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J O Roos

Publications and source records attributed to J O Roos.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis and diffuse alveolar damage in textile workers. Potential role of mycotoxins.

Five of 88 workers at a textile plant developed interstitial lung disease. Biopsy specimens from the three initial cases demonstrated desquamative interstitial pneumonitis and diffuse alveolar damage. Two of these patients developed hypoxemic respiratory failure despite high-dose corticosteroid therapy. A survey of the remaining textile workers (questionnaires, chest radiographs, and pulmonary function tests) revealed one new case. This patient, and one other with a compatible presentation, improved clinically upon leaving the workplace and did not require therapy. A comprehensive assessment of the work environment was performed in search of potentially toxic respirable agents. We propose that these cases represent desquamative interstitial pneumonitis-like reactions, occupationally related to aflatoxin inhalation.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Classification of radiographs for pneumoconiosis: the Canadian Pneumoconiosis Reading Panel.

A method of providing experience for readers in the classification of radiographs for pneumoconiosis is described. It is based on an exchange of films by mail, with provision for ongoing feedback of results. The effects of this feedback on reading levels is described. The method is suitable for readers who are unable to attend major centers for formal instruction, and has the additional advantage of continual monitoring of reading levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Assessment of risk factors for IgE-mediated sensitization to tetrachlorophthalic anhydride.

Two groups of workers with occupational asthma caused by tetrachlorophthalic anhydride (TCPA) have been reported on; in only one report was specific anti-TCPA antibody demonstrated. We received a request to investigate respiratory problems among workers at a plant where solenoid coils are manufactured with the use of epoxy resin and where a new TCPA hardener had been introduced in 1988. In response, we conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of 52 current workers and assayed serum samples from 49 workers for TCPA-human serum albumin-specific IgE and IgG by ELISA. Mean airborne TCPA concentrations ranged from 0.21 to 0.39 mg/m3 in 1989 and May 1990 but were considerably lower (less than 0.009 to 0.13 mg/m3) by July 1990 when ventilation was introduced. Workers were classified in four departments as molders (most directly working with TCPA), those intermittently exposed to TCPA, coil assemblers, and office workers. There was a high prevalence of reported work-related respiratory symptoms (from 27% to 39%). The mean decline in FEV1 over the shift in the molders (down 4.1%) was significantly different from the change in the office group (increased 2.5%). Intrashift change in FEV1 was inversely correlated with log personal TCPA concentration (r = -0.47). Of 49 current workers, 15 (31%) had elevated serum TCPA-human serum albumin-specific IgE antibody levels and 19 (39%) had elevated specific IgG levels. The prevalence of specific IgE was highest in the mold and intermittent groups (54%), in comparison with the coil assembly (25%) and office (0%) groups. Those workers who were IgE positive were significantly less likely to be current smokers and had worked significantly longer since 1988. Of those hired in 1988 or after, the proportion of workers who were IgE positive increased with duration of employment category (p value for trend 0.022). Since ventilation was installed and TCPA exposures reduced to less than 0.1 mg/m3, there has been a marked decrease in symptoms and no new cases of occupational asthma among newly hired workers at the plant.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Occupationally-induced scleroderma.

Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma is an uncommon multisystem disease with a reported incidence of 2 to 12 cases per million people per year. The clinical and pathological features can be grouped into three main categories: those related to fibrosis, to vascular abnormalities, and to immunological abnormalities. Cutaneous features dominate the patients' appearance, and Raynaud's phenomenon is an early symptom. A possible association between scleroderma and workers exposed to hand-arm vibration and/or silica has been suggested by reports in the literature since the turn of the century. A further four patients with collagen disease are reported here. Three were occupationally exposed to both hand-arm vibration and silica, the fourth to hand-arm vibration alone. In conjunction with previously reported cases, this supports the hypothesis that collagen disease may be work attributable in hypersusceptible persons.

Adult↗