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Particle size distributions of oil mists in workplace atmospheres and their exposure concentrations to workers in a fastener manufacturing industry.

This study was set out to characterize size distributions of oil mists in three workplace atmospheres of the forming, threading, and heat treatment in a fastener manufacturing industry and to assess their exposures to workers. Particle size segregating samplings were conducted on the workplace atmospheres of the three selected industrial processes by using the modified Marple 8-stage cascade impactor (m-Marple). We found that mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the fine mode and coarse mode fell to the range 0.309-0.501 microm and 8.16-13.0 microm, respectively. The fractions of inhaled particles exposed to different regions of the respiratory tracts found that the alveolar region was consistently higher than both head and tracheobronchial regions in all three studied exposure groups. Personal inhalable oil mist samplings were conducted on workers in the three selected processes revealed their exposure levels as: threading workers (2.11 mg/m3)>forming workers (1.58 mg/m3)>heat treatment workers (0.0801 mg/m3). The estimated respirable exposure concentrations for both forming and threading workers (1.34 mg/m3 and 1.40 mg/m3, respectively) were higher than the level known for "increased risk of pulmonary injury" (0.20 mg/m3) suggesting that appropriate control measures should be taken to reduce their exposures to the oil mists of the respirable fraction immediately.

Aerosols↗

Cancer incidence and mortality in the Swedish polyurethane foam manufacturing industry.

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (MDI) are used in large quantities in the polyurethane foam manufacturing industry. Both substances are mutagenic and at least TDI is carcinogenic to animals, but the occupational hazard with respect to cancer is not known. Cancer incidence and mortality patterns were therefore investigated in a cohort of 4154 workers from nine Swedish plants manufacturing polyurethane foam, employed for at least one year. Each workplace and job task in the nine plants was categorically assessed for each calendar year by an experienced occupational hygienist, for "no exposure", "low or intermittent exposure", or "apparent exposure" to TDI and MDI. The observed deficit for all cause mortality (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 0.78, (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.66-0.93) became smaller (SMR 0.92) excluding the first 10 years since the start of exposure and was ascribed to a healthy worker effect. No increased risk for death from bronchial obstructive diseases was found. An almost statistically significant deficit occurred for all malignant neoplasms (standardised incidence ratio (SIR) 0.81, 95% CI 0.63-1.02); slight (not significant) increased risks were found for rectal cancer (SIR 1.66) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SIR 1.53). The SIR for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increased to 2.80 (95% CI 0.76-7.16) when the first 10 years since first exposure were excluded from the observation period. The corresponding figure for rectal cancer was 1.92 (95% CI 0.52-4.92). Further restricting the analysis to those who had experienced an apparent exposure to TDI or MDI increased the SIR for both rectal cancer (3.19, 95% CI 0.66-9.33), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (3.03, 95% CI 0.37-10.9). These estimates were based, however, on few incident cases. As the cohort is still young and little time has elapsed since the start of exposure, future follow ups will enable a more conclusive evaluation.

Adult↗

Respiratory health effects from exposure to carbon black: results of the phase 2 and 3 cross sectional studies in the European carbon black manufacturing industry.

OBJECTIVES: To assess respiratory morbidity over several cross sectional phases in the European carbon black manufacturing industry. METHODS: Participants completed an amended (and translated) MRC respiratory morbidity questionnaire with additional questions on previous exposures, job history, etc, and spirometry traces in each phase. Concurrent with the health outcome measures, personal exposure to inhalable dust was measured. RESULTS: Percentage participation rose from 90% in phase 2 (19 factories) to 95% in phase 3 (16 factories). Exposure dropped slightly between the 2 and 3 phases; as did the prevalence of reporting symptoms. Percentage of predicted lung function volumes exceeded 100% for forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC), whereas forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF(25%-75%)) and FEV(1)/FVC ratio were below 100% in both phases. The multiple linear and logistic regressions showed that carbon black had a significant effect on lung function and on most respiratory symptoms, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both current and cumulative exposure to carbon black have a deleterious effect on respiratory morbidity. Due to the drop in exposure between phases 2 and 3, recent exposures seem to have less of an impact on the respiratory morbidity in the workers in phase 3 than those in phase 2.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Evaluation of occupational exposure to N-nitrosamines in a rubber-manufacturing industry.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine volatile N-nitrosamines levels in the air of a rubber-manufacturing industry and to measure urinary N-nitrosamines concentrations in exposed workers. METHODS: Personal monitoring of 34 workers was performed by sampling nine airborne N-nitrosamines in four factories that manufactured rubber drive belts for automotive engines. Urinary N-nitrosamine levels were determined in all workers and in a control group of 26 subjects. Analyses were conducted by capillary gas chromatography-thermal energy analyzer. RESULTS: Airborne and urinary N-nitrosamines levels were very low and, in most cases, below the limit of detection (0.06 microg/m and 0.1 microg/L, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although airborne and urinary N-nitrosamines levels were found to be very low, exposed workers should still be monitored constantly because some of these substances are known to be genotoxic and carcinogenic.

