ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

To evaluate delayed (long-term) effects of acute sarin poisoning on postural balance, nine male and nine female victims of the Tokyo Subway Sarin Poisoning in Japan (sarin cases) were examined by computerized posturography 6-8 months after the poisoning. Their plasma cholinesterase activities (ChE) on the day of the poisoning (March 20, 1995) were 13-95 (mean 68.2) IU/l for females and 19-131 (mean 75.9) IU/l for males, which were not significantly different between the two sexes. In females, the postural sway of low frequency (0-1 Hz) in the anterior-posterior direction and area of sway with eyes open was significantly larger in the cases than in the controls. Romberg quotients for the low-frequency sway in the anterior-posterior direction for females and low-frequency sway and length of sway in the medio-lateral direction for males were significantly related to log ChE. It is suggested that a delayed effect on the vestibulo-cerebellar system was induced by acute sarin poisoning; females might be more sensitive than males.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Diatomaceous earth is a noncrystalline form of silica; in processing, calcining leads to formation of cristobalite, a form of crystalline silica. Four hundred ninety-two currently employed diatomaceous earth workers in a large mine and processing facility had chest radiographs performed and interpreted by the International Labour Office (ILO) system. Two hundred sixty-seven subjects underwent spirometry testing. Exposure indices for total dust (largely diatomaceous earth) and cristobalite were reconstructed for each individual based upon personnel records. Analysis demonstrated the following prevalences of radiographic findings: 5% had ILO scores ≥ 1/0, and 25% had scores of 0/1 or higher. Regression analyses showed that there was a relationship between both total cristobalite exposure and total dust(largely diatomaceous earth) exposure and the ILO score. Radiographic patterns are not typical of those of classic silicosis. Linear regression analyses for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio did not demonstrate a relationship between cumulative exposure and lung function. Such analyses were performed using all subjects and stratified by smoking status. There were differences in spirometric data according to radiographic ILO category, but the results were inconsistent and did not permit determining if physiologic changes are associated with radiographic change or if this is due to confounding. Overall, the study suggests that diatomaceous earth pneumoconiosis (radiographically defined) is an entity distinct from silicosis. Recent exposure levels may produce radiographic abnormalities but do not lead to demonstrable physiologic effect. The prevalence of the disorder has diminished markedly in response to modern dust control measures. Ongoing medical surveillance is recommended in workers with potential exposure to significant quantity of material.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The relationship between particle characteristics and in vitro toxicity was investigated using Chinese hamster ovary cells. Test dusts included respirable natural (Nat) and flux-calcined (FC) diatomaceous earth (DE), quartz, cristobalite, TiO2, and chrysotile and crocidolite asbestos. All dusts elicited a qualitatively similar, concentration-dependent response: particle uptake, induction of micro- and polynuclei, and reduction in cell proliferation. However, similar mass concentrations of the dusts yielded a 35-fold range of toxicity: chrysotile > crocidolite>Nat DE>FC DE>quartz>Cristobalite>TiO2. In vitro toxicity did not correlate with crystalline silica content, surface area, composition, volume, particles/cm2, or fibrous geometry. Toxicity was closely associated with the number of particles/cm2culture surface that had at least one dimension > 7.5 µm. Thus particle size but not shape could be a determinant of in vitro toxicity. Particle size might also impact in vivo pathogenesis.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Due to the lack of information regarding how US workers protect themselves from ultraviolet radiation, this study explored solar protection behaviors among three groups of outdoor workers. This cross-sectional research involved two separate studies. Study 1 consisted of observations of 312 outdoor workers, and Study 2 was a paper and pencil survey (n = 240). For each data set, occupational groups were compared on ultraviolet radiation protection. Observational data indicated that 50.4% of the workers had adequate protection. Across occupational groups, the ranking from highest to lowest levels of protection was consistent for both data sets. Face and lower arms were consistently the least protected sites. The pattern of findings suggests the importance of assessing protection of individual body sites, as well as composite protection.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Poisoning due to "non-automobile" gas-powered engines accounts for the largest proportion of occupational carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings in Colorado workers. The present analysis was undertaken to characterize the problem and develop prevention strategies. Cases of occupational CO poisoning were identified from Colorado's population-based surveillance system for unintentional CO poisonings. For cases poisoned by "non-automobile" gas-powered engines, medical records were obtained. Results showed that almost all of the poisonings from these engines occurred indoors or in an enclosed space. Concrete saws were the most frequent source of poisoning. When compared with operators of other equipment, concrete saw operators had shorter durations of exposure to CO but generally experienced more severe symptoms and signs of poisoning. These results underscore the hazard associated with the indoor use of any gas-powered equipment; however, operators of concrete saws may receive a higher dose of CO.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Several studies have indicated an increased cancer risk among paper mill workers, based on rather few cancer cases. The authors studied cancer incidence in a large historical cohort of 14,362 Danish paper mill workers, employed at any time between 1943 and 1990, and followed up until December 31, 1993. Men had an increased risk of pharyngeal cancer (15 observed (obs), standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-3.29). With two additional cases among women, 11 of 17 cases were located in the tonsils. Men also had an increased risk of Hodgkin's disease(18 obs, SIR 2.01, 95% CI 1.19-3.18). Women had an increased risk of soft tissue sarcomas (nine obs, SIR 2.33, 95% CI 1.06-4.43), with a high risk among female paper sorters (eight obs, SIR 3.98, 95% CI 1.71-7.84). The study thus supports some studies' observations of an increased risk of Hodgkin's disease in paper mill workers. The detailed reporting of cancer cases in paper mill workers have furthermore revealed a risk of pharyngeal cancer together with a risk of soft tissue sarcomas in paper sorters.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Little is known about the relation of cigarette smoking and early retirement due to permanent disability. We conducted a cohort study among 4796 construction workers aged 40 to 59 who underwent occupational health examinations in 1986-1988 in occupational health centers located in the southern region of Germany. They were followed up with respect to working status until July 1994. The effect of smoking on early retirement due to permanent disability was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Overall, smoking prevalence at baseline was 52%. The relative rate (RR) for permanent disability was 1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.8) for all current smokers, compared with never-smokers. A positive dose-response relationship between smoking and the rate of early retirement due to permanent disability was found after adjustment for covariates. RR ranged from 1.3 in persons who reported smoking 1-19 cigarettes a day to 1.6 in persons who reported smoking≥30 cigarettes a day (P value for trend = 0.02). These findings underline the need for comprehensive efforts at the workplace to reduce smoking and its negative consequences for the individual, as well as to limit the associated social burden for society.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID