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Occupational Exposure (occupational + exposure)
Terms modified by Occupational Exposure Selected AbstractsAnticipation of Radiation Dose to the Conceptus from Occupational Exposure of Pregnant Staff During Fluoroscopically Guided Electrophysiological ProceduresJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2005JOHN DAMILAKIS Ph.D. Introduction: A female employee working in the electrophysiology suite has the right to know potential radiation hazards to the unborn child before she is pregnant or before she decides to formally declare her pregnancy. Moreover, the employer of a declared pregnant worker must evaluate the work situation and ensure that the conceptus dose is kept below the maximum permissible level during the remaining gestation period. The aim of this study was to develop a method for conceptus dose anticipation and determination of maximum workload allowed for the pregnant employee who participates in fluoroscopically guided electrophysiological procedures. Methods and Results: A C-arm fluoroscopy system, an anthropomorphic phantom, and a radiation meter were used to obtain scattered air kerma dose rates separately for each of the three fluoroscopic projections typically used in the electrophysiology suite. Air kerma to conceptus dose conversion factors for all trimesters of gestation were calculated using Monte Carlo simulation. A formula is presented for the anticipation of the conceptus dose from occupational exposure of pregnant staff during fluoroscopically guided electrophysiological procedures. Normalized data are provided for conceptus dose estimation from occupational exposure of pregnant staff working in any electrophysiology laboratory. A methodology for estimation of maximum workload allowed for each month of the remaining gestation period of a worker who declared her pregnancy is proposed, which ensures that the regulatory dose limits are not exceeded. Conclusion: Data presented may be used for the implementation of a radiation protection program designed for pregnant staff working in an electrophysiological suite. [source] Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among health care workers in a general hospital, ChinaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009Min Zhang BM Abstract Objectives To understand current status of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF), and awareness of knowledge about occupational bloodborne pathogen exposures and universal precaution among hospital-based health care workers (HCWs). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during April to May 2004 to study incidence of occupational exposure to BBF among 1,144 hospital-based HCWs. Results The total incidence and the average number of episodes exposure to BBF was 66.3/100 HCWs per year and 7.5 per person per year in the past year, respectively. The incidence (per 100/HCWs per year) and the average number of episodes (per HCW per year) of percutaneous injury (PCI), mucous-membrane exposure (MME), and exposure to BBF by damaged skin was 50.3 and 1.8; 34.4 and 1.7; and 37.9 and 4.0, respectively. The leading incidence and the average number of episodes of PCI occurred in delivery room (82.6 and 1.8). The highest percentage of PCI's that occurred during the previous 2 weeks occurred during a surgical operation (22.8%). Of all sharp instruments, the suture needle contributed the highest percentage of PCI's (24.7%) among HCWs in the last 2 weeks. Over two-thirds (68.3%) of respondents were immunized with Hepatitis B vaccine; less than one-half (47%) of HCWs wore gloves while doing procedures on patients. The respondents demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding transmission of bloodborne diseases and universal precautions. Conclusions Risk for potential exposure to BBF appears high in HCWs, and almost all of episodes are not reported. It is urgent to establish the Guideline for Prevention and Control of Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens among HCWs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:89,98, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] P71 Metabolism of delta-3-Carene by human cytochrom 450 enzymesCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Mike Duisken Occupational exposure to monoterpenes occurs in saw mills, particle-board plants, carpentry shops and other types of wood-treating industries. The bicyclic monoterpene delta-3-Carene, one of the components of turpentine, may irritate the skin and muceous membranes and prolonged exposure may result in allergic contact dermatitis or chronic lung function impairment. The effects of low concentrations of delta-3-Carene on alveolar macrophages in vitro were examined and a dose-dependent relationship between the cell viability and the delta-3-Carene concentration was found. Little is known about the metabolism of delta-3-Carene in mammalians. In order to determine the toxic potential of this monoterpene we studied the human metabolism of delta-3-Carene in vitro. Therefore we used pooled human liver S9 and human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes. By using GC-MS analysis we found one main metabolite produced at high rates. The structure was identified by its mass spectra. The mass fragmentation indicated hydroxylation in allyl position. After synthesis of the assumed product in a four step reaction, it was characterized as delta-3-Carene-10-ol. There was a clear correlation between the concentration of the metabolite production, incubation time and enzyme concentration, respectively. Kinetic analysis showed that Km and Vmax values for the oxidation of delta-3-Carene by human liver microsomes were 0.39 ,M and 0.2 nmol/min/nmol P450. It is the first time that delta-3-Carene-10-ol is described as human metabolite of delta-3-Carene. [source] Occupational exposure to methyl tertiary butyl ether in relation to key health symptom prevalence: the effect of measurement error correctionENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 6 2003Aparna P. Keshaviah Abstract In 1995, White et al. reported that methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), an oxygenate added to gasoline, was significantly associated with key health symptoms, including headaches, eye irritation, and burning of the nose and throat, among 44 people occupationally exposed to the compound and for whom serum MTBE measurements were available (odds ratio (OR),=,8.9, 95% CI,=,[1.2, 75.6]). However, these serum MTBE measurements were available for only 29 per cent of the 150 subjects enrolled. Around the same time, Mannino et al. conducted a similar study among individuals occupationally exposed to low levels of MTBE and did not find a significant association between exposure to MTBE and the presence of one or more key health symptoms among the 264 study participants (OR,=,0.60, 95% CI,=,[0.3, 1.21]). In this article, we evaluate the effect of MTBE on the prevalence of key health symptoms by applying a regression calibration method to White et al.'s and Mannino et al.'s data. Unlike White et al., who classified exposure using actual MTBE levels among a subset of the participants, and Mannino et al., who classified exposure based on job category among all participants, we use all of the available data to obtain an estimate of the effect of MTBE in units of serum concentration, adjusted for measurement error due to using job category instead of measured exposure. After adjusting for age, gender and smoking status, MTBE exposure was found to be significantly associated with a 50 per cent increase in the prevalence of one or more key health symptoms per order of magnitude increase in blood concentration on the log10 scale, using data from the 409 study participants with complete information on the covariates (95% CI,=,[1.00, 2.25]). Simulation results indicated that under conditions similar to those observed in these data, the estimator is unbiased and has a coverage probability close to the nominal value. The methodology illustrated in this article is advantageous because all of the available data were used in the analysis, obtaining a more precise estimate of exposure effect on health outcome, and the estimate is adjusted for measurement error due to using job category instead of measured exposure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Exposure to anaesthetic trace gases during general anaesthesia: CobraPLA vs.ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2010LMA classic Background: To prospectively investigate the performance, sealing capacity and operating room (OR) staff exposure to waste anaesthetic gases during the use of the Cobra perilaryngeal airway (CobraPLA) compared with the laryngeal mask airway classic (LMA). Methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to the CobraPLA or the LMA group. Insertion time, number of insertion attempts and airway leak pressures were assessed after induction of anaesthesia. Occupational exposure to nitrous oxide (N2O) and Sevoflurane (SEV) was measured at the anaesthetists' breathing zone and the patients' mouth using a photoacoustic infrared spectrometer. Results: N2O waste gas concentrations differed significantly in the anaesthetist's breathing zone (11.7±7.2 p.p.m. in CobraPLA vs. 4.1±4.3 p.p.m. in LMA, P=0.03), whereas no difference could be shown in SEV concentrations. Correct CobraPLA positioning was possible in 28 out of 30 patients (more than one attempt necessary in five patients). Correct positioning of the LMA classic was possible in all 30 patients (more than one attempt in three patients). Peak airway pressure was higher in the CobraPLA group (16±3 vs. 14±2 cmH2O, P=0.01). The average leak pressure of the CobraPLA was 24±4 cmH2O, compared with 20±4 cmH2O of the LMA classic (P<0.001; all values means±SD). Conclusion: Despite higher airway seal pressures, the CobraPLA caused higher intraoperative N2O trace concentrations in the anaesthetists' breathing zone. [source] Inhibition of prolidase activity by nickel causes decreased growth of proline auxotrophic CHO cells,JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005Wojciech Miltyk Abstract Occupational exposure to nickel has been epidemiologically linked to increased cancer risk in the respiratory tract. Nickel-induced cell transformation is associated with both genotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms that are poorly understood. Prolidase [E.C.3.4.13.9] is a cytosolic Mn(II)-activated metalloproteinase that specifically hydrolyzes imidodipeptides with C-terminal proline or hydroxyproline and plays an important role in the recycling of proline for protein synthesis and cell growth. Prolidase also provides free proline as substrate for proline oxidase, whose gene is activated by p53 during apoptosis. The inhibition of prolidase activity by nickel has not yet been studied. We first showed that Ni(II) chloride specifically inhibited prolidase activity in CHO-K1 cells in situ. This interpretation was possible because CHO-K1 cells are proline auxotrophs requiring added free proline or proline released from added Gly-Pro by prolidase. In a dose-dependent fashion, Ni(II) inhibited growth on Gly-Pro but did not inhibit growth on proline, thereby showing inhibition of prolidase in situ in the absence of nonspecific toxicity. Studies using cell-free extracts showed that Ni(II) inhibited prolidase activity when present during prolidase activation with Mn(II) or during incubation with Gly-Pro. In kinetic studies, we found that Ni(II) inhibition of prolidase varied with respect to Mn(II) concentration. Analysis of these data suggested that increasing concentrations of Mn(II) stabilized the enzyme protein against Ni(II) inhibition. Because prolidase is an important enzyme in collagen metabolism, inhibition of the enzyme activity by nickel could alter the metabolism of collagen and other matrix proteins, and thereby alter cell,matrix and cell,cell interactions involved in gene expression, genomic stability, cellular differentiation, and cell proliferation. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Occupational exposure of Brazilian neonatal intensive care workers to latex antigensALLERGY, Issue 1 2004R. A. M. Lopes Background:, Frequent exposure to latex causes various reactions such as respiratory symptoms and anaphylactic shock. In these cases, proteins found in natural latex are responsible for the serious systemic antilatex-mediated immediate hypersensitive reactions. Methods:, Cross-sectional descriptive survey focusing on 96 Brazilian health care workers (HCW) in the neonatal intensive care unit at CAISM, State University of Campinas UNICAMP, Brazil. All subjects were interviewed, donated blood samples for the latex-specific immunoglobulin E measurement and underwent the skin prick test (SPT) with an antigen extracted from latex gloves. Results:, The prevalence of latex positive SPT was 8%. There were eight SPT positive and only one serologic test was in agreement with the SPT. Overall, there was evidence of an association between the latex SPT and reported eczema (P = 0.01); food allergy (P = 0.009) with pineapple (P = 0.01). Conclusions:, These results suggest that the identification of reactions of immediate hypersensitivity mediated by antilatex antibodies in HCW should be encouraged to prevent occupational exposure to latex products. [source] Occupational exposure to UV light and mortality from multiple sclerosis,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009M. Westberg MD Abstract Background The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is largely unknown; low exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has been a suggested risk factor. The aim of this study was to investigate whether occupational exposure to UV light reduces the risk of death from MS. Methods The cohort was based on all individuals in the Swedish census in 1980. All MS-related deaths were identified in the national registry of causes of death. A job-exposure matrix was developed to classify the occupational exposure to UV light. Results MS was recorded as a cause of the death for 839 individuals. The risk of MS-related death decreased with increasing occupational exposure to UV light. The relative risk adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic status was 0.48 (95% CI 0.28,0.80) in the high-exposure group and 0.88 (95% CI 0.73,1.06) in the intermediate-exposure group. Conclusions Occupational exposure to UV light was associated with a reduced risk of MS. Our findings are corroborated by previous observations that UV light has a preventive role in the development of MS, although the possibility of reversed causality cannot be completely ruled out. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:353,357, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc [source] Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among health care workers in a general hospital, ChinaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009Min Zhang BM Abstract Objectives To understand current status of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF), and awareness of knowledge about occupational bloodborne pathogen exposures and universal precaution among hospital-based health care workers (HCWs). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during April to May 2004 to study incidence of occupational exposure to BBF among 1,144 hospital-based HCWs. Results The total incidence and the average number of episodes exposure to BBF was 66.3/100 HCWs per year and 7.5 per person per year in the past year, respectively. The incidence (per 100/HCWs per year) and the average number of episodes (per HCW per year) of percutaneous injury (PCI), mucous-membrane exposure (MME), and exposure to BBF by damaged skin was 50.3 and 1.8; 34.4 and 1.7; and 37.9 and 4.0, respectively. The leading incidence and the average number of episodes of PCI occurred in delivery room (82.6 and 1.8). The highest percentage of PCI's that occurred during the previous 2 weeks occurred during a surgical operation (22.8%). Of all sharp instruments, the suture needle contributed the highest percentage of PCI's (24.7%) among HCWs in the last 2 weeks. Over two-thirds (68.3%) of respondents were immunized with Hepatitis B vaccine; less than one-half (47%) of HCWs wore gloves while doing procedures on patients. The respondents demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding transmission of bloodborne diseases and universal precautions. Conclusions Risk for potential exposure to BBF appears high in HCWs, and almost all of episodes are not reported. It is urgent to establish the Guideline for Prevention and Control of Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens among HCWs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:89,98, 2009. © 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] Dupuytren's disease: Personal factors and occupational exposureAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2008Gérard Lucas Abstract Background The etiology of Dupuytren's disease is unknown, and the role of occupational exposure is still debated. Our objective was to study the association between occupational exposures, personal risk factors and Dupuytren's disease. Methods In this cross-sectional survey, nine occupational physicians performed clinical examinations, focused on Dupuytren's disease, of 2,406 French male civil servants employed at the Equipment Ministry in 1998 and interviewed them about medical history, leisure manual exposure and occupational biomechanical exposure to vibrations and manual work. A cumulative occupational exposure score was defined, with three levels of exposure. Results Dupuytren's disease was diagnosed in 212 men (8.8%). The occupational exposure score was significantly higher in this group of cases than in the rest of the sample (377 (SD280) vs. 223 (SD250), respectively; P,<,0.0001). Occupational exposure was associated with Dupuytren's disease (adjusted Odds Ratio,=,2.20 [1.39,3.45] for the intermediate and 3.10 [1.99,4.84] for the high exposure groups), with adjustment for age, leisure physical activities, alcohol consumption (,5 servings per day), history of diabetes, epilepsy, hand trauma, and familial history of Dupuytren's disease. Conclusion Manual work exposure was associated with Dupuytren's disease after adjustment for personal risk factors. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:9,15, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Respiratory health in Turkish asbestos cement workers: The role of environmental exposureAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2006brahim Akkurt MD Abstract Aim Benign and malignant pleural and lung diseases due to environmental asbestos exposure constitute an important health problem in Turkey. The country has widespread natural deposits of asbestos in rural parts of central and eastern regions. Few data exists about the respiratory health effects of occupational asbestos exposure in Turkey. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate respiratory health effects of occupational asbestos exposure and the contribution of environmental asbestos exposure. Methods Investigations included asbestos dust measurements in the workplace and application of an interviewer-administered questionnaire, a standard posteroanterior chest X-ray and spirometry. Information on birthplace of the workers was obtained in 406 workers and used to identify environmental exposure to asbestos, through a map of geographic locations with known asbestos exposure. Results Asbestos dust concentration in the ambient air of the work sites (fiber/ml) ranged between 0.2 and 0.76 (mean: 0.25, median: 0.22). Environmental exposure to asbestos was determined in 24.4% of the workers. After the adjustment for age, smoking, occupational asbestos exposure, and potential risk factors environmental asbestos exposure was associated with small irregular opacities grade ,1/0 (44.2% vs. 26.6%, P,<,0.01), FVC% (97.8 vs. 104.5, P,<,0.0001), and FEV1% (92.4 vs. 99.9, P,<,.0001). Occupational exposure to asbestos was associated with small irregular opacities grade ,1/0 (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3,3.1, per 1 unit increase in the natural logarithm of fiber/ml) and FEV1/FVC% (beta: 1.1, SEM: 0.54; P,<,0.05, per 1 unit increase in the natural logarithm of fiber/ml). Conclusions Environmental exposure to asbestos could increase the risk of asbestosis and lung function impairment in workers occupationally exposed to asbestos, independent from occupational exposure and smoking. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to metal working fluids: Sporadic or under reported?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2006Amit Gupta MD Abstract Background Occupational exposure to metal working fluids (MWF) is common with over 1.2 million workers in the United States involved in machine finishing, machine tooling, and other metalworking operations. MWF is a known cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Recent reports of outbreaks of hypersensitivity HP secondary to exposure to MWF are reported. Design Cases were identified through the Occupational Disease surveillance system in the State of Michigan and from referrals for evaluation to the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Michigan State University (MSU). Each patient underwent a clinical examination including an occupational history, lung function studies, radiographic imaging, and in some cases lung biopsies. Following the diagnosis of definite HP, an industrial hygiene investigation was carried out, which included a plant walk-through, and review of the "Injury and Illness" log. Air monitoring and microbial sampling results were reviewed. Results As part of Michigan's mandatory surveillance system for occupational illnesses, seven cases of suspected HP were identified in 2003,2004 from three facilities manufacturing automobile parts in Michigan. Each plant used semi-synthetic MWFs, and conducted a MWF management program including biocide additions. Two facilities had recently changed the MWF before the cases arose. Growth of mycobacteria was found in these two MWFs. Breathing zone samples for particulates of two employees in plant A (two cases) ranged from 0.48 to 0.56 mg/m3. In plant B (four cases), two employees' sampling results ranged from 0.10 to 0.14 mg/m3. No air sampling data were available from plant C. Conclusion Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to exposure to MWFs is under-recognized by health care providers, and current surveillance systems are inadequate to provide a true estimate of its occurrence. HP arose from environments with exposures well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for MWF, and in one case from exposures well below the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL). The sporadic nature of reports of HP in relationship to MWF probably represents a combination of workplace changes that cause the disease and inadequate recognition and reporting of the disease when it does occur. Physician awareness of HP secondary to MWF and an effective medical surveillance program are necessary to better understanding the epidemiology and prevention of this disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Re: Occupational exposure to pesticides and pancreatic cancer.AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 20012001. To the Editor: In our recent paper describing associations of pancreatic cancer to pesticides, Table I presented JEM scores for selected occupations. We omitted several scores from the table, which indicated less variability across the study than was assessed. We have added all possible scores in Table I to reflect this variability. Also, several scores in the table may need further explanation. The supervisors, food and beverage preparation and food counter, fountain and related occupations had possible exposure to nonagricultural fungicides (i.e. disinfectants). Water and sewage treatment plant operators may handle herbicides to kill algae. Historically, textile mills and some dry cleaning operations applied insecticides to fabric. The subjects with jobs of mixing/blending machine operator/tender, or welder and cutter who were assigned pesticide exposures had worked in the chemical industry where pesticides may have been manufactured. The omissions were only in the reported data and not in the original data, and thus did not affect the epidemiologic results or conclusions. [source] Nested case-control study of lung cancer among pulp and paper workers in relation to exposure to dustsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2001Irena Szadkowska-Sta, czyk MD Abstract Background Numerous studies have indicated an increased risk of lung cancer in pulp and paper industry workers. In a 1990 survey, standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was found to be 122 (95% CI:96,153) for lung cancer in Polish male workers in the pulp and paper industry, and 166 (95% CI:95,270) among workers engaged in paper production. Methods A nested case-control design within a cohort of pulp and paper workers was applied. Seventy-nine lung cancer cases and 237 "healthy" controls were selected from the cohort of 10,460 workers employed during the years 1968,1990, and observed until the end of 1995. Based on personnel files, occupational exposure was reconstructed by experts. Using a questionnaire, data on smoking habits were collected. ORs unadjusted and adjusted for smoking were calculated applying the model of conditional logistic regression. Results Occupational exposure to inorganic dusts (kaolin, lime, cement, brick, grindstone) adjusted for smoking was a significant lung cancer risk factor, with a 4.0-fold risk (95% CI:1.3,12.6), and a dose-response by cumulative dose index. Among organic dusts only wood dust increased albeit insignificantly the risk for those exposed (adjusted for smoking OR,=,2.1, 95% CI:0.9,4.9), but without dose-response relationship. Conclusions Exposure to occupational dust with relatively low content of silica, but at high concentrations may be considered as a factor increasing lung cancer risk. However, the observation made in this study should be viewed with caution as it was based on a small number of cases, and further evidence is needed to confirm or refute the authors' hypothesis. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:547,556, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [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] Occupational skin exposure to water: a population-based studyBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2009I. Anveden Berglind Summary Background, Occupational exposure to skin irritants, in particular to water, is an important risk factor for hand eczema. Objectives, To assess occupational skin exposure to water in the general population. Methods, As part of a public health survey in Stockholm, Sweden, 18 267 gainfully employed individuals aged 18,64 years completed a questionnaire with previously validated questions regarding occupational skin exposure to water. Results, Altogether 16% reported exposure to water for ½ h or more a day, and 13% reported exposure to water more than 10 times a day. Furthermore, 7% reported water exposure of more than 2 h and 6% of more than 20 times a day. Women reported more water exposure than men and many female-dominated occupations were seen to comprise water exposure. Women were also more exposed than men within the same jobs. Young adults were more exposed than older. A total of 18% were employed in high-risk occupations for hand eczema. Fifty-nine per cent of individuals employed in high-risk occupations reported water exposure at work, compared with 11% in low-risk occupations. Conclusions, A total of 20% of the population of working age acknowledged occupational skin exposure to water, which was found to be more common in young adults and women. Using job title as a proxy for water exposure gives an underestimation due to misclassification. In assessing occupational skin exposure to water, both exposure time and frequency should be considered. [source] Immunoglobulin E antibodies enhance pulmonary inflammation induced by inhalation of a chemical haptenCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 3 2009C. B. Mathias Summary Background Occupational exposure to chemicals is an important cause of asthma. Recent studies indicate that IgE antibodies enhance sensitization to chemicals in the skin. Objective We investigated whether IgE might similarly promote the development of airway inflammation following inhalation of a contact sensitizer. Methods A model of chemical-induced asthma is described in which introduction of the low-molecular-weight compound, trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS), via the respiratory tract was used for both sensitization and challenge. The role of IgE antibodies in the immune response to inhaled TNBS in this model was assessed by comparing the responses of wild-type (WT) and IgE-deficient (IgE,/,) mice on the BALB/c background. Reconstitution of circulating IgE levels by intravenous injection of IgE antibodies into IgE,/, mice before sensitization was performed to confirm the role of IgE in any differences observed between the responses of WT and IgE,/, mice. Results Intranasal challenge of TNBS-sensitized (but not sham-sensitized control mice) induced intense pulmonary inflammation. Macrophages, eosinophils and lymphocytes, including T, B, natural killer and natural killer T cells, were recruited to the airway and the animals displayed bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to methacholine. Serum levels of murine mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) were elevated suggesting mast cell activation. In contrast, the