Adult↗

Leukaemia incidence among workers in the shoe and boot manufacturing industry: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports have indicated an excess of leukaemia in Broome County, New York, particularly in the Town of Union. Surveillance of cancer incidence data indicates that a large proportion of these cases occurred among males ages 65 and older. Shoe and boot manufacturing has been the largest single industry in this area throughout much of the past century. Occupational studies from Europe suggest a link between leukaemia and employment in the shoe and boot manufacturing industry. However, researchers have not found a positive association between leukaemia and employment in the shoe industry among workers in the United States. METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted to investigate the association between leukaemia incidence among males 65 and older and employment in the shoe and boot manufacturing industry. Thirty-six cases of leukaemia occurring between 1981-1990; among males age 65 and older; residing in the town of Union met the study case criteria. Death certificates were obtained for each of the cases. These were matched to death certificates of 144 controls on date of death and date of birth +/- 1 year. Death certificates were then examined to determine the employer and occupation of each study subject. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine the risk of leukaemia among those working in the industry. RESULTS: The risk of both leukaemia (OR = 1.47; 95% CI 0.70, 3.09) and acute myeloid leukaemia (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 0.33, 4.28) were elevated among those employed in the shoe and boot manufacturing industry, however neither was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results, though suggestive of an association between leukaemia and employment in the shoe and boot manufacturing industry, were not statistically conclusive due mainly to limited study power. Several additional limitations may also have prevented the observance of more conclusive findings. Better exposure assessment, information on length of exposure and types of job held, control of confounding factors and information on chemicals used by this company would strengthen any future investigation.

Aged↗

Source assessment of hexachlorobenzene from the organic chemical manufacturing industry.

The Office of Solid Waste of the US Environmental Protection Agency determines the hazards of wastes produced by the organic chemical manufacturing industry. Based on these determinations, regulations have been laid down for many wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Additional wastes from this industry will be considered for regulation following further study and evaluation. Among the wastes under study are hexachlorobenzene (HCB)-containing wastes. Although HCB is no longer manufactured in the USA, the US Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that approximately 4130 t are generated annually as a by-product in the production of chlorinated organics and pesticides. Of this total, about 77% (3178 t) is generated from the production of three chlorinated solvents: tetrachloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene. All wastewater containing HCB is treated biologically in surface impoundments, resulting in HCB accumulation in the biological sludge. Disposal methods for HCB-containing sludges and distillation bottoms are incineration and landfilling, with 81% (3345 t) being incinerated and 19% (785 t) going to landfills.

Chemical Industry↗

Occupational health services in South African manufacturing industries: a pilot survey.

A pilot survey of the distribution and content of occupational health services in South African manufacturing industries was carried out in the Germiston area of the Witwatersrand using the records of the Workmens' Compensation Commissioner as a sampling frame. All establishments with 50 or more workers and a stratified random sample of smaller ones (495 in all) were contacted. The overall response rate was 56% and was positively related to work force size, the larger establishments showing higher response rates. The offering of health services, defined minimally as at least a part-time nurse or doctor employed on the premises, was reported in 11% of work places employing 52% of the work force and was also positively related to work force size. Seventeen percent of establishments had ever monitored environmental conditions, and all classes of industry in the study area fell short of government recommendations. The advantages of the study approach used here, based on a countrywide sampling frame and a mail questionnaire, include 1) the relatively modest cost; 2) the creation of an information framework to which can be added additional information obtained from other sources e.g., factory visits; and 3) the use of a database for sampling that is countrywide, regularly updated, and versatile, with the potential for extending the observations with a similar (geographic) or different focus, for instance, by industrial class or work force size.

Employment↗

Formation of biogenic amines throughout the industrial manufacture of red wine.

