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Exposure Assessment (exposure + assessment)
Selected AbstractsIntegrated Environmental Assessment: Part III: Exposure AssessmentJOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Thomas E. McKone First page of article [source] Exposure assessment of 17,-ethinylestradiol in surface waters of the United States and Europe,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2009Robert Hannah Abstract An evaluation of measured and predicted concentrations of 17,-ethinylestradiol in surface waters of the United States and Europe was conducted to develop expected long-term exposure concentrations for this compound. Measured environmental concentrations (MECs) in surface waters were identified from the literature. Predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) were generated for European and U.S. watersheds using the GREAT-ER and PhATEÔ models, respectively. The majority of MECs are nondetect and generally consistent with model PECs and conservative mass balance calculations. However, the highest MECs are not consistent with concentrations derived from conservative (worst-case) mass balance estimates or model PECs. A review of analytical methods suggests that tandem or high-resolution mass spectrometry methods with extract cleanup result in lower detection limits and lower reported concentrations consistent with model predictions and bounding estimates. Based on model results using PhATE and GREAT-ER, the 90th-percentile low-flow PECs in surface water are approximately 0.2 and 0.3 ng/L for the United States and Europe, respectively. These levels represent conservative estimates of long-term exposure that can be used for risk assessment purposes. Our analysis also indicates that average concentrations are one to two orders of magnitude lower than these 90th-percentile estimates. Higher reported concentrations (e.g., greater than the 99th-percentile PEC of ,1 ng/L) could result from methodological problems or unusual environmental circumstances; however, such concentrations are not representative of levels generally found in the environment, warrant special scrutiny, and are not appropriate for use in risk assessments of long-term exposures. [source] Exposure assessment of fetus and newborn to brominated flame retardants in France: preliminary dataMOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 2 2008Jean-Philippe Antignac Abstract Brominated flame retardants (BFR) are chemicals extensively used in many manufactured products to reduce the risk of fire, but also environmental pollutants. In order to assess the potential risk linked to these compounds in human, a French monitoring study was initiated to evaluate the exposure of fetus and newborn. A previously described multi-residue analytical method was used, for measuring the main classes of BFR (hexabromocyclododecane, tetrabromobisphenol-A, and tri- to deca-polybromodiphenylethers) in various biological matrices. These analyzed samples (maternal and umbilical serum, adipose tissue and breast milk) were collected on volunteer women during caesarean deliveries. Preliminary results obtained on 26 individuals (mother/newborn pairs) mainly demonstrated the presence of polybromodiphenylethers (PBDE) and tetrabromobisphenol A both in maternal and fetal matrices, and a possible risk of overexposure of newborns through breastfeeding. Contaminations levels were found globally in the ng/g lipid weight range, consistent with other published European data. Exposure results regarding highly brominated PBDE congeners (octa- to deca-BDE) appeared particularly informative and non-commonly reported, these compounds accounting for around 50% of the total PBDE load. Additional data collection and metabolism investigations are now on-going. A more complete statistical analysis related to this BFR exposition study will be provided in a next future. [source] Exposure assessment of electromagnetic fields near electrosurgical unitsBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 7 2010Jonna Wilén Abstract Electrosurgical units (ESU) are widely used in medical health services. By applying sinusoidal or pulsed voltage in the frequency range of 0.3,5,MHz to the electrode tip, the desired mixture of coagulation and cutting are achieved. Due to the high voltage and current in the cable, strong electromagnetic fields appear near the ESU. The surgeon and others inside the operating room such as nurses, anesthesiologists, etc., will be highly exposed to these fields. The stray fields surrounding the ESU have previously been measured, but now a deeper analysis has been made of the curve shape of the field and the implication of this when assessing exposure from a commonly used ESU in accordance with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. The result showed that for some of the modes, especially those using high-pulsed voltage with only a few sinusoidal periods, the E-field close to the cable could reach linear spatially averaged values of 20,kV/m compared to the 2.1,kV/m stated in ICNIRP guidelines. Assessing the E- and B-field from ESU is not straightforward since in this frequency range, both induced current density and specific absorption rate are restricted by the ICNIRP guidelines. Nevertheless, work needs to be done to reduce the stray fields from ESU. Bioelectromagnetics 31:513,518, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Principles of risk assessment for determining the safety of chemicals: Recent assessment of residual solvents in drugs and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalateCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 2 2004Ryuichi Hasegawa ABSTRACT Risk assessment of chemicals is essential for the estimation of chemical safety, and animal toxicity data are typically used in the evaluation process, which consists of hazard identification, dose,response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. Hazard identification entails the collection of all available toxicity data and assessment of toxicity endpoints based on findings for repeated dose toxicity, carcinogenicity or genotoxicity and species-specificity. Once a review is compiled, the allowable lifetime exposure level of a chemical is estimated from a dose,response assessment based on several measures. For non-carcinogens and non-genotoxic carcinogens, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) is divided by uncertainty factors (e.g. with environmental pollutants) or safety factors (e.g. with food additives) to derive a tolerable daily intake (TDI) or acceptable daily intake (ADI), respectively. These factors include interspecies and individual differences, duration of exposure, quality of data, and nature of toxicity such as carcinogenicity or neurotoxicity. For genotoxic carcinogens, low dose extrapolation is accomplished with mathematical modeling (e.g. linearized multistage model) from the point of departure to obtain exposure levels that will be associated with an excess lifetime cancer risk of a certain level. Data for levels of chemicals in food, water and air, are routinely used for exposure assessment. Finally, risk characterization is performed to ensure that the established ,safe' level of exposure exceeds the estimated level of actual exposure. These principles have led to the evaluation of several existing chemicals. To establish a guideline for residual solvents in medicine, the permitted daily exposure (PDE), equivalent to TDI, of N,N-dimethylformamide was derived on the basis of developmental toxicity (malformation) and of N-methylpyrrolidone on the basis of the developmental neurotoxicity. A TDI for di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was derived from assessment of testicular toxicity. [source] Occurrence and prognosis of hand eczema in the car industry: results from the PACO follow-up study (PACO II)CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2008Christian J. Apfelbacher Background:, Only a few epidemiological studies on hand eczema (HE) in the metalworking industry have been conducted, and no study has attempted a long-term follow-up. Objectives:, In the Prospective Audi Cohort (PACO) II follow-up study, we aimed to estimate burden and prognosis of HE in a car industry setting (follow-up > 10 years). Patients/Methods:, Eligible participants were individuals who had been examined in the original PACO study (1990,1998) and had been followed through until the end of their apprenticeship (n = 1909). Participants were interviewed and underwent dermatological examination. An exposure assessment was carried out according to a pre-defined algorithm. Results:, The follow-up rate was 78.3% (1494/1909). Mean follow-up time was 13.3 [standard deviation 1.3] years. The period prevalence of HE in the follow-up period was 21.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19.0,23.1%], yielding a cumulative incidence of 29.3% (95% CI 26.9,31.6%) in the entire study period. HE persisted after the end of apprenticeship in 40.0% (95% CI 33.3,46.7%) of subjects who had had HE during apprenticeship (n = 205). 18.0% (95% CI 15.9,20.1%) developed HE in the follow-up period (n = 1289). Conclusions:, Around 30% of subjects were affected by HE at least once during the study period. HE persisted in 40% of the participants affected during apprenticeship. [source] Hair dye contact allergy: quantitative exposure assessment of selected products and clinical casesCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2004Heidi SØsted Colouring of hair can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis. The most frequently reported hair dye allergens are p -phenylenediamine (PPD) and toluene-2,5-diamine, which are included in, respectively, the patch test standard series and the hairdressers series. The aim of the present study was to identify dye precursors and couplers in hair dyeing products causing clinical hair dye dermatitis and to compare the data with the contents of these compounds in a randomly selected set of similar products. The patient material comprised 9 cases of characteristic clinical allergic hair dye reaction, where exposure history and patch testing had identified a specific hair dye product as the cause of the reaction. The 9 products used by the patients were subjected to chemical analysis. 8 hair dye products contained toluene-2,5-diamine (0.18 to 0.98%). PPD (0.27%) was found in 1 product, and m -aminophenol (0.015 to 0.38%) and p -aminophenol (0.16 to 2.1%) were found in 3 products. The concentration levels were similar in the patient's products compared to a random sample of 16 hair dye products. The concentration present of toluene-2,5-diamine elicited allergic reactions in concentrations that were 10-fold lower than the legal EU limit of 10%. Hair dye allergy may cause severe clinical reactions, and the current regulation is insufficient in protection of the users. A preventive strategy is needed. [source] Gene expression in caged fish as a first-tier indicator of contaminant exposure in streamsENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2005Aaron P. Roberts Abstract The development of sensitive, biologically based indicators of contaminant exposure (i.e., biomarkers) is an ongoing topic of research. These indicators have been proposed as a first-tier method of identifying contaminant exposure. The primary objective of this research was to implement a biomarker-based method of exposure assessment using caged fish and real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtRT-PCR) measurements of gene expression. Primers were developed for the CYPIA, metallothionein, and vitellogenin genes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchyus mykiss), cutbow trout (Oncorhynchyus clarkii × mykiss), and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Each of these genes has been shown to respond specifically to planar aromatic compounds, heavy metals, and environmental estrogens, respectively. Juvenile fish were placed in cages and exposed in situ at reference and contaminated sites on the Cache la Poudre River (CO, USA), the Arkansas River (CO, USA), the St. John River (NB, Canada), and two urban creeks near Dayton (OH, USA). Quantitative gene expression was determined using rtRT-PCR. Biomarker expression profiles were obtained that demonstrated differences in CYP1A, metallothionein, and vitellogenin mRNA production unique to each site, indicating that specific types of compounds were bioavailable and present in sufficient concentrations to elicit transcriptional responses in the organism. These findings support the use of a biomarker-based approach to exposure identification and assessment. [source] Refined aquatic risk assessment for aldicarb in the United StatesINTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2010Dwayne RJ Moore Abstract Aldicarb is a systemic insecticide applied directly to soil and to control mites, nematodes, and aphids on a variety of crops (e.g., cotton, potatoes, peanuts). It is highly soluble in water (6,000 mg/L) and mobile in soils (Koc,=,100). As a result, aldicarb has the potential to be transported to aquatic systems close to treated fields. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently conducted an aquatic screening-level ERA for aldicarb as part of the re-registration review process. We conducted a refined risk assessment for aldicarb to characterize better the risks posed by aldicarb to fish and invertebrates inhabiting small freshwater ponds near agricultural areas. For the exposure assessment, tier II PRZM/EXAMS (Predicted Root Zone Model [PRZM] and Exposure Analysis Modelling System [EXAMS]) modelling was conducted to estimate 30-y distributions of peak concentrations of aldicarb and the carbamate metabolites (aldicarb sulfoxide, aldicarb sulfone) in surface waters of a standard pond arising from different uses of aldicarb. The effects assessment was performed using a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach. The resulting risk curves as well as available incident reports suggest that risks to freshwater fish and invertebrates from exposure to aldicarb are minor. The available monitoring data did not provide conclusive evidence about risks to aquatic biota. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010; 6:102,118. © 2009 SETAC [source] Percutaneous absorption and exposure assessment of pesticidesJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Mai A. Ngo Abstract Dermal exposure to a diverse range of chemicals may result from various uses. In order to assess exposure and estimate potential risks, accurate quantitative data on absorption are required. Various factors will influence the final results and interpretations of studies designed to assess the ability of compounds to penetrate the skin. This overview will discuss skin penetration by pesticides, emphasizing key parameters to be considered from the perspective of exposure assessment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Our genes are not our destiny: incorporating molecular medicine into clinical practiceJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2008Stephen J. Genuis MD FRCSC DABOG DABEM FAAEM Abstract In many developed nations, the state of publicly administered health care is increasingly precarious as a result of escalating numbers of chronically ill patients, inadequate medical personnel and hospital facilities, as well as sparse funding for ongoing upgrades to state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technology , an increased emphasis on aetiology-centred medicine should be considered in order to achieve improved health for patients and populations. Medical practice patterns which are designed to provide quick and effective amelioration of signs and symptoms are frequently not an enduring solution to many health afflictions and chronic disease states. Recent scientific discovery has rendered the drug-oriented algorithmic paradigm commonly found in contemporary evidence-based medicine to be a reductionist approach to clinical practice. Unfolding evidence appears to support a genetic predisposition model of health and illness rather than a fatalistic predestination construct , modifiable epigenetic and environmental factors have enormous potential to influence clinical outcomes. By understanding and applying fundamental clinical principles relating to the emerging fields of molecular medicine, nutrigenomics and human exposure assessment, doctors will be empowered to address causality of affliction when possible and achieve sustained reprieve for many suffering patients. [source] Heavy metal pollution in Antarctica: a molecular ecotoxicological approach to exposure assessmentJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 2000C. W. Evans Trematomus bernacchii sampled from two sites at Ross Island, Antarctica, were assessed for condition (gonadal and hepatic somatic indices and condition factor), pathological state (liver and gill histology), hepatic metal (Zn, Cu, Cd and Ni) concentrations, and metallothionein induction by quantitative competitive (qc) RT-PCR. Fish from a polluted site (Winter Quarters Bay) had pathological anomalies including necrosis and periductal inflammation in their livers, and X-cell disease, epithelial hyperplasia, lamellar fusion and aneurysms in their gills. Such anomalies were less common in fish from a relatively pristine site (Backdoor Bay, Cape Royds). Fish from both sites had similar liver concentrations of Zn, Cu and Cd and qcRT-PCR revealed similar levels of hepatic metallothionein mRNA. Ni in the livers of fish from Winter Quarters Bay were higher than those in fish from Backdoor Bay, but the differences were not great enough to affect hepatic metallothionein mRNA significantly. Despite the polluted state of Winter Quarters Bay waters, it seems that the heavy metals present may have only limited impact on the health status of fish collected from this locality. This may reflect a low bioavailability of the heavy metals in Ross Island marine sediments and suggests that other factors, such as relatively high levels of organic pollutants (PAHs, PCBs) or pathogens from the nearby sewage outlet, may play a more significant role in the aetiology of pathological conditions in fish from Winter Quarters Bay. [source] Quantification of urinary N -acetyl- S - (propionamide)cysteine using an on-line clean-up system coupled with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometryJOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 4 2005Chien-Ming Li Abstract Acrylamide has been reported to be present in high-temperature processed foods and normal processed food intake could lead to significant acrylamide exposure. Acrylamide in vivo can be conjugated with glutathione in the presence of glutathione transferase. This conjugation product is further metabolized and excreted as N -acetyl- S -(propionamide)cysteine (NASPC) in the urine. NASPC could be considered a biomarker for acrylamide exposure. The objective of this study was to develop a highly specific, rapid and sensitive method to quantify urinary NASPC, serving as a biomarker for acrylamide exposure assessment. Isotope-labeled [13C3]NASPC was successfully synthesized and used as an internal standard. This urine mixture was directly analyzed using a newly developed liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric method coupled with an on-line clean-up system. The detection limit for this method was estimated as <5 µg l,1(0.4 pmol) on-column. The method was applied to measure the urinary level of NASPC in 70 apparently health subjects. The results showed that the NASPC urinary level was highly associated with smoking. Smokers had a significantly higher urinary NASPC level (135 ± 88 µg g,1 creatinine) than non-smokers (76 ± 30 µg g,1 creatinine). A highly sensitive and selective LC/MS/MS isotope dilution method was successfully established. With an on-line clean-up system, this system is capable of routine high-throughput analysis and accurate quantitation of NASPC in urine. This could be a useful tool for health surveillance for acrylamide exposure in a population for future study. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Disturbance of measurement probe for exposure assessment of a base station antenna near a ground planeMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 8 2006Wout Joseph Abstract The disturbance caused by a measurement probe close to a ground plane is characterized. A trade-off must be made between disturbance and sensitivity. An optimal probe for electromagnetic exposure measurements above a ground plane in the neighborhood of a base station antenna is selected. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1610,1613, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21694 [source] Pesticide residues in food,acute dietary exposure,PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 4 2004Denis Hamilton Abstract Consumer risk assessment is a crucial step in the regulatory approval of pesticide use on food crops. Recently, an additional hurdle has been added to the formal consumer risk assessment process with the introduction of short-term intake or exposure assessment and a comparable short-term toxicity reference, the acute reference dose. Exposure to residues during one meal or over one day is important for short-term or acute intake. Exposure in the short term can be substantially higher than average because the consumption of a food on a single occasion can be very large compared with typical long-term or mean consumption and the food may have a much larger residue than average. Furthermore, the residue level in a single unit of a fruit or vegetable may be higher by a factor (defined as the variability factor, which we have shown to be typically ×3 for the 97.5th percentile unit) than the average residue in the lot. Available marketplace data and supervised residue trial data are examined in an investigation of the variability of residues in units of fruit and vegetables. A method is described for estimating the 97.5th percentile value from sets of unit residue data. Variability appears to be generally independent of the pesticide, the crop, crop unit size and the residue level. The deposition of pesticide on the individual unit during application is probably the most significant factor. The diets used in the calculations ideally come from individual and household surveys with enough consumers of each specific food to determine large portion sizes. The diets should distinguish the different forms of a food consumed, eg canned, frozen or fresh, because the residue levels associated with the different forms may be quite different. Dietary intakes may be calculated by a deterministic method or a probabilistic method. In the deterministic method the intake is estimated with the assumptions of large portion consumption of a ,high residue' food (high residue in the sense that the pesticide was used at the highest recommended label rate, the crop was harvested at the smallest interval after treatment and the residue in the edible portion was the highest found in any of the supervised trials in line with these use conditions). The deterministic calculation also includes a variability factor for those foods consumed as units (eg apples, carrots) to allow for the elevated residue in some single units which may not be seen in composited samples. In the probabilistic method the distribution of dietary consumption and the distribution of possible residues are combined in repeated probabilistic calculations to yield a distribution of possible residue intakes. Additional information such as percentage commodity treated and combination of residues from multiple commodities may be incorporated into probabilistic calculations. The IUPAC Advisory Committee on Crop Protection Chemistry has made 11 recommendations relating to acute dietary exposure. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Estimation of time-dependent rate ratios in case-control studies: comparison of two approaches for exposure assessment,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 5 2006Geneviève Lefebvre Abstract Purpose In pharmacoepidemiology, it is well recognized that the rate of adverse events may vary as a function of the cumulative duration of the drug exposure and/or the time since the end of the exposure. In case-control studies, two different approaches have been used to estimate temporal effects of drug exposure: the time-windows (T-Ws) approach and the duration-specific (D-S) approach. We decided to conduct a simulation study to compare the two approaches when the rate ratios (RRs) vary as a function of the cumulative duration of exposure and/or the time since the end of exposure. Methods We generated three cohorts of 500,000 individuals in which the rate of the event was varying as a function of the cumulative duration of exposure and the time since the end of exposure. For each cohort, a nested case-control analysis was performed using both the D-S and the T-Ws approaches. In the T-Ws approach, a RR is estimated within specific periods of time prior to the outcome, while a RR is estimated within periods of cumulative duration of exposure and time since the end of exposure in the D-S approach. Results We found that the RRs obtained from the D-S approach exactly corresponded to the RRs obtained from the cohort analyses, while the RRs obtained from the T-Ws approach generally not. RRs obtained from the T-Ws approach were difficult to interpret in terms of the effect of the duration and timing of the exposure. Conclusion The D-S approach should be used to investigate the duration-related effects of exposure in case-control studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The influence of sociodemographic characteristics on agreement between self-reports and expert exposure assessments,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2010Grace Sembajwe ScD Abstract Background Often in exposure assessment for epidemiology, there are no highly accurate exposure data and different measurement methods are considered. The objective of this study was to use various statistical techniques to explore agreement between individual reports and expert ratings of workplace exposures in several industries and investigate the sociodemographic influences on this agreement. Methods A cohort of 1,282 employees at 4 industries/14 worksites answered questions on workplace physical, chemical, and psychosocial exposures over the past 12 months. Occupational hygienists constructed job exposure matrices (JEMs) based on worksite walkthrough exposure evaluations. Worker self-reports were compared with the JEMs using multivariable analyses to explore discord. Results There was poor agreement between the self-reported and expert exposure assessments, but there was evidence that agreement was modified by sociodemographic characteristics. Several characteristics including gender, age, race/ethnicity, hourly wage and nativity strongly affected the degree of discord between self-reports and expert raters across a wide array of different exposures. Conclusions Agreement between exposure assessment tools may be affected by sociodemographic characteristics. This study is cross-sectional and therefore, a snapshot of potential exposures in the workplace. Nevertheless, future studies should take into account the social contexts within which workplace exposures occur. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1019,1031, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Farmer exposure to organic solvents during the maintenance and repair of farm machinery: A pilot studyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 12 2009Terry L. Bunn PhD Abstract Background The maintenance/repair of farm machinery is a common farming activity. Dermal exposure to organic solvents has not been well documented. A pilot study was conducted to characterize exposure to organic solvents. Methods A survey questionnaire was administered to 31 Kentucky farmers in 2008. Dermal exposure assessment was conducted in 10 farmers while farmers performed farm machinery maintenance/repair tasks using a solvent sampling patch. Benzene, toluene, xylene, and n -hexane were analyzed. Results All four organic solvents were identified from the samples with toluene (<0.5,36,000,µg/patch) and xylene (15,5,700,µg/patch) at significantly higher levels. Twenty-six farmers reported the use of personal protective equipment <50% of their time repairing/maintaining farm machinery on the questionnaire; only two farmers wore gloves during the exposure assessment. Conclusions Farmers routinely use solvent products for farm machinery maintenance/repair. Dermal exposure to organic solvents is a potential hazard. Further studies to characterize and evaluate exposure in larger samples of farmers are needed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:973,981, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Factors associated with cancer distress in the Asbestos Post-Exposure Survey (APEXS),AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009Marion Maurel MSc Abstract Objectives CT-scan screening programs for lung cancer detection have been proposed in high-risk subjects, and more recently in former asbestos-exposed subjects. However, to date no data are available on psychological impact of such programs. The aim of this study is to examine the risk factors of psychological distress at baseline of a CT-scan screening program among asbestos-exposed subjects. Methods The Asbestos Post-Exposure Survey (APEXS) was carried out in France between October 2003 and December 2005 in order to screen asbestos-related diseases by CT-scan. Volunteers underwent self-administered questionnaires including an asbestos exposure assessment and, for a large sub-sample, a validated psychological distress scale. Non-exposed subjects were used as reference group. Results At baseline, a significant higher level of distress was observed in exposed subjects (n,=,3,122) relative to the reference group (n,=,486) after adjustment on age, sex, and tobacco status. This distress is associated independently with the self-perception of (i) intensity of asbestos exposure and (ii) the risk of current or future disease related to the asbestos exposure. The perception of the cancer risk related to asbestos seems to play a fundamental role in this psychological distress. Conclusion In this study, asbestos-exposed subjects experienced a higher significant cancer distress than previously described in literature. These findings may be of potential public health importance. First, the impact of such occupational exposures on quality of life of patients who suffer from cancer related to these exposures has to be appraised. Secondly, the assessment of psychological impact of CT-scan screening programs among asbestos-exposed subjects is also required. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:288,296, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Occupational wood dust exposure and the risk of laryngeal cancer: A population based case-control study in GermanyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 9 2008Heribert Ramroth Abstract Background To investigate the effect of exposure to wood dust on the risk of laryngeal cancer. Methods A population-based case-control study on laryngeal cancer was conducted in South-West Germany between 1st of May 1998 to 31st of December 2000 with 257 histologically confirmed cases (236 males, 21 females), age 37 to 80 years, and 769 population controls (702 males, 67 females), 1:3 frequency matched by age and sex. Occupational exposures and other risk factors were obtained with face-to-face interviews using a detailed standardized questionnaire. The complete individual work history was assessed. Work conditions were obtained by job-specific questionnaires for selected jobs known to be associated with exposure to potential carcinogens. Additionally, a specific substance check-list was used as a method for exposure assessment. Results 43 (16.7%) cases (41 males, 2 females) and 107 (13.9%) controls (105 males, 2 females) reported wood dust exposure. Numbers were almost identical for two different methods of exposure assessment; however, the agreement of these methods was around 95%. A strong effect on laryngeal cancer risk after adjustment for smoking, alcohol and education was observed for high exposure to hardwood dust (OR,=,2.6, 95% CI 1.3--5.2) and to softwood dust (OR,=,2.2, 95% CI 1.1--4.2), as assessed by substance list. Conclusions Our findings for higher exposure to hardwood and softwood dust contribute to the evidence that wood dust, in particular from hardwood is an independent risk factor. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:648,655, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Population-based research on occupational and environmental factors for leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: The Northern Germany Leukemia and Lymphoma Study (NLL),AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2008W. Hoffmann MPH Abstract Background The Northern Germany Leukemia and Lymphoma Study (NLL) is a population-based study designed to provide a quantitative basis for investigations into occupational and environmental risk factors for leukemia and lymphoma. Methods All incident cases of leukemia and lymphoma diagnosed between 1/1/1986 and 12/31/1998 in six counties in Northern Germany were actively ascertained. Controls were selected from population registries. Use of pesticides, sources of food supply, time spent at home and work, medical and family history were assessed via face-to-face interview. This self-reported information was used in conjunction with direct environmental measurements of pesticides in household dust and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). In addition, geographical information system (GIS) data were used to derive estimates of environmental exposure to pesticides, EMFs associated with transmission lines, and ionizing radiation from routine nuclear power reactor operations. Occupational exposure assessment was based on lifetime work history. For each job, information on branch of industry, company, job description, and duration of employment were ascertained. Results Fourteen hundred thirty cases and 3041 controls were recruited. Lifetime residential and workplace histories totaled 49,628 addresses. Occupational exposure to pesticides was reported by 15% of the male participants (women: 16%). Four percent of the men (women: 8%) were occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation for ,1 year over their lifetime. Sixty four percent of the participants had lived in the vicinity (20 km) of a nuclear power plant in operation. Conclusions The NLL illustrates the successful application of innovative methods to simultaneously assess occupational and environmental risk factors for leukemia and lymphoma including radiological hazards, pesticides, and EMFs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:246,257, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Evaluating measurement error in estimates of worker exposure assessed in parallel by personal and biological monitoringAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2007Elaine Symanski PhD Abstract Background While studies indicate that the attenuating effects of imperfectly measured exposure can be substantial, they have not had the requisite data to compare methods of assessing exposure for the same individuals monitored over common time periods. Methods We examined measurement error in multiple exposure measures collected in parallel on 32 groups of workers. Random-effects models were applied under both compound symmetric and exponential correlation structures. Estimates of the within- and between-worker variances were used to contrast the attenuation bias in an exposure-response relationship that would be expected using an individual-based exposure assessment for different exposure measures on the basis of the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results ICC estimates ranged widely, indicative of a great deal of measurement error in some exposure measures while others contained very little. There was generally less attenuation in the biomarker data as compared to measurements obtained by personal sampling and, among biomarkers, for those with longer half-lives. The interval ICC estimates were oftentimes wide, suggesting a fair amount of imprecision in the point estimates. Ignoring serial correlation tended to over estimate the ICC values. Conclusions Although personal sampling results were typically characterized by more intra-individual variability than inter-individual variability when compared to biological measurements, both types of data provided examples of exposure measures fraught with error. Our results also indicated substantial imprecision in the estimates of exposure measurement error, suggesting that greater emphasis needs to be given to studies that collect sufficient data to better characterize the attenuating effects of an error-prone exposure measure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:112,121, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cancer mortality among European asphalt workers: An international epidemiological study.AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2003Abstract Background Inhalation of bitumen fumes is potentially carcinogenic to humans. Methods We conducted a study of 29,820 male workers exposed to bitumen in road paving, asphalt mixing and roofing, 32,245 ground and building construction workers unexposed to bitumen, and 17,757 workers not classifiable as bitumen workers, from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, with mortality follow-up during 1953,2000. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on national mortality rates. Poisson regression analyses compared mortality of bitumen workers to that of building or ground construction workers. Results The overall mortality was below expectation in the total cohort (SMR 0.92, 95% CI 0.90,0.94) and in each group of workers. The SMR of lung cancer was higher among bitumen workers (1.17, 95% CI 1.04,1.30) than among workers in ground and building construction (SMR 1.01, 95% CI 0.89,1.15). In the internal comparison, the relative risk (RR) of lung cancer mortality among bitumen workers was 1.09 (95% CI 0.89,1.34). The results of cancer of the head and neck were similar to those of lung cancer, based on a smaller number of deaths. There was no suggestion of an association between employment in bitumen jobs and other cancers. Conclusions European workers employed in road paving, asphalt mixing and other jobs entailing exposure to bitumen fume might have experienced a small increase in lung cancer mortality risk, compared to workers in ground and building construction. However, exposure assessment was limited and confounding from exposure to carcinogens in other industries, tobacco smoking, and other lifestyle factors cannot be ruled out. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:18,27, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Respiratory effects of exposure to low levels of concrete dust containing crystalline silicaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2001E. Meijer MD Abstract Background Dusts containing crystalline silica are generated in mining, construction, glass, granite and concrete production industries. The association between exposure to low levels of concrete dust containing crystalline silica and reduction in lung function, was evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Methods The study was carried out among 144 concrete workers, from two factories, with exposure assessment of respirable dust and silica by personal samplers. Results of respiratory questionnaires and standardized measurements of lung function were compared with the results in a control population. Multiple linear regression analysis was used in selecting factors that predict (age and standing height standardized residual) lung function. Results The average concentration of respirable dust in both factories was 0.8 mg/m3 and 0.06 mg/m3 for respirable silica. The average silica content of the dust was 9%. The average cumulative dust exposure was 7.0 mg/m3 year and cumulative silica exposure was 0.6 mg/m3 year. Significant associations between exposure to concrete dust and a small lung function (FEV1/FVC ratio, MMEF) loss were found, independent of smoking habits and of a history of allergy. Conclusions Our results indicate that, concrete workers with chronic obstructive pulmonary symptoms and/or work-related lower respiratory symptoms are at risk of having a reduction in lung function (FEV&1/FVC ratio) outside the 5th percentile of the external reference population, and therefore, of mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, at respirable concrete dust levels below 1 mg/m3 with a respirable crystalline silica content of 10% (TWA, 8 hr). Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:133,140, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Determination of dichloroanilines in human urine by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry: validation protocol and establishment of Reference Values in a population group living in central ItalyRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 17 2006Roberta Turci 3,4- and 3,5-Dichloroanilines (DCAs) are common markers of some non-persistent pesticides, e.g. linuron, diuron, vinclozolin, and iprodione. The general population may be exposed to these DCAs and/or their precursors mainly through diet. Since adverse effects on human health, such as endocrine disruption, have been reported, biological monitoring is essential for exposure assessment both of occupationally exposed subjects and of the general population. A highly sensitive and selective gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method has been developed for the determination of 3,4- and 3,5-DCAs in urine using 4-chloro-2-methylaniline as an internal standard. The selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode was employed for quantitation of the analytes. The sample treatment procedure is simple and fast and no derivatization is required. The overall method was validated including uncertainty measurement. The limit of detection (LOD) and the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) were determined to be 0.005 and 0.010,µg/L for both analytes. The method was then applied to the establishment of reference values for a population group living in a rural area of central Italy (Novafeltria, Marche). A total of 151 out of 153 samples were found to be positive for 3,5-DCA, and 81.7% were positive for 3,4-DCA. For this group, 3,4-DCA levels ranged from 0.01 to 6.19,µg/L, while 3,5-DCA urinary concentrations were between 0.02 and 6.71,µg/L. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Occupational exposure to crystalline silica and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus: A population-based, case,control study in the Southeastern United StatesARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 7 2002Christine G. Parks Objective Crystalline silica may act as an immune adjuvant to increase inflammation and antibody production, and findings of occupational cohort studies suggest that silica exposure may be a risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We undertook this population-based study to examine the association between occupational silica exposure and SLE in the southeastern US. Methods SLE patients (n = 265; diagnosed between January 1, 1995 and July 31, 1999) were recruited from 4 university rheumatology practices and 30 community-based rheumatologists in 60 contiguous counties. Controls (n = 355), frequency-matched to patients by age, sex, and state of residence, were randomly selected from driver's license registries. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 39 years; 91% were women and 60% were African American. Detailed occupational and farming histories were collected by in-person interviews. Silica exposure was determined through blinded assessment of job histories by 3 industrial hygienists, and potential medium- or high-level exposures were confirmed through followup telephone interviews. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by logistic regression. Results More patients (19%) than controls (8%) had a history of medium- or high-level silica exposure from farming or trades. We observed an association between silica and SLE (medium exposure OR 2.1 [95% CI 1.1,4.0], high exposure OR 4.6 [95% CI 1.4,15.4]) that was seen in separate analyses by sex, race, and at different levels of education. Conclusion These results suggest that crystalline silica exposure may promote the development of SLE in some individuals. Additional research is recommended in other populations, using study designs that minimize potential selection bias and maximize the quality of exposure assessment. [source] Electromagnetic field exposure and health among RF plastic sealer operatorsBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 1 2004Jonna Wilén Abstract Operators of RF plastic sealers (RF operators) are an occupational category highly exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. The aim of the present study was to make an appropriate exposure assessment of RF welding