ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Learning ObjectivesExplain why asthmatic patients were used as a patient control group in this study of the role of psychiatric abnormality in patients with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).Recall the difference among MCS patients, asthmatics, and normal control subjects in psychiatric history, current psychiatric illness. and neuropsychological function.Comment on the therapeutic implications of the present findings for MCS patients.Patients with sensitivities to multiple chemicals report symptoms of cognitive dysfunction, respiratory distress, and mood disturbance. Lifetime and current psychiatric disorders, personality traits associated with symptom reporting, and tests of cognitive function were compared between 30 subjects with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), 19 asthmatics, and 31 healthy controls. Relative to asthmatics and controls, more MCS subjects met criteria for current depression and somatization disorder. MCS subjects and asthmatics scored significantly higher than controls on scales of chemical odor intolerance and anxiety sensitivity, both of which were significant predictors of physical symptoms. Few differences on objective neuropsychological tests were noted. However, MCS subjects with comorbid depression performed significantly worse on a verbal memory test relative to asthmatics but not to controls. Anxiety and depression are significant contributors to the physical and cognitive symptoms of MCS subjects.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Learning ObjectivesRecall the past effectiveness—or lack thereof—of OSHA in lowering injury rates in the workplace, and the influence of the MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) in the coal mining industry.Describe the course of fatal injury rates before and after revision of an ambiguous consensus standard governing trench and excavation jobs, along with introduction of a targeted inspection program in 1990.Explain whether and how changes in fatality rates depend on the size of construction firms and whether or not workers are unionized.In 1989 the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration revised the excavation and trenching standard. We examined fatal injuries from trench cave-in in the construction industry for five year periods before and after the revision in the 47 US states for which data were available for both periods. There was a 2-fold decline in the rate of fatal injury after revision of the standard, which substantially exceeded the decline in other causes of fatal injury in the construction industry during the same period. The decline was somewhat greater in large business firms but was evident in construction firms of all size classes. The fatality rate from trench cave-in in union construction workers was approximately half that of nonunion workers, but we were unable to determine whether this was best explained by union status, employment of union workers at larger construction firms, or both. This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of OSHA regulation in preventing fatal work injury.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Learning ObjectivesContrast acute chlorine events, as assessed in 16 states during the years 1993-2000, with non-chlorine events with regard to the frequency of injury and the need for evacuation and decontamination.Recall whether and how chlorine exposures changed in frequency during the period under review, as well as the seasonal occurrence of events, the most common causes, symptoms of victims, and the use of protective equipment.Identify possible measures that could be taken in attempting to prevent chlorine-related injuries.Chlorine, a commonly used hazardous substance, can be harmful to human health when improperly released. Data from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system were used to conduct a retrospective analysis on the public health consequences from acute chlorine releases in 16 states during 1993 through 2000. There was an overall decline in the number of chlorine events during the period analyzed; however, chlorine events were more likely to result in events with victims, evacuations, and decontaminations when compared with nonchlorine events (relative risk [RR] = 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.1 to 5.0; [RR] = 4.8, CI 4.3 to 5.3; and [RR] = 2.0, CI 1.7 to 2.4, respectively). Most chlorine victims were employees and members of the general public. The predominant symptoms sustained were respiratory and eye irritation. Equipment failure and human error were the most frequent factors leading to an event. Continuous employee training and preventive equipment maintenance can help prevent chlorine releases from occurring and minimize exposure to the general public.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Few studies have considered the completeness and accuracy of smoking histories from surrogates for deceased workers. We surveyed 68 surrogates for uranium plant workers who completed smoking histories before their deaths. Completeness: 96% of surrogates answered definitively (yes or no) about overall smoking status (eg, used any tobacco type), and 79 to 100% of those answered definitively about specific tobacco types. Of those reporting positive history, 50% to 67% answered detailed questions. Accuracy: Surrogates were accurate about overall smoking status (Kappa (&kgr;) = 0.75) compared with index self-report, but tended to underreport (P = 0.10). Spouses and nonspouses performed similarly. Accuracy by tobacco type was moderate (&kgr; = 0.21 to 0.56), with cigar smoking underreported. Surrogates for cigarette smokers underreported duration and amount smoked. Surrogates for deceased workers can report accurately on overall smoking status, but underreport other smoking habits.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID