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Foundry Workers (foundry + worker)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers exposed to low molecular weight isocyanates

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2009
Håkan Löfstedt MD
Abstract Background This study investigated the prevalence of ocular and respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers exposed to isocyanic acid (ICA) and methyl isocyanate (MIC). Methods Foundry workers (n,=,64) using the Hot Box binder technique and referents (n,=,134) completed two questionnaires and a spirometry before and after a day shift. Findings were analyzed relating to exposure measurements of ICA, MIC, and formaldehyde. Results Exposed workers reported more frequently ocular irritation and coughing. Pre-shift lung function was lower than predicted in both groups of workers, and was not associated with exposure duration. Decrease in lung function over shift was more pronounced in exposed workers, but this was not associated with quantitative measures of the exposures. Conclusions An increased prevalence of ocular and respiratory symptoms, as well as a small decrease in lung function over shift, was observed among exposed workers. No associations with exposure to monoisocyanates and formaldehyde were seen, thus suggesting that other irritants in the foundry environment might be the cause. The effects seemed to be small and not clinically relevant on an individual level. Further studies using a follow-up design may be warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:455,463, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Educational level and occupation as risk factors for inflammatory bowel diseases: A nationwide study based on hospitalizations in Sweden

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 4 2009
Xinjun Li MD
Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between educational level, occupation, and hospitalization for inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: A nationwide database was constructed by linking the Swedish Census to the Hospital Discharge Register in order to obtain data on all first hospitalizations for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in Sweden during the study period (1970,2004). Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by educational level and occupation for men and women ,30 years. Three cohorts were defined based on occupational titles recorded in the Swedish census data in 1970 and 1980. Results: Significantly decreased SIRs for CD were observed for both men and women who had an educational level of >12 years. Among men, significantly increased SIRs for CD were present in all 3 cohorts among "drivers." Male "religious, juridical, and other social-science-related workers," "textile workers," and "glass, ceramic, and tile workers," and female "clerical workers," "mechanics and iron and metalware workers," and "printers and related workers" had a significantly increased SIR for CD that was present in 1 of the 3 cohorts. For UC, male "postal and communication workers," "smelters and metal foundry workers," and "chemical process workers," and female "wood workers" had a significantly increased SIR for UC that was present in at least 1 of the 3 cohorts. Conclusions: Educational level and occupation seem to have a minor effect on the population's likelihood of hospitalization for CD and UC. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008) [source]