摘要:

AbstractThe mortality of 3,246 males who had been employed 1 or more years during 1940‐1980 at 20 crushed stone operations was evaluated for possible association between employment and death from lung cancer, pneumoconiosis, and other respiratory diseases. Four deaths were attributed to pneumoconiosis. Based on available work histories, at least two of these deaths were probably due to dust exposures in the crushed stone industry. Mortality attributed to pneumoconiosis and other nonmalignant respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive lung disease, was significantly increased overall (SMR: 1.98; 95%CI: 1.21‐3.05), and especially so for a subcohort of crushed stone workers that processed granite (SMR: 7.26; 95%CI: 1.97‐18.59). With regard to lung cancer, overall SMRs were elevated (although not statistically significant). Analyzed by rock type, there was a significantly elevated lung cancer SMR among granite workers with at least 20 years latency (SMR: 3.35; 95%CI: 1.34‐6.90). Although not definitive, results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to respirable silica dust is a risk factor for lung

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270502

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractFrom 1979 to 1982, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a cross‐sectional exposure assessment and mortality study of selected crushed stone facilities in the United States. This study was undertaken in part to address concerns that asbestos exposures could be occurring in some crushed stone operations due to the presence of amphibole and serpentine minerals. The investigation was also designed to characterize exposures to crystalline silica and other mineral compounds. Nineteen crushed stone operations, mining limestone, granite, or traprock were surveyed to assess exposures to respirable and total dusts, mineral compounds including crystalline silica, asbestos, and mineral fibers. At the initiation of the study, crushed stone operations were selected from a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) listing of the active industry in 1978. With the exception of requiring inclusion of the traprock operation in Maryland where asbestos fibers were initially discovered, a stratified sample of operations was randomly selected by rock type (granite, limestone, traprock, or sandstone). However, because of reluctance or refusal of some companies to participate and because of the closures of some of the selected operations, replacements were randomly selected. Some replacement selections were likewise replaced due to lack of cooperation from the companies. The studied sample included only 10 of the 27 randomly selected operations in the original sample. Asbestos fibers were detected at one traprock facility, the Maryland operation where asbestos was originally found. Measured personal exposures to fibers exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for two out of 10 samples. All of the samples were below the MSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), which was in effect at the time of the survey. However, due to the presence of nonasbestos mineral fibers in the environment, it could not be stated with certainty that all of the fibers counted by phase contrast microscopy were asbestos. A variety of silicate mineral fibers (other than those classified by NIOSH as asbestos) were detected in the traprock operations and at one granite operation. Crystalline silica was detected at 17 of the 19 surveyed crushed stone operations. Overexposures to crystalline silica were measured at 16 of the crushed stone operations; approximately one in seven personal‐respirable dust samples (14%) exceeded the MSHA PEL for crystalline silica. Approximately 25% of the respirable dust samples exceeded the NIOSH REL for crystalline silica. Mill operators and mill laborers consistently had the highest and most frequent overexposures to crystalline sil

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270503

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractMany risk assessments for leukemia associated with benzene exposure have been based on the mortality experience of the rubber hydrochloride worker cohort. Although there have been several different historical exposure assessments proposed for this cohort, Paustenbach et al. [1992, J Tox Environ Health], recently published a new historical characterization of benzene exposures based on data previously developed by Rinsky et al. [1981, Am J Ind Med]and further modified by Crump and Allen [1984: OSHA]. Adjustments by Paustenbach et al. in the Rinsky et al. data result in retrospective benzene exposure estimates far greater than those previously reported, by an order of magnitude in many cases. Judgments made on the significance of dermal contact and interpretation of historical measurement data led Paustenbach et al. to arrive at exposure estimates for this cohort that are in conflict with what is known about the adverse effects of benzene exposure. More reasonable estimates for dermal absorption are included in this report that do not substantially affect total estimates of benzene exposure for the cohort. The exposure estimates originally presented in the Rinsky et al. article appear in concordance with data not previously reported in any analyses.

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270504

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractTwenty‐five workers, five currently and 20 formerly involved in the manufacture of hybrid microcircuits, underwent clinical evaluations at the request of a management‐union committee concerned about chronic solvent exposures in a research and development laboratory. A battery of neurobehavioral tests was administered to compare the solvent‐exposed group with 32 age‐, gender‐, ethnicity‐, and education‐matched controls. The tests included: MMPI‐I, hand grip strength, tactile sensitivity, dexterity, color discrimination, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, and tests selected from the computerized Neurobehavioral Evaluation System (NES2). Clinical narratives and retrospective exposure assessments in the study group suggested chronic low‐level exposure to solvents, with intermittent acute excursions. Work‐related diagnoses included upper respiratory mucosal irritation and sinusitis (44%), lower respiratory reactive airway‐disease (12%), and dermatitis (5%). Three workers (12%) had findings consistent with a solvent‐induced encephalopathy. Significant differences (after Bonferroni correction) were found between the two groups on 5 of 11 NES subtests: symptom scale, mood scale, finger tapping, simple reaction time, and symbol‐digit substitution. Differences also reached significance for overall vibration sensitivity thresholds, visual contrast sensitivity, and grip strength. The MMPI average clinical scale elevation was significantly higher in the exposed group than controls. These results support an association between chronic low‐dose solvent exposure and measura