development of airway inflammation, recruitment of lymphocytes, induction of BHR and production of mMCP-1 were all significantly attenuated in IgE-deficient mice. Reconstitution of IgE,/, mice with IgE (of unrelated antigen specificity) before sensitization partially restored these features of asthma. Conclusion Our data indicate that IgE antibodies non-specifically enhance the development of airway inflammation induced by exposure to chemical antigens. [source] Occupational exposures occurring in students in a UK dental school,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 3 2002D. A. Stewardson Background:, Students whilst training may encounter a number of incidents where infection from patient body fluids may occur, especially as their manual skills are underdeveloped and their clinical experience is limited. Purpose of study:, (a) To assess the nature of the occupational exposures occurring to students in a UK dental school, (b) to assess the rate of reporting of incidents, and (c) to evaluate the association of various factors with these exposures. Students in the third, fourth and final years of the 5-year undergraduate dental course at the University of Birmingham were asked to complete a questionnaire that enquired into personal details, number and nature of incidents, their reporting and follow-up. A 100% response rate was achieved. Results:, Across the years, there was no significant correlation (p > 0.01) between sex, dominant hand, use of protective glasses or time of day. Slightly more exposures occurred in males, right-handed students, and in the afternoon. A significant decrease in exposures (p < 0.01) occurred within final year, and when an assistant was employed. Significantly more incidents occurred while a patient was being treated than during operational clean-up procedures. A substantial number of dental students had experienced one or more occupational exposures during training. Of these, percutaneous injuries predominated. Junior students appear to be more likely to experience exposures, and in these students, needlestick injuries are the most common source. Conclusions:, To reduce the incidence of these exposures, more instruction and training may be required in the earlier clinical years and more chairside assistance. Improvements are required in the monitoring of post-screening for seroconversion after HBV immunization, and in the reporting of test results in the event of an exposure incident. Under-reporting of incidents is common and ways to encourage and facilitate reporting should be sought. [source] Ergonomic and socioeconomic risk factors for hospital workers' compensation injury claimsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2009Jon Boyer ScD Abstract Background Hospital workers are a diverse population with high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The risk of MSD leading to workers' compensation (WC) claims is likely to show a gradient by socioeconomic status (SES) that may be partly explained by working conditions. Methods A single community hospital provided workforce demographics and WC claim records for 2003,2005. An ergonomic job exposure matrix (JEM) was developed for these healthcare jobs from direct observation of physical workload and extraction of physical and psychosocial job requirements from the O*NET online database. Occupational exposures and SES categories were assigned to workers through their O*NET job titles. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were performed to estimate the propensity to file an injury claim in relation to individual factors, occupational exposures, and SES. Results The jobs with the highest injury rates were nurses, semi-professionals, and semi-skilled. Increased physical work and psychological demands along with low job tenure were associated with an increase in risk, while risk decreased with psychosocial rewards and supervisor support. Both occupational and individual factors mediated the relationship between SES and rate of injury claims. Conclusions Physical and organizational features of these hospital jobs along with low job tenure predicted WC injury claim risk and explained a substantial proportion of the effects of SES. Further studies that include lifestyle risk factors and control for prior injuries and co-morbidities are warranted to strengthen the current study findings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:551,562, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hospitalization in Winnipeg, Canada due to occupational disease: A pilot studyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009Allen G. Kraut MD, FRCPC Abstract Background The objectives of this study were to identify the extent of occupational exposures to hazardous substances amongst male medical inpatients and to determine the extent to which these exposures may have contributed to the development of medical conditions. Methods A random sample of 297 male who were admitted from outside the hospital to the medical wards to a large tertiary care hospital, were between age 18,75 and could communicate in English completed an occupational history questionnaire. This information was merged with an inpatient database which contained patient demographics, admission diagnoses, and co-morbidity data. A specialist in occupational medicine and internal medicine determined whether the medical conditions the participants had were related to their exposures. Results One individual had a condition causing admission that was related to his work and 12 others (4%) had a condition that was possibly related to their work which had caused symptoms. One additional individual was found to have asymptomatic asbestos related pleural fibrosis. Fourteen of 37 possible harmful occupational exposures were reported by more than 10% of the study participants. On average each participant reported 5.5 exposures. Conclusions Occupational exposures to male medical inpatients are common. For 4.4% (13/297) of male admissions to the general medical wards from the emergency room occupational factors may have played a role in the development of medical conditions which led to admission or to major co-morbidities. Detailed occupational histories will likely lead to more suspected cases of work related medical admissions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:372,379, 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] 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] DNA damage and TNF, cytokine production in hairdressers with contact dermatitisCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2005Delia Cavallo The present work was undertaken to study in hairdressers exposed to several irritants and allergens (prevalently hair-dyeing) and affected by hand contact dermatitis the possible correlation between exposure and direct-oxidative DNA damage, production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF,) and allergic inflammatory disease. We evaluated in 19 hairdressers with hand contact dermatitis, 14 allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and 5 irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and in a selected control group TNF, serum levels by ELISA and direct-oxidative DNA damage by Fpg (formamido-pyrimidine-glycosylase)-modified Comet test on blood. Hairdressers were divided on the basis of number of hair-dyeing carried out weekly into 2 groups: low-exposure (<60 hair-dyeing/week) and high-exposure hairdressers (,60 hair-dyeing/week) that reflect also the exposure to other allergens and irritants and 2 different tasks (hairdressers and apprentice hairdressers, respectively). Serum levels of TNF, in hairdressers with ACD were significantly higher than controls with a correlation to exposure level. Significant DNA damage in ICD hairdressers with higher exposure as compared to controls was found. These findings suggest that occupational exposure can induce in hairdressers, particularly ICD, DNA damage, increase the TNFa levels particularly in ACD and induce allergic sensitization, suggesting a relationship between direct-oxidative DNA damage, TNF, production and allergic inflammatory disease. [source] FC03.3 Identification of subjects with atopic dermatitis in questionnaire studiesCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Karen Frydendall Jepsen The performances of three different questions from The Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002) were compared with respect to their ability to identify subjects with atopic dermatitis. NOSQ-2002 was used in an intervention study on the prevention of work related skin diseases among gut cleaners. The questions were: "Have you ever had an itchy rash that has been coming and going for at least 6 months, and at sometime has affected skin creases?"(A1), "Have you ever had eczema on the fronts of the elbow or behind the knees?"(S5a), and "Have you ever had "childhood" eczema?"(S5b). Question A1 is the single UK-working party question on atopic dermatitis; questions S5a & S5b are national atopic dermatitis questions previously used in different Nordic studies. A total of 255 of 622 (41%) gut cleaners answered "yes" to question A1. Questions S5a and S5b gave rise to 14% and 5% positive answers, respectively. The high frequency of positive answers to question A1 could be due to the occupational exposure of gut cleaners. Their working environment is wet and often involves both forearms and hands, hence often leading to eczema of elbow creases. In conclusion, compared to other Danish studies the UK question seems to lead to over-reporting. Question S5a seems to give a reliable frequency of atopic dermatitis in adult populations at risk for work-related skin diseases. [source] Associations of risk factors obesity and occupational airborne exposures with CDKN2A/p16 aberrant DNA methylation in esophageal cancer patientsDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 7 2010S. Mohammad Ganji SUMMARY It is known that obesity and occupational airborne exposure such as dust are among risk factors of esophageal cancer development, in particular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of esophagus. Here, we tested whether these factors could also affect aberrant DNA methylation. DNAs from 44 fresh tumor tissues and 19 non-tumor adjacent normal tissues, obtained from 44 patients affected by SCC of esophagus (SCCE), were studied for methylation at the CDKN2A/p16 gene promoter by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay. Statistical methods were used to assess association of promoter methylation with biopathological, clinical, and personal information data, including obesity and airborne exposures. Methylation at the CDKN2A/p16 gene promoter was detected in 12 out of 44 tumor samples. None of the non-tumor tissues exhibited the aberrant methylation. Our results confirmed previously described significant association with low tumor stage (P= 0.002); in addition, we found that obesity (P= 0.001) and occupational exposure (P= 0.008) were both significantly associated with CDKN2A/p16 promoter methylation. This study provides evidence that obesity and occupational exposure increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer through an enhancement of CDKN2A/p16 promoter methylation. [source] Health Status among Emergency Department Patients Approximately One Year after Consecutive Disasters in New York CityACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2005William George Fernandez MD Abstract Objectives: Emergency department (ED) patients with disaster-related experiences may present with vague symptoms not clearly linked to the event. In 2001, two disasters in New York City, the World Trade Center disaster (WTCD) and the subsequent American Airlines Flight 587 crash, presented an opportunity to study long-term consequences of cumulative disaster exposure (CDE) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among ED patients. Methods: From July 15 to October 30, 2002, a systematic sample of stable, adult patients from two EDs in New York City were enrolled. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. The Short Form 36 (SF-36) was used to assess overall health status. Bivariate analyses were conducted to identify individual correlates of worsening health status. Multivariate regression was performed to identify the association between various factors and overall health status, while controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables. Results: Four hundred seventy-one patients (54.6% female) participated. The participation rate was 73.4%. One hundred sixty-one participants (36%) reported direct, indirect, or occupational exposure to the WTCD; 55 (13.3%) had direct, indirect, or occupational exposure to the plane crash; 33 (8.1%) had both exposures. In separate multivariate models, CDE predicted lower SF-36 scores for general health (p < 0.0096), mental health (p < 0.0033), and bodily pain (p < 0.0046). Conclusions: In the year following mass traumatic events, persons with CDE had lower overall health status than those with one or no disaster exposure. Clinicians should consider the impact that traumatic events have on the overall health status of ED patients in the wake of consecutive disasters. [source] DNA damage in Pakistani pesticide-manufacturing workers assayed using the Comet assayENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 8 2006Javed A. Bhalli Abstract The production and use of chemical pesticides has increased in recent years. Although the increased use of pesticides may benefit agriculture, they are also the potential source of environmental pollution, and exposure to pesticides can have negative consequences for human health. In the present study, we have assessed DNA damage in blood leukocytes from 29 Pakistani pesticide-factory workers and 35 controls of similar age and smoking history. The workers were exposed to various mixtures of organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids. DNA damage was measured with the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay or Comet assay, using the mean comet tail length (,m) as the DNA damage metric. Exposed workers had significantly longer comet tail lengths than the controls (mean ± SD 19.98 ± 2.87 vs. 7.38 ± 1.48, P < 0.001). Of the possible confounding factors, smokers had significantly longer mean comet tail lengths than nonsmokers and exsmokers for both the workers (21.48 ± 2.58 vs.18.37 ± 2.28, P < 0.001) and the controls (8.86 ± 0.56 vs. 6.79 ± 1.31, P < 0.001), while age had a minimal effect on DNA damage (P > 0.05 and P < 0.05 for workers and controls, respectively). The results of this study indicate that occupational exposure to pesticides causes DNA damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sister chromatid exchange analysis in smelting plant workers exposed to arsenicENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 4 2006Leiliane Paiva Abstract There are many studies documenting the genotoxic effects of environmental exposure to arsenic. Nevertheless, few data are available on the genotoxic risks of occupational arsenic exposure. In the present study, we have evaluated whether or not occupational exposure to arsenic in a copper smelting plant results in a significant increase in the frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE). SCE frequencies, proliferation rate index (PRI), and high frequency cells (HFCs) were evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocytes from a group of 105 arsenic-exposed workers from a Chilean smelting plant (exposed group). Similar assays were conducted on a group of 55 workers employed at the same mine but involved in administrative jobs (internal control), and on 48 workers of another mine, with no significant levels of arsenic (external control). Small but significant increases in SCE frequency were observed in the arsenic-exposed workers compared with the external control group (6.28 ± 0.09 vs. 5.84 ± 0.14 SCE/cell; P < 0.01). Also, significantly higher frequencies of HFCs were observed in the exposed group (2.21% ± 0.20%) than in either the external control group (1.20 ± 0.23; P = 0.002) or the internal control group (1.30 ± 0.24; P = 0.008). However, there was no relationship between arsenic levels in the urine of the subjects and SCE or HFC frequency. The results of the study indicate that copper smelting results in slightly increased levels of DNA damage. However, our data were not consistent with arsenic exposure being the cause of the increase. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cytogenetic damage in female Chilean agricultural workers exposed to mixtures of pesticidesENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 1 2005Carolina Márquez Abstract The VIII Region of Bío-Bío is a major fruit-growing area of Chile that makes intensive use of agricultural pesticides. The cytogenetic damage associated with exposure to mixtures of pesticides was evaluated by comparing peripheral blood lymphocyte micronucleus (MN) frequencies in a group of 64 female agricultural workers and 30 female controls. The exposed subjects worked during the spring and summer in thinning and pruning fruit trees and in harvesting and packing different fruits, such as raspberries, grapes, apples, and kiwis. They did not use any protective measures during their work activities. A significant increase in the frequency of binucleated cells with micronuclei (BNMN) was found in the exposed women as compared with the controls (36.94 ± 14.47 vs. 9.93 ± 6.17 BNMN/1000 BN cells; P < 0.001). The frequency of BNMN varied as a function of age in both the exposed and control groups, but no correlation was found between BNMN frequency and the duration of exposure. Also, smoking and other habits had no effect on MN frequency. Our study confirms that occupational exposure to pesticide mixtures results in cytogenetic damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||