workers to 32% among the 201 treatment plant workers. In multivariate modeling, factors associated with anti‐HAV positivity included age ≥ 40 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.6–3.7), black compared to other races (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.5–3.8), birth outside the United States (OR = 7.5; 95% CI = 3.0–18.6), a high school education or less (OR 2.1; 95% CI = 1.4–3.2) and work on the field crew compared to RD work (OR 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1–2.4).ConclusionsThese results are consistent with no or a small increased risk of hepatitis A among WW workers, and do not provide a clear mandate for hepatitis A vaccination of these workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 172–178, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational issues in episodic care populations
Authors: Harber Philip , Bublik Michael , Steimberg Clara , Wallace Jeanne , Merz Brenda 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundMuch care for non‐emergency problems is provided at “episodic care” settings (e.g., urgent care and emergency room).MethodsNinety‐four subjects, without known occupational disease, who were seeking care for a chronic or sub‐acute problem in an episodic care location, were interviewed to assess the frequency and types of occupational health concerns. They were asked whether work probably “caused” or “made worse” their illness and whether their illness “made work difficult.”ResultsCategorized hierarchically, 20% reported causation, 15% worsening, and 15% interference of illness with work. (Each was categorized in one category only). Only 50% reported absence of a workplace‐health interaction. One‐third reported that workplace changes could improve their functional status. Nevertheless, workplace factors were discussed only 21% of the time in physician‐patient encounters.ConclusionsThis study suggests that occupational health issues are frequent in episodic care settings and that the definition of occupational health issues should be broadened to include “made worse” and “illness makes work difficult” as well as the traditional workplace causation definition. Further, episodic care settings present unique opportunities for prevention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 221–226, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Excess of symptoms among radiographers
Authors: Dimich‐Ward Helen , Wymer Michelle , Kennedy Susan , Teschke Kay , Rousseau Roxanne , Chan‐Yeung Moira 
Published: January 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence and occupational determinants of miscellaneous symptoms referred to as “Darkroom disease” was compared between radiographers and physiotherapists working in British Columbia, Canada.MethodsThe participation rate for the mailout questionnaire survey was 66.1%. A small subset underwent spirometry and methacholine challenge testing.ResultsRadiographers had a higher prevalence of most symptoms, with an extreme odds ratio of 11.4 for chemical/metallic taste. The percentage of radiographers with non‐specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBHR) was 3 times higher than that of physiotherapists, although the comparison was not statistically significant. Reporting inadequate ventilation, frequently detecting the odor of X‐ray processing chemicals and cleaning up spills within the past 12 months were highly associated with most of the symptoms.ConclusionsOur results suggest that differences in the prevalence of symptoms represent a complex process, both in exposure and response to the many constituents found in radiographic processing chemicals. Objective testing of health outcomes and more refined exposure measurements are recommended to further investigate occupational health problems of radiographers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43: 132–141, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new autosomal recessive congenital contractural syndrome in an Israeli Bedouin kindred
Authors: Landau Daniella , Mishori‐Dery Anat , Hershkovitz Reli , Narkis Ginat , Elbedour Khalil , Carmi Rivka 
Published: January 2003

AbstractWe describe 23 cases with a syndrome of congenital contractures belonging to a large, inbred Israeli‐Bedouin kindred. The phenotype described is similar to the Finnish type lethal congenital contracture syndrome yet differs in the following ways: by some additional craniofacial/ocular findings, by the lack of hydrops, multiple pterygia, and fractures, and by the normal duration of pregnancy. The major unique and previously undescribed clinical feature in our patients is a markedly distended urinary bladder as well as other urinary abnormalities. The vast majority of the cases died shortly after birth. Sonographic prenatal diagnosis was possible as early as 15 weeks gestation by demonstrating fetal akinesia, limb contractures, hydramnios, and distended urinary bladder. Linkage to 5q and 9q34 loci has been excluded. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.