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270505

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractA retrospective time‐to‐pregnancy study was performed among women biologically monitored for exposure to organic solvents. The women were participants in a previous study on spontaneous abortion. They 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. Daily or high solvent exposure, adjusted for potential confounders, was significantly associated with reduced fecundability in the discrete proportional hazards analysis (incidence density ratio of clinical pregnancies 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27‐0.62). The incidence density ratios were decreased also among workers who were exposed to organic solvents in shoe factories (0.28; CI 0.11‐0.71), dry cleaning shops (0.44; CI 0.22‐0.86), and in the metal industry (0.58; CI 0.34‐0.98). The possible effects of various biases are discussed. The results of the study support the hypothesis that daily or high exposure to organic solvents is associated with reduced fertility. There is a need for safer working methods in industries where organic solvents sti

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270506

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractIn response to limitations in state‐based, occupational disease surveillance, the California Department of Health Services developed a model for provider‐ and case‐based surveillance of work‐related carpal tunnel syndrome. The objectives were to enhance case reporting, identify risk factors and high‐risk work sites, and link preventive interventions to work sites and the broader community. Using elements from surveillance of communicable diseases and sentinel health events, a model was integrated into the pre‐existing reporting system in one California county. Between 1989 and 1991, 54 Santa Clara County health care providers reported 382 suspected cases, of which 365 from 195 work sites met reporting guidelines. Risk factors were profiled from interviews of 135 prioritized cases and 38 employers. Of 24 work sites prioritized for a free, voluntary, nonenforcement inspection, 18 refused and 6 completed an on‐site visit. Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR) captured many cases not reported to the pre‐existing reporting system. Case interviews indicated a profile of symptoms and signs, treatment, and exposure to uncontrolled occupational risk factors, including a lack of training on ergonomics hazards. Employer health insurance, rather than workers' compensation, was the apparent source of payment for most medical bills. Employers lacked knowledge and motivation to reduce ergonomic risks. Governmentally mandated occupational ergonomics standards are

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270507

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractA cross‐sectional study was performed in which physical examinations of the neck and upper limbs were conducted on 82 currently working female industrial workers with exposure to repetitive work tasks and on 64 currently working referent subjects without exposure to repetitive work tasks. Associations between results of symptom questions and physical examination were sought with variables related to the work environment and to the individuals. In a multivariate model, there were statistically significant associations between exposure to repetitive work and diagnoses in both the neck/shoulders (prevalence odds ratio, POR = 4.6) and elbows/hands (POR = 3.5). In addition, age (POR = 1.9, 75th vs. 25th percentiles), tendencies towards subjective muscular tension (POR = 2.3), and stress/worry (POR = 1.9) were also associated with diagnoses in the neck/shoulders; however, there was not an association between these variables and the prevalence of diagnoses in elbows/hands. Standardized evaluation of videotape recordings in 74 of the industrial workers revealed significant associations between neck flexion, and elevation and abduction of the arm and the prevalence of neck/shoulder diagnoses. In the multivariate model, neck flexion was significantly associated with diagnoses in the neck/shoulders (p = 0.005). In addition, low muscle strength, lack of emotional well‐being at work, and a variety of psychosomatic symptoms were associated with diagnoses in the neck/shoulders (all p<0.001). Lack of strength was also associated with disorders of elbows/hands (p = 0.007). This study demonstrated a substantial prevalence of neck and upper limb disorders associated with repetitive work performed with a flexed neck and elevated and abducted arms, as well as a possible potentiation of these ergonomic factors by certain personal traits in some work

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270508

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractUsing the Cancer Environment Registry of Sweden, which links the 1960 census information on employment with cancer incidence data from 1961‐1979, we conducted a systematic, population‐based assessment of esophageal cancer incidence by industry and occupation for men in Sweden. A general reduction in esophageal cancer incidence was found among agricultural and professional workers, whereas excess incidence was found among business, sales, and some craftsmen and production jobs. Elevated incidence was associated with several specific industries, including the food (SIR = 1.3, p<0.05), beverage and tobacco (SIR = 1.8, p<0.05) industries, vulcanizing shops within the rubber industry (SIR = 4.7, p<0.01), and certain automotive building industries. Incidence also was increased among brewery workers (SIR = 4.2, p<0.01) and butchers (SIR = 2.1, p<0.01), and among individuals with certain service jobs, particularly waiters in the hotel and restaurant industry (SIR = 3.1, p<0.01). Some of the occupational associations may be explained by lifestyle factors such as alcohol drinking and smoking, whereas others are specific and tend to support those of earlier investigations. This study adds to the evidence of a small but possibly important role of occupation in esophageal cancer etiol

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270509

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractAnimal studies show that antimonymay cause lung cancer and heart and lung disease in rodents. In exposed humans, ECG abnormalities and heart and lung disease have been reported. This mortality study of 1,014 men employed between 1937 and 1971 in a Texas antimony smelter consisted primarily of workers of Spanish ancestry (n = 928, 91.5%). Hispanics are known to smoke at much lower rates than non‐Hispanics, and their lung cancer and heart disease mortality is generally low. When ethnic‐specific Texas lung cancer death rates were used for comparison, mortality from lung cancer among antimony workers was elevated (SMR) 1.39, 90% CI 1.01‐1.88), and we observed a significant positive trend in mortality with increasing duration of employment. When ischemic heart disease death rates from three different Spanish‐surnamed populations were used for comparison, the rate ratios for mortality from ischemic heart disease were 0.91 (90% CI 0.84‐1.09), 1.22 (90% CI 0.78‐1.89), and 1.49 (90% CI 0.84‐2.63). Pneumoconiosis/ other lung disease death rates for Spanish‐surnamed men were unavailable and so calculation of rate ratios used white males as a comparison population (SMR 1.22; 90% CI 0.80‐1.80). These data suggest some increased mortality from lung cancer and perhaps nonmalignant respiratory heart disease in workers exposed to antimony. However, conclusions are limited by possible confounders and the difficulty of identifying appropriat

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270510

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700270501

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY