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Biomedical subjects

W I Glass

Publications and source records attributed to W I Glass.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Health effects of occupational pentachlorophenol exposure in timber sawmill employees: a preliminary study.

AIMS: To study the health effects of pentachlorophenol (PCP) exposure in the timber sawmill industry. METHOD: A questionnaire-based, non-random survey was undertaken amongst a group of current and ex-workers who had identified their health concerns as being related to PCP exposure. RESULTS: Low, medium and high exposure groups were identified. A significant dose-response was found between past exposure to Pentachlorophenol and reported symptoms of fever/sweating (47% in the high exposure group), weight loss (33% in the high exposure group), persisting fatigue (74% in the high exposure group), nausea (40% in the medium and high exposure groups) and responses to a screening test for neuropsychological dysfunction (Questionnaire 16) (81% in the high exposure group). No associations were observed with other chronic diseases, apart from emphysema and chronic bronchitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study is based on a self selected sample of PCP-exposed workers whose precise exposure levels are unclear. Thus the findings presented should be regarded as preliminary. Nevertheless, they support clinical experiences and point to the need for further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Work-related respiratory symptoms and lung function in New Zealand mussel openers.

Our objectives were to measure the prevalence of work-related and nonwork-related respiratory symptoms in a group of New Zealand mussel openers who open green-lipped mussels, and to relate these to demographic factors, work history, smoking history, and pulmonary function measurements. A cross-section study of respiratory symptoms and lung function was performed on 224 New Zealand mussel openers (99.6% of the study population) at nine work sites. In addition, peak expiratory flow (PEF) change across-shift was measured at one work site in 19 workers. The mean age of all mussel openers was 33.4 years and the mean duration of mussel opening was 5.0 years; 25% were male, 54.7% were current smokers, and 13.9% were ex-smokers. The reported symptom prevalences were: any wheeze, 35%; work-related wheeze, 23%; any chest tightness, 30.5%; work-related chest tightness, 20.2% (work-related symptoms were defined as symptoms improving on rest days or worse at work). Seventy-two mussel openers (32.3%) answered positively to at least 1 of 4 questions concerning work-related symptoms. The mean predicted FEV1 (SD) for this group was 74.3% (14.5), and the mean predicted FVC (SD) was 79.2 (16.0). Nineteen workers completed serial PEF, and the mean percentage change was +1.5% at 7 hr, but 8 workers had falls ranging between 1.1-14% after either 1 or 7 hr of work. Duration of mussel opening of greater than 2 years, but less than 7 years (OR = 2.29; 95% CI, 1.07-4.91), and duration of mussel opening greater than 7 years (OR = 3.72; 95% CI, 1.52-9.11), were significant predictors of work-related respiratory symptoms. Female sex (OR = 1.73; 95% CI, 0.83-3.60) was also associated with the presence of work-related symptoms. No relationship was found with measured hygiene parameters of cleaning agents used. In conclusions, duration of work as a mussel opener was associated with the present of work-related respiratory symptoms, after adjustment of age, sex, and smoking habit. There were marked abnormalities in mean FEV1 and FVC, although no consistent changes across working shift were noted.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Cyanide poisoning: pathophysiology and treatment recommendations.

This paper aims to assess and compare currently available antidotes for cyanide poisoning. Such evaluation, however, is difficult. Thus, extrapolation from the results of animal studies has potential pitfalls, as significant inter-species differences in response may exist, and these experiments often involve administration of toxin and antidote almost simultaneously, rather than incorporating a more realistic time delay before initiation of treatment. Direct inference from human case reports is also problematic; either because of uncertainties over the exposure levels involved (and hence the likely outcome without treatment), or because of difficulties in identifying the specific contribution of a particular antidote within the overall treatment regimen. Certainly an effort to compare the relative efficacy of cyanide antidotes produces equivocal findings, with no single regimen clearly standing out. Indeed, factors such as the risks of antidote toxicity to various individuals and other practical issues, may be more important considerations. There is therefore no single treatment regimen which is best for all situations. Besides individual risk factors for antidote toxicity, the nature of the exposure and hence its likely severity, the evolving clinical features and the number of persons involved and their proximity to hospital facilities, all need to be considered. Clinically mild poisoning may be treated by rest, oxygen and amyl nitrite. Intravenous antidotes are indicated for moderate poisoning. Where the diagnosis is uncertain, sodium thiosulphate may be the first choice. With severe poisoning, an additional agent is required. Given the various risks with methaemoglobin formers or with unselective use of kelocyanor, hydroxocobalamin may be preferred from a purely risk-benefit perspective. However the former alternatives will likely remain important.

Antidotes↗
PubMed1994

Chronic interstitial lung disease in a welder of galvanized steel.

A 32-year-old man who took pride in his skill and speed as a welder suffered two relatively brief intense exposures (three months each) to welding fumes under relatively confined space conditions. He developed shortness of breath within 18 months of beginning work, with severe impairment of his diffusion capacity. This remains some months later despite discontinuing his welding activities.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Transient changes in the pulmonary function of welders: a cross sectional study of Monday peak expiratory flow.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to compare the peak expiratory flow (PEF) of welders and non-welders over a 12 hour period from the start of work on Monday. METHODS: The two study groups consisted of 20 welders and 20 non-welders, all men who had essentially never smoked, with no significant difference in age, height, ethnicity, or baseline spirometry between the groups. The PEF was measured for each welder before the start of work and 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1, 2, 4, 7, and 12 hours after the start of welding. The same method was applied to the non-welders, for whom a proxy time for the start of welding was used. RESULTS: The percentage change in baseline PEF was calculated for each subject at each of the recording times. The welder and non-welder group means for these results were significantly different at 15 minutes (p = 0.028). Also, the group mean for maximum fall in PEF (at any of the recording times during the 12 hour period) was significantly greater for the welders (p = 0.011). 50% of the welders (10/20), but only 5% of the non-welders (1/20), experienced a fall in PEF in excess of 5% (p = 0.0046). 25% of the welders (5/20) experienced drops of greater than 5% within the first 15 minutes. CONCLUSION: The results are suggestive of an immediate type reaction in welders, similar to that seen in some cases of occupational asthma, although not so severe. Studies to determine if these reactions reflect non-specific bronchial hyper-responsiveness would be useful. It is recommended that future studies also undertake breathing zone measurements to relate the response to particular constituents of the welding plume, especially the gases ozone and nitrogen dioxide.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Urinary arsenic levels in timber treatment operators.

An investigation was carried out into arsenic levels in urine of timber treatment operators at six treatment plants in the Waikato-Rotorua area. The mean arsenic level for treatment operators was 222 migrograms/l compared with the normal range of 5-40 micrograms/l. In order to reduce the present significant exposure to treatment chemicals such as arsenic and chromium, it is recommended that the wood preservation industry take engineering measures to reduce the present air emissions and adopt strict work practices in hygiene and protective clothing in similar manner to those handling mercury and lead.

Arsenic↗
PubMed1975

Dieldrin poisoning: case report.

A case of dieldrin poisoning is reported. This case exemplifies the factor of weight loss and speculates on possible treatment.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1972

Phosgene poisoning.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Accidents, Occupational↗