Changes in biogenic amines (histamine, methylamine, ethylamine, tyramine, phenylethylamine, putrescine, and cadaverine) were monitored during the industrial manufacture of 55 batches of red wine. The origin of these amines in relation to must, alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation, sulfur dioxide addition, and wine aging and the interactions between amines and their corresponding amino acids and pH were statistically evaluated in samples from the same batches throughout the elaboration process. Some amines can be produced in the grape or the musts (e.g., putrescine, cadaverine, and phenylethylamine) or can be formed by yeast during alcoholic fermentation (e.g., ethylamine and phenylethylamine), although quantitatively only very low concentrations are reached in these stages (less than 3 mg/liter). Malolactic fermentation was the main mechanism of biogenic amine formation, especially of histamine, tyramine, and putrescine. During this stage, the increase in these amines was accompanied by a significant decline in their amino acid precursors. Significant correlations between biogenic amine formation and the disappearance of their corresponding amino acids were observed, which clearly supports the hypothesis that malolactic bacteria are responsible for accumulation of these amines in wines. No increase in the concentration of biogenic amines was observed after SO2 addition and during wine aging, indicating that sulfur dioxide prevents amine formation in subsequent stages.

Biogenic Amines↗

Mortality patterns among women in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry.

This retrospective follow-up study evaluated the mortality experience of 11,271 women employed in a large motor vehicle manufacturing company in 1973. Company computerized personnel records were used to identify subjects and to obtain their employment histories. Follow-up through December 31, 1985, was conducted using company, state, and national data sources. The mortality rates of the cohort were compared with the rates of the U.S. general population of white or black women, adjusting for age and calendar time and using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) as the measure of association. The overall mortality rate of the cohort was lower than the U.S. rate by 15% among whites (SMR = 85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 78-93) and by 40% among blacks (SMR = 59, CI = 49-70). Among whites, the low mortality rate was due primarily to deficits of noncancer deaths, although a 32% deficit also was observed for breast cancer (SMR = 68, CI = 48-92). Black female workers had 40% fewer deaths than expected overall, and their all cancer SMR also was below expectation (SMR = 82, CI = 60-109). Despite evidence of a strong healthy worker effect among women in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, the study found excesses of lung cancer among white women in assembly jobs (SMR = 158, CI = 107-226) and of pancreatic cancer among white assembly workers in upholstery and trim operations (SMR = 302, CI = 97-704).

Adult↗

Determinants of inhalable dust exposure in the European carbon black manufacturing industry.

A large study to investigate the respiratory health effects of occupational exposure to carbon black in the European carbon black manufacturing industry commenced in 1987. During the study, a large amount of personal occupational exposure data was collected. This article describes the empirical models used to study the determinants of inhalable dust exposure, using data from 16 factories collected in the third and last cross-sectional phase of this study. Information on activities during the measurements was collected using short job category-specific questionnaires. In addition, questionnaires were completed by factory representatives on the implementation of control measures and changes in production process since the first cross-sectional phase. Mixed effects analyses of variance models were used to identify determinants of exposure, while taking into account the within- and between-worker (random) variance components. The results of these models show that, for any job category, factory is a strong predictor of exposure in this industry. These differences could not be explained entirely by factors such as age of the factory or the control measures implemented since the first phase of the study. Surprisingly, implementation of local exhaust ventilation systems had an effect that was counterintuitive; for example, in warehouses where local exhaust ventilation systems had been implemented, higher dust exposure levels were found compared to those where such control measures had not been installed since the first cross-sectional survey. Season appeared to have some effect on exposure for some job titles, with generally relatively low exposures being found in the summer. Finally, a number of activities were identified that caused higher levels of dust exposure, most notably "changing of filters" and "clean-up of carbon black spills."

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Vibration white finger, digital blood pressure, and some biochemical findings on workers operating vibrating tools in the engine manufacturing industry.

A clinical and laboratory investigation was carried out on 76 operators using pneumatic hand grinders and impact wrenches in the engine manufacturing industry. Twenty-two vibration-exposed workers (28.9%) had no symptoms in the hands (stage 0 of the Stockholm Workshop scale), 34 (44.7%) were affected with sensorineural disturbances in the fingers (stage SN), and 20 (26.3%) suffered from vibration white finger (VWF stages 1-2-3). In the vibration-exposed operators and in 30 comparable referents not exposed to vibration, finger systolic blood pressure (FSP) was measured on a test finger and on a control finger after digit cooling to 30 degrees C and 10 degrees C. The results of the cold provocation test were expressed as percent change of FSP by cooling the test finger from 30 degrees C to 10 degrees C (FSP%t, 10 degrees) and as digital/brachial pressure index during local cooling at 10 degrees C (DPIt, 10 degrees). After cold provocation the mean values of FSP%t, 10 degrees and DPIt 10 degrees were more significantly reduced in the vibration-exposed workers with VWF than in those without VWF and the referents (p less than 0.001). The cold provocation test was found to differentiate between VWF subjects with stages 1-2 and stage 3 (p less than 0.02). It is concluded that the measurement of FSP combined with finger cooling is a useful laboratory test to diagnose objectively Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin. The vibration-exposed workers and the referents were also tested for serum levels of immunoglobulins and complement and for daily excretion of urinary free catecholamines. Between the reference and vibration groups no differences in the mean values of the immunologic parameters and urinary catecholamines were found. The meaning of these findings is discussed.

