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PubMed1997

Urinary schistosomiasis among school children in Nigeria: consequences of indigenous beliefs and water contact activities.

A study of urinary schistosomiasis in Umueze-Anam, Anambra State, Nigeria, showed a Schistosoma haematobium infection of 26% (85) among school children with no significant difference by sex except when age as a variable is introduced. Eleven percent (37) of the 333 children were positive for haematuria; all these 37 children lived within 1.0 km of the water sources. Of the 85 infected children, swimming and laundering accounted for 65% and 48% of all water contact activities, for boys and girls respectively. One-third of the 230 adults interviewed believed haematuria to be a venereal disease and 20% thought it was a sign of maturity. Individual perception of causation and seriousness of haematuria differed by level of education and by sex. Less than 2% of the respondents knew that snails transmitted the disease. The effects of social restrictions on the epidemiology of infection is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

How clean is clean enough? Maintaining thermal protective clothing under field conditions in the oil and gas sector.

The purpose of this research was to develop practical care procedures to help maintain the protective quality of flame resistant workwear laundered by workers in the field. Based on observed field conditions, experiments were conducted that simulated domestic laundry procedures. The first experiment involved two flame resistant (FR) fabrics, contaminated or not contaminated with oil. Independent variables also included detergent type and laundry pre-treatment. Other laundry parameters were controlled. Results indicated that it is easier to maintain the FR performance of the FR-treated blend than it is for the aramid fabric. It is hypothesized that energy generated by initial ignition of oil on the specimens triggers the FR mechanism of the treatment, which in turn inhibits further combustion. A second experiment using larger specimens and a domestic washing machine also supported the hypothesized mechanism.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1984

Killing of fabric-associated bacteria in hospital laundry by low-temperature washing.

Hospitals using 71.1 C water for laundering consume vast amounts of energy. We studied whether washing at 22 C would result in fabric-associated bacterial counts significantly different from those remaining after the high-temperature wash procedure in general use. Using a standard method to enumerate fabric-associated bacteria, we found that soiled sheets and terry cloth items were contaminated, respectively, with 10(6) and 10(8) cfu/100 cm2 of fabric area, predominantly gram-negative rods (especially Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae). Staphylococcus species were the most common gram-positive organisms. A standard low-temperature washing cycle without laundry chemicals removed 3 log10 of bacteria by agitation, dilution, and drainage. When low-temperature laundry chemicals were used, 3 log10 of bacteria were killed after the bleach was added, and sheets and terry cloth items had postwash colony counts of 10(1)-10(2) cfu/100 cm2. Drying removed an additional 1-2 log10 organisms. Bacterial counts and species from low- and high-temperature washed fabrics were comparable. Low-temperature washing is therefore as effective as high-temperature washing for eliminating pathogenic bacteria from hospital laundry.

Bacteria↗
PubMed2006

Fragrance allergy: assessing the risk from washed fabrics.

The prevalence of contact allergy to fragrance ingredients increased during the last part of the 20th century with the consequence that a substantial number of individuals are at risk of experiencing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) if they have a sufficient degree of skin exposure to the chemical to which they have become sensitized. Such exposure does not necessarily have to arise from the type of source that originally induced the sensitization. A number of sources of exposure are clearly associated with risk of elicitation of ACD, but the role of fragrance deposited on fabrics, for example as a result of laundry processes, also can be questioned. In this article, firstly, the risk of the induction of fragrance-related ACD from exposure to fragrance via fabric is considered. Using a quantitative risk-assessment approach, the risk appears to be extremely low. The possibility that fragrance residues on laundered fabrics might elicit reactions in those already sensitized by a different route is also discussed. Clinically, clothing pattern dermatitis associated with fragrance allergy is almost never observed, although this could be investigated clinically by exposing sensitized individuals to the relevant fragrance allergen.

Allergens↗
PubMed1977

Sanitation in self-service automatic washers.

The potential for microbial transfer in self-service laundry washing machines was investigated by obtaining swab samples from the interior surfaces of commercial machines and wash water samples before and after disinfectant treatment. Three disinfectants (chlorine, a quaternary ammonium product, and a phenolic disinfectant) were used. Four self-service laundry facilities were sampled, with 10 replications of the procedure for each treatment at each location. Although washers were set on a warmwater setting, the wash water temperatures ranged from 24 to 51 degrees C. The quaternary ammonium product seemed most effective, averaging a 97% microbial kill; chlorine was the second most effective, with a 58% kill, and the phenolic disinfectant was least effective, with only a 25% kill. The efficacies of the chlorine and phenolic disinfectants were reduced at low water temperatures commonly experienced in self-service laundries. Interfamily cross-contamination in self-service facilities is a potential public health problem, which is aggravated by environmental conditions, such as water temperature and the practices of the previous users of the equipment. Procedural changes in laundering are recommended, including the use of a disinfectant to maintain adequate levels of sanitation.

Chlorine↗
PubMed1984

Comparison of methods for recovery of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus from seeded laundry fabrics.

To assess the effect of laundry procedures on fabric-associated bacteria, a standard method of enumeration is needed. We evaluated six methods for enumeration of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus seeded (10(2) and 10(5) CFU/100 cm2 of fabric area) onto sterilized hospital sheets and terry . Two methods involved maceration of seeded swatches in broth followed by passage of the broth through a 0.45-micron-pore-size, 47-mm-diameter filter membrane. Three methods involved agitation of seeded swatches in broth with a paint shaker and membrane filtration of the broth to recover eluted bacterial cells, and the final method involved direct enumeration of cells on fabrics by overlaying seeded swatches with agar containing triphenyltetrazolium chloride as an indicator. The most convenient recovery method employed a 90-s agitation followed by serial dilution of broths and membrane filtration. This method provided 44/57% (low seed/high seed) recovery of E. coli from sheets and 133/31% from terry and 34/74% recovery of S. aureus from sheets and 58/57% from terry . Although maceration provided similar recovery of E. coli and S. aureus, it is a less-practical method. The direct enumeration method was ineffective for enumerating gram-positive bacteria. We conclude that either the agitation or maceration method used enumerated the seeded bacteria to within 1 log10 of their expected number and can be used to assess the bactericidal effectiveness of various steps in the laundering process.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1971

Hospital sanitation: the massive bacterial contamination of the wet mop.

Following the demonstration of massive spread of bacterial contamination throughout the hospital by the wet-mopping techniques in use, quantitative studies were undertaken to determine the source of contamination and to institute measures of control. It was found that mops, stored wet, supported bacterial growth to very high levels and could not be adequately decontaminated by chemical disinfection. Laundering and adequate drying provided effective decontamination, but build-up of bacterial counts occurred if mops were not changed daily or if disinfectant was omitted from the wash-water. Recommendations were based upon the experimental findings.

Agar↗
PubMed1992

Mysterious slapped face rash at holiday centre.

OBJECTIVE: To discover the cause of an outbreak of facial rash in a holiday centre. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey of those with rash; analysis of samples of linen. SETTING: Holiday centre in south west England. PATIENTS: 98 holiday-makers presenting to the first aid post with a facial rash. INTERVENTION: Replacement of bed linen with new linen in selected parts of the site. RESULTS: The attack rate was 7.0-14.2/1000 for most accommodation areas in the centre, but in one accommodation area the rate was zero. The pH of rinse water from sheets varied from 7.4 to 9.0. Those parts of the accommodation provided with new linen had zero attack rates. CONCLUSION: The facial rash resulted from irritation from washing powder retained owing to insufficient rinsing during laundering. Modifications to the rinsing process led to a gradual disappearance of the rash.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

1994 preview.

What can you look forward to in the coming year? We asked leaders in several segments of the laundry industry to polish up their crystal balls, mutter a few incantations and give us their best guess on what the coming year has in store for launderers.

Forecasting↗
PubMed1975

Toxic skin reactions caused by tributyltin oxide (tbto) in socks.

During some hot summer-days in 1973 about 70 cases of acute feet dermatitis were reported among soldiers from one regiment. They had used newly laundered socks from the same batch. The socks were disinfected with a solution containing TBTO and a quarternary ammonium compound, but by mistake a roughly 7 times too high concentration of the solution had been used. Patch tests with TBTO, quarternary ammonium compound and standard substances were negative. There was no suspicion of phototoxicity in these cases, but according to the literature TBTO may be photodynamic and several case reports relate specifically to sunny summerdays. We consider our cases to be due to the primary irritant properties of TBTO. As the span between optimal concentration for disinfection and the primary irritant concentration is narrow, we consider it inappropriate to use this substance for disinfection of textiles which are to be in direct contact with the skin until it has been established whether, for example, sweat may extract TBTO from treated fibres.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Microbiological public health aspects in the use of rain water as water reservoirs for toilet flushing, garden irrigation and laundry].

From a total of 102 rain water cisterns in use for toilet flushing, garden irrigation and laundering washing about 1,600 water samples were collected and subjected to microbiological analysis. The assays included aerobic heterotrophic microorganisms growing at 20 and 37 degrees C, respectively, as well as the identification of Escherichia coli, coliform organisms, faecal streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, yersiniae, salmonellae, shigellae, legionellae and yeasts. The median of the total number of cells per ml was 1,200 at 20 degrees C and 230 at 37 degrees C, respectively. Approximately 26 E. coli cells and 198 coliform organisms (median values) were found per 100 ml. In the case of cisterns manufactured of plastic the total number of cells was generally found to be lower than in samples collected from concrete or brick-made storage tanks. With the exception of the ubiquitously distributed organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa (found in 11.8% of the samples) and salmonella in only one sample, no other pathogens were detected. More than 95% of all analysed samples met the quality standards for bathing waters as set by the European Community. Provided certain precautions are taken, such as strict separation of mains for drinking water and rain water, as well as correct labelling of pipelines and collection sites, the use of rain water for toilet flushing, garden irrigation and laundry washing presents no unacceptable risk to public health.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2002

Lead exposure in Mexican radiator repair workers.

BACKGROUND: Lead exposure was investigated among 73 Mexican radiator repair workers (RRWs), 12 members of their family (4 children and 8 wives), and 36 working controls. RRWs were employed at 4 radiator repair shops in Mexico City and 27 shops in Cuernavaca and surrounding areas. METHODS: Exposure was assessed directly through the use of personal air sampling and hand wipe samples. In addition, industrial hygiene inspections were performed and detailed questionnaires were administered. Blood lead levels were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). RESULTS: The mean (SD) values for blood lead of the RRWs, 35.5 (13.5) microg/dl, was significantly greater than the same values for the working controls, 13.6 (8.7) microg/dl; P < 001. After excluding a single outlier (247 microg/m(3)), air lead levels ranged from 0 to 99 microg/m(3) with a mean (SD) value of 19 (23) microg/m(3) (median = 7.9 microg/m(3)). In a final multivariate regression model of elevated blood lead levels, the strongest predictors were smoking (vs. non-smoking), the number of radiators repaired per day on average, and the use (vs. non-use) of a uniform while at work, which were associated with blood lead elevations of 11.4 microg/dl, 1.95 microg/dl/radiator/day, and 16.4 microg/dl, respectively (all P <.05). Uniform use was probably a risk factor because they were not laundered regularly and consequently served as reservoir of contamination on which RRWs frequently wiped their hands. CONCLUSIONS: Lead exposure is a significant problem of radiator repair work, a small industry that is abundant in Mexico and other developing countries.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Risk behaviors for pesticide exposure among pregnant women living in farmworker households in Salinas, California.

BACKGROUND: Farmworkers and their families are at risk for pesticide exposure, however, little is known about behaviors that increase their risk. We determined the frequency of risky behaviors among pregnant farmworkers and characterized those at greatest risk. METHODS: Participants included 153 pregnant farmworkers and 248 pregnant non-farmworkers who resided with farmworkers from the CHAMACOS (Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas) study. We examined risky behaviors relating to handwashing, bathing, protective clothing, house cleaning, laundering of work clothes, wearing of work clothes and shoes into the home, and eating produce from the fields. RESULTS: Between 25 and 60% of women demonstrated risky behavior on each item. Practices of households with pregnant farmworkers and non-farmworkers did not differ. Women who lived in the United States longer, and in crowded households demonstrated the most risky behavior overall. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant farmworkers and those living with farmworkers need to be educated to reduce potential take-home pesticide exposure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Parental occupational lead exposure and lead concentration of newborn cord blood.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of parental occupational lead exposure on the lead levels of newborn cord blood in the Taipei area. From September 1984 to June 1985, 5,000 pregnant women voluntarily participated in the study at the Taipei Municipal Maternal and Child Hospital. Each woman was interviewed regarding her and her husband's occupational exposures; 2,948 successfully delivered healthy newborns, and cord blood samples were obtained using Terumo Venoject, and 242 samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using an Instrumentation Laboratory 251 instrument. Nine cord blood samples were from newborns with both parents exposed, 26 samples had maternal exposure only, 105 samples had paternal exposure only, and 102 were nonexposed. The results showed that the average lead level of cord blood with both parents exposed was 8.9 +/- 2.9 micrograms%, maternal exposure 9.0 +/- 3.8 micrograms%, paternal exposure 8.3 +/- 3.4 micrograms%, and 6.9 +/- 3.2 micrograms% in the nonexposed group. There were significant differences between the nonexposed and the maternal exposure groups, and also between the nonexposed and paternal exposure groups. All 26 maternal exposures were from lead soldering operations. Multivariate analysis revealed that, after control of father's exposure status, newborn cord blood lead level increased 0.27 micrograms% for each hour the mother spent on lead soldering during a normal working day, thus suggesting that soldering during pregnancy may be hazardous to newborns. Paternal contribution to the cord blood lead levels seemed to be through either working at home with the pregnant mother also at home or bringing work clothes home for laundering.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Role of clothes in sun protection.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the carcinogenic factor in sunlight. Damage to skin cells from repeated UV exposure can lead to the development of skin cancer. Apart from avoidance of the sun, the most frequently used form of UV protection has been the application of sunscreens. The use of textiles as a means of sun protection has been underrated in previous educational campaigns, even though suitable clothing offers usually simple and effective broadband protection against the sun. Apart from skin cancer formation, exacerbation of photosensitive disorders and premature skin aging could be prevented by suitable UV-protective clothing. Nevertheless, several studies have recently shown that, contrary to popular opinion, some textiles provide only limited UV protection. It has been found that one-third of commercial summer clothing items provide a UV protection factor (UPF) less than 15. Given the increasing interest in sun protection, recreationally and occupationally, test methods and a rating scheme for clothing were needed that would ensure sufficient UV protection. Various textile parameters have an influence on the UPF of a finished garment. Important parameters are the fabric porosity, type, color, weight and thickness. The application of UV absorbers into the yarns significantly improves the UPF of a garment. Under the conditions of wear and use several factors can alter the UV-protective properties of a textile, e.g., stretch, wetness and laundering. The use of UV-blocking cloths can provide excellent protection against the hazards of sunlight; this is especially true for garments manufactured as UV-protective clothing. However, further educational efforts are necessary to change people's sun behavior and raise awareness for the use of adequate sun-protective clothing.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

[The Swiss population and drug problems: perception of the problems and proposals for solutions].

The aim of this study is to investigate which problems in relation with drug abuse are considered to be the most important by the Swiss population and which measures do they support to reduce them. Base for this study are the results of a representative telephone survey realized in october 1991 with 1004 Swiss residents. People are mostly concerned with problems related to the danger for youth and those concerning public order but also with the human condition of addicts. Drug addicts are considered as people who have lost the sense of live, as sick but also as dangerous and less truthful. Supported are overall prevention, offers for therapies, the repression of trafficking and money-laundering but not of drug users as well as measures going in the direction of harm-minimisation (shooting rooms, medical prescription of drugs). Younger people, those with higher education and the german-speaking population have a more positive view of drug addicts and support measures in the sense of harm-minimisation. Elder people and the french-speaking population have a rather negative view of drug addicts and don't favour measures for harm-minimisation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Toxicity to fish of flame retardant fabrics immersed in their water. Part I.

A number of commercial and candidate flame retardants were studied with regard to their toxicity to fish when released from fabrics immersed in their water. Immersion of laundered or unlaundered flame retardant 100% polyester or polyester blend fabrics used in children's sleepwear in water containing goldfish resulted in release of the anticholin-esterase flame retardant TDBPP (tris (2, 3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) and death of all fish within 24 hours. TDBPP undergoes loss of HBr in water and production of a metabolite.

Animals↗