摘要:

AbstractA cross‐sectional study compared 55 transformer repairmen, 38 currently, and 17 previously exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with 56 non‐exposed subjects. PCBs exposures occurred from air and contaminated surfaces, predominantly from Aroclor 1260 with some exposure to Aroclor 1242. Each worker underwent: a questionnaire; standardized medical examination; delayed hypersensitivity testing; and determination of serum and adipose tissue lipid total PCB concentrations.Adipose and serum [PCBs] were significantly higher in the currently exposed, but previously exposed workers did not differ significantly from comparison subjects.No subjects had a classical syndrome of PCB poisoning. A number of neurobehavioral and irritant symptoms were significantly more prevalent in the exposed group, but were probably not related to PCBs. Comedones were more frequent in the exposed group, but no evidence of classical chloracne was noted. Cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity responses to mumps and to trichophyton antigens did not differ between the groups. The association of PCBs with job functions were explo

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130402

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractTo assess the mortality experience of a cohort of chemical workers in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia, 29,139 males who worked at any one of three facilities over a 39‐year period were followed‐up for vital status. The facilities include two chemical manufacturing plants and a research and development center. From this cohort, 5,785 men were found to have died as of the study end, December 31, 1978. This was less than the 6,148.5 men expected to have died, based upon the United States white male population (standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 94, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 92–96). Eighty‐six specific causes of death were examined. Statistically significant increased deaths were observed for two causes; cancers of the liver (not specified as primary or secondary) (SMR = 174; CI = 102–280) and lympho‐ and reticulosarcoma (SMR = 140; CI = 104–187). When all biliary and liver cancer was examined by duration and time since initial employment, the SMR for those who worked at least 25 years and whose deaths occurred 30 years or more after first employment was 301 (95% confidence limit = 168–497). The identification and follow‐up of this complete cohort provides the basis for future study of subcohorts with specific chemical and process exposures and case control studies of specifi

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130403

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractCause‐specific mortality patterns among male textile workers in Rhode Island who died during the period 1968–1978 were examined using the proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) method. Textile worker decedents were identified by the usual occupation and industry statements on Rhode Island death certificates. A statistically significant PMR elevation was observed for nonmalignant respiratory disease (NMRD) among male textile workers (PMR = 110; Observed deaths [Obs] = 433; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 102–120). The PMRs for NMRD by specific textile occupation and by type of textile manufacturing generally exhibited the pattern expected for work‐related mortality owing to textile dust exposure. High PMRs were observed among carding, lapping, and combing operatives, the decedents who probably had the highest dust exposure (PMR = 166; Obs = 24; CI = 114–243), and among operatives most likely to have worked in cotton manufacturing (PMR = 137; Obs = 47; CI = 104–179). This is the first report of excess mortality from NMRD among male textile workers in the United States. This finding is consistent with previous evidence that exposure to cotton dust can cause disabling chronic lung disease. Also noteworthy were statistically significant elevated PMRs for cancers of the rectum and esophagus among decedents who had been engaged in textile dyeing and finishing. Owing to the lack of direct information about occupational exposures and smoking habits of the decedents and uncertainties in classifying decedents by type of textile manufacturing, this investigation should be viewed as being explorator

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130404

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractSixty‐two cases of accidental acute intoxication from the inhalation of dimethyl sulfate (DMS) are reported. To facilitate clinical evaluation and treatment, as well as identification of capacity for physical labor, a grading system was established according to the history of exposure to DMS, symptoms and signs of respiratory mucosal irritation, findings on chest radiographs, and abnormalities of leukocyte count. Emergency treatment included prophylactic use of glucocorticoids, supplemental oxygen, sedatives, and antibiotics for prevention and treatment of laryngeal and pulmonary edema, pulmonary infections, and other complications. Follow‐up studies for 2–12 years have found only mild to moderate impairment in ventilatory capacity in eight cases, with no abnormal findings in ECG, chest films, and routine blood tests. Nearly all patients have resumed their usual

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130405

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractFour arc welders having a flu‐like illness with multiple health complaints following an exposure to high concentrations of isocyanate fumes from ignited polyurethane foam underwent immunological tests as follows: ELISA antibody assays, activated lymphocyte profiles, and lymphocyte blastogenesis. ELISA procedures revealed the presence of antibodies to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and formaldehyde (F) conjugated to human serum albumin (HDI‐SA and F‐SA). The results from the activated lymphocyte profiles showed deviations from the norm as follows: three welders had elevated helper/suppressor (H/S) ratios; all four had elevated percentages of Tal positive cells; two had decreases in B cells; and one had low total white cell and lymphocyte counts. In contrast, the percentage and absolute numbers of ILS receptor cells were normal in the four subjects. T cell blastogenesis to PHA, Con A and PWM resulted in the following: T‐cells from one subject responded normally; in another, a high response (212% of controls) to PHA occurred with normal mitogenesis to Con A and PWM. In the remaining two welders, the T cells responded abnormally low (50 to 75% of controls) to the three mitogens. In conclusion, the existence of IgG antibodies to HDI‐SA and F‐SA, the altered activated immune profiles, the elevated Tal cells, and the abnormal blastogenesis are interpreted as being linked with the episode of HDI and F exposure and the subsequent flu‐like illness of the

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130406

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractSeveral immunologic parameters, both humoral and cellular, were studied in the serum and peripheral blood lymphocytes derived from chest x‐ray‐negative, asymptomatic asbestos workers. All humoral and cellular parameters were intact, except the con‐A‐induced T cell suppressor activity and T cell division in autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction, which were significantly elevated in the asbestos plant workers. The significance of these increased T cell activities in asbestos exposed people is not clear, and further clinical and immunological follow‐up is

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130407

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractA cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years 1950 and 1982. The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938–1940 (average cutters to 40 million parts/cubic foot), and those employed at dust levels after 1940, which on average were less than 10 million parts/cubic foot. Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios were calculated. The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis, the major health threats in the years before 1940, were essentially eliminated after dust controls. However, we found excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930, and hence had been exposed to high levels of granite dust. When information was available, 100% of those dying from lung cancer had been smoker

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130408

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractIn the late 19th and early 20th centuries, new knowledge of work‐related illness became part of discourses in several institutional spheres on the relationship between aspects of the economy and workers' health. Appeals courts and state legislatures invoked this knowledge in their deliberations on legislation to ease the coercive aspects of the employment relationship. Insurers used the knowledge to help determine what types of coverage would be available to different occupational groups. In the courts, a narrow compensation remedy evolved for illness caused by employers' failure to warn of latent risks. This small, legal zone of protection of workers' health was separated out from the massive amount of uncompensated, preventable work‐related illn

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130409

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130410

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700130411

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

年代:1988

数据来源: WILEY