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Biomedical subjects

M Gochfeld

Publications and source records attributed to M Gochfeld.

137 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of lead on birds (Laridae): a review of laboratory and field studies.

Lead is one of the most common metals in contaminated ecosystems. Although lead poisoning and mortality have long been known, little is known of the behavioral effects produced by low levels of lead in wild animals. Herein a 15-yr research program on the behavioral effects of lead using herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and common terns (Sterna hirundo), referred to as larids, as models is reviewed. The doses used in laboratory studies were sufficient to produce lead concentrations in feathers that were equivalent to those found in some birds living in the wild. The exposure consisted of a single or multiple intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of lead acetate. Both dose and day of exposure influenced behavioral development in young larids, with most effects increasing with dose, and decreasing with age. Low-level lead affected growth, locomotion, balance, food begging, feeding, thermoregulation, depth perception, and individual recognition in laboratory and in wild birds. The accuracy of individual recognition was most affected by lead exposure from 2 to 6 d of age; exposure at 12 d did not affect accuracy, but it delayed response time significantly. Behavioral deficits observed in lead-injected young in the wild were similar to those observed in the laboratory, except that recovery was more complete by fledging than it was in laboratory-raised chicks. Further, parents in the wild were able to provision lead-exposed chicks sufficiently so that they fledged at similar weights as control chicks, a feat that is difficult to achieve in the laboratory. The lead-induced behavioral deficits observed in the laboratory and in the wild are sufficient to affect growth and survival in wild herring gulls. Lead treatment altered the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), which play a crucial role in the formation and deployment of neurons in the developing brain. The timing and sequencing of CAM expression is critical to normal development, and the different consequences of lead exposure at different ages may be related to interference at different points in the sequence.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lead levels in exposed herring gulls: differences in the field and laboratory.

We compared blood lead levels for herring gull (Larus argentatus) chicks exposed at two days of age in the field and the laboratory. One randomly selected chick in each family of three was injected with lead, the second with a sterile saline solution, and the third was not injected. Field birds were then completely free-living, and were entirely cared for by their parents. Blood was drawn at 35 or 45 days of age for comparison with laboratory-reared chicks. In both the laboratory and the field, blood lead levels were positively related to dose, and concentrations were lower at 45 than at 35 days of age. However, at each dose, the field birds had lower levels than did the laboratory birds. We postulate that this relates to higher overall activity and accelerated bone development in the field, and perhaps to a move varied diet. Wild young gulls were mobile and practiced flight more often than did laboratory-reared gulls. Growth metabolic, and behavioral factors may enhance deposition of lead in the bone, reducing blood lead. Thus, both in ecological risk assessments and in using birds as bioindicators, caution is required in extrapolating from laboratory studies in field conditions.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Salud Ocupacional.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Academies and Institutes↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Urinary biomarkers as indicators of renal disease.

Using modern technology, minute quantities of LMWP, prostanoids, growth factors, intra-renal and extra-renal enzymes can be measured in urine. Excretory patterns that are characteristic for site and mechanism of renal injury often can be found. It is possible to recognise urinary biomarker patterns that suggest the putative environmental nephrotoxin. Our own studies performed in subjects with low level occupational and environmental exposures in New Jersey confirm the pattern specificity and threshold effects for Cr, Hg and Pb. In addition, we have been able to show that increased NAG and IAP excretion following Pb exposure correlates with current (blood Pb) but not with the cumulative Pb burden (bone Pb). The relatively specific characteristic patterns of biomarker excretion are lost as renal failure progresses. Moreover, renal injury that results in tubular proteinuria may not progress to renal failure. Nevertheless, urine biomarkers can help to establish acceptable levels and identify the need for long term surveillance to ascertain when clinical renal disease may result.

Adult↗
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Genetically and medically susceptible workers.

The likelihood of an individual becoming ill from a hazardous material or condition is strongly influenced by both their genetic makeup and their underlying state of health. Although the past decade has seen great advances in understanding human variation in health and genetic polymorphisms and in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, much less progress has been made in effectively using this information to protect worker health. Scientific evidence for increased susceptibility often is weak and rarely satisfies legal thresholds for sufficient risk to warrant exclusion from a particular job. When public safety is a major concern, many legally mandated exclusions are not well justified. Medical opinions about fitness to work should be based upon a systematic and credible analysis of the condition, its relationship to ability and risk for a particular job, and knowledge of possible accommodations. Conclusions should reflect the limitations of scientific knowledge and guidance from antidiscrimination legislation.

Disability Evaluation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Investigations and activities at superfund sites.

Only a small proportion of the hazardous waste sites in the United States have been placed on the National Priority List (NPL), and these have become known as Superfund Sites. Many more sites exist on active industrial or military facilities, and a large number of sites remain to be discovered. It is useful to illustrate several hazardous waste sites to provide a clearer impression of the nature of the hazards, the kind of work done, and the proximity of residences to sites.

Environmental Monitoring↗
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Biological monitoring of hazardous waste workers: metals.

The author defines biological monitoring and discusses its role as a component of medical surveillance protocols, including traditional methods and new methods of monitoring of effect. Initiating a biological monitoring program, choosing a laboratory, and archiving specimens are detailed.

Environmental Monitoring↗
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Heat stress in hazardous waste workers: evaluation and prevention.

The risk of heat stress for hazardous waste workers is high due to the unique aspects of their work, particularly the use of vapor-barrier clothing. Such garments interfere with one of the body's principal mechanisms for dissipating heat, that is, evaporative cooling. Under such conditions the body's heat load rapidly increases and heat-related illness may occur. The medical surveillance examination is an important tool for identifying those workers with risk factors for developing heat stress or underlying diseases that may be exacerbated by heat strain. Further testing to determine fitness for duty, e.g., exercise stress testing, needs to be individualized with respect to the patient's specific work situation and/or clinical status. Appropriate medically related recommendations regarding an individual's ability to perform hazardous waste work can then be determined by the examining physician. Finally, preventive strategies, such as training, physiological and environmental monitoring in the field, judicious scheduling of work and rest periods, appropriate hydration, and use of cooling equipment and canopies, are available and should be employed to reduce the occurrence of heat-related illness in hazardous waste workers.

Hazardous Waste↗
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Demography of the hazardous waste industry.

This article attempts to characterize the workforce of the hazardous waste industry. The growth of the industry is discussed, including its deployment into various activity categories, and its size is estimated. Finally, demographics of the workforce are presented.

Adult↗