and examine the health status of the operators. In total, 35 RF operators and 37 controls were included. The leakage fields (electric and magnetic field strength) were measured, as well as induced and contact current. Information about welding time and productivity was used to calculate time integrated exposure. A neurophysiological examination and 24 h ECG were also carried out. The participants also had to answer a questionnaire about subjective symptoms. The measurements showed that RF operators were exposed to rather intense electric and magnetic fields. The mean values of the calculated 6 min, spatially averaged E and H field strengths, in line with ICNIRP reference levels, are 107 V/m and 0.24 A/m, respectively. The maximum measured field strengths were 2 kV/m and 1.5 A/m, respectively. The induced current in ankles and wrists varied, depending on the work situation, with a mean value of 101 mA and a maximum measured value of 1 A. In total, 11 out of 46 measured RF plastic sealers exceeded the ICNIRP reference levels. RF operators, especially the ready made clothing workers had a slightly disturbed two-point discrimination ability compared to a control group. A nonsignificant difference between RF operators and controls was found in the prevalence of subjective symptoms, but the time integrated exposure parameters seem to be of importance to the prevalence of some subjective symptoms: fatigue, headaches, and warmth sensations in the hands. Further, RF operators had a significantly lower heart rate (24 h registration) and more episodes of bradycardia compared to controls. Bioelectromagnetics 25:5,15, 2004. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Occupational magnetic field exposures of garment workers: Results of personal and survey measurementsBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 5 2003Michael A. Kelsh Abstract To explore the feasibility of performing an epidemiologic study of female breast cancer and magnetic field (MF) exposures, we chose to study garment workers, who reportedly have some of the highest MF exposures. We collected personal exposure (PE, n,=,48) and survey measurements (n,=,77) near commercial sewing machines at three garment facilities and conducted a pilot interview among 25 garment workers asking about exposure duration, activities, and machine characteristics. MF levels were higher for older machines with alternating current (AC) than newer machines with direct current (DC) motors. MF levels were comparable for both idling and sewing activities. Most interviewed workers could describe duration of exposure and machine type (automatic/manual), but not other machine characteristics. Measurements were lower than previously reported for garment workers but were higher than exposures to most women. A historical exposure assessment can be conducted by linking duration of exposure with reconstructed exposure measurements but may be limited by the accuracy of work history data. Bioelectromagnetics 24:316-326, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Occupational exposures to high frequency electromagnetic fields in the intermediate range (,>300 Hz,10 MHz)BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 8 2002Birgitta Floderus Abstract The aim of this study was to identify work situations with electromagnetic fields of 300 Hz,10 MHz and to characterize the occupational exposure. Work place investigations included descriptions of the work environment and physical measurements. We estimated electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields by spot measurements in air, by logged exposure data, and when possible, we recorded induced currents in limbs. The instruments used were Wandel and Golterman EFA-3, NARDA 8718, Holaday HI-3702. The exposure sources comprised five induction furnaces, seven induction heaters, one surface treatment equipment, four units of electronic article surveillance (EAS), and medical devices for surgery and muscle stimulation. The induction furnaces operated at 480 Hz,7 kHz, and the maximum values of logged data varied between 512,2093 V/m (E field) and 10.5,87.3 A/m (H field). The induction heaters (3.8 kHz,1.25 MHz) also showed high maximum exposure values of both E and H fields. Three EAS units, an electromagnetic plate at a library, a luggage control unit, and an antitheft gate, showed E fields reaching 658,1069 V/m. The H fields were comparatively lower, except for the antitheft gate (5 and 7.5 kHz) showing a maximum value of 27.2 A/m (recorded during repair). Induced currents of 5,13 mA were measured for the medical devices. The study improves the basis for an exposure assessment for epidemiological studies of long term effects of exposures to high frequency electromagnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics 23:568,577, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Biomarkers for detection of prenatal alcohol exposure: A critical review of fatty acid ethyl esters in meconium,,BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH, Issue 7 2008Larry Burd Abstract BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was a review of published studies utilizing measurement of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in meconium as biomarkers for prenatal alcohol exposure. METHODS: We completed a literature search of PubMed using the terms meconium, fatty acid ethyl esters, biomarkers, and prenatal alcohol exposure. We included only peer reviewed studies utilizing analysis of meconium for the presence of FAEE in humans through the year 2007. RESULTS: We found 10 articles reporting on original research examining the relationship of FAEE from meconium and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The 10 articles used six different PAE assessment strategies and four different analytical techniques for determining FAEE endpoints. The articles included 2,221 subjects (range 4 to 725) with 455 (20.5%) subjects identified as exposed using the methods stated in the articles. FAEE levels above the studies' respective cutoffs were reported for 502 (22.6%) subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The accurate identification of alcohol-exposed pregnancies represents a significant challenge in the development of FAEE detection cutoffs to maximize the sensitivity and specificity of the test. We present several options for the improvement of exposure assessment in future studies of FAEE as biomarkers for PAE. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||