Adult↗

[Neurotoxic effects of organic solvents among workers in paint and lacquer manufacturing industry].

INTRODUCTION: Organic solvents are chemically different compounds with one common feature: they dissolve fats, oils, resins, cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate, which makes them widely used in industry. Most often organic solvents are used in paint and lacquer industries, in production of pesticides, plastics, explosives, rubber, cellulose, air conditioners, in pharmaceutical industry and in leather industry. The aim of this research was to analyze the working environment and professional hazards in paint and lacquer manufacturing industry and evaluate effects of chronic exposure to mixture of organic solvents on nervous system of exposed workers. METHODOLOGY: The exposed group consisted of 50 workers professionally exposed to these noxae, while the control group consisted of 30 workers who have never been exposed to these noxae. RESULTS: Examination of working environment in departments of paint and lacquer manufacturing revealed presence of white spirit and toluene above allowed levels. Exposed workers more frequently complained of fatigue, hand numbness, enhanced excitation, and concentration difficulties, forgetfulness and headaches, than workers from the control group. Electroneurographic examination of n. medianus showed reduced motor and sensitive conduction velocity among exposed in comparison to workers from the control group. Reduced motor and sensitive conduction velocity was correlated with duration of exposure to these noxae. Terminal latency of n. medianus was statistically, significantly longer in the exposed group than in the control group. Workers in the exposed group have statistically significantly longer reaction time in response to acoustic and visual stimuli. DISCUSSION: Segmental demyelination and axonal degeneration, as forms of damage to peripheral nerves, were identified as responsible for peripheral neuropathy associated with occupational exposure to organic solvents. CONCLUSION: Results of this study show possible neurotoxic effects of noxae detected in the phase of analysis of working conditions and working environment of examined workers.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Removal of Fe(II) from the wastewater of a galvanized pipe manufacturing industry by adsorption onto bentonite clay.

Bentonite clay has been used for the adsorption of Fe(II) from aqueous solutions over a concentration range of 80-200 mg/l, shaking time of 1-60 min, adsorbent dosage from 0.02 to 2 g and pH of 3. The process of uptake follows both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and also the first-order kinetics. The maximum removal (>98%) was observed at pH of 3 with initial concentration of 100 mg/l and 0.5 g of bentonite. The efficiency of Fe(II) removal was also tested using wastewater from a galvanized pipe manufacturing industry. More than 90% of Fe(II) can be effectively removed from the wastewater by using 2.0 g of the bentonite. The effect of cations (i.e. zinc, manganese, lead, cadmium, nickel, cobalt, chromium and copper) on the removal of Fe(II) was studied in the concentration range of 10-500 mg/l. All the added cations reduced the adsorption of Fe(II) at high concentrations except Zn. Column studies have also been carried out using a certain concentration of wastewater. More than 99% recovery has been achieved by using 5 g of the bentonite with 3M nitric acid solution.

Adsorption↗

Development of an ergonomics guideline for the furniture manufacturing industry.

Industry-specific ergonomics guidelines are an important component in the four-pronged approach to workplace ergonomics currently pursued by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The American Furniture Manufacturers Association has taken the initiative of developing such a guideline for its members. The result of this effort is the "AFMA Voluntary Ergonomics Guideline for the Furniture Manufacturing Industry", a document that includes basic information about ergonomics program components as well as a compilation of work-proven, ergonomics best practices as submitted by members of the furniture manufacturing community. This guideline was developed through an industry-research-government partnership and made strategic use of the unique attributes that each sector brought to this effort. Outlined in this paper are some of the characteristics of this partnership including, the roles played by each, the different motivations for pursuing the guideline, the challenges faced during the development of the document, the successes experienced in this process, as well as a proposed outline for measuring the effectiveness of this effort. The hope is that this summary, and some of the lessons learned contained herein, would be helpful to others considering the prospect of developing such a guideline for their industry.

Ergonomics↗

Assessment of exhaustion and related risk factors in employees in the manufacturing industry--a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Vital exhaustion, a construct overlapping with burnout, is an independent risk factor for adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease. We aimed to assess vital exhaustion in employees in the manufacturing industry and identify work characteristics associated with exhaustion. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A stratified, representative random sample of employees from a manufacturing plant for airplane parts and assemblies was invited ( n=647), of whom 537 employees (83% accrual) volunteered to participate. Scores obtained by the nine-item Shortened Maastricht Exhaustion Questionnaire were compared with the mental and physical summary scales of the SF-12 General Health Survey and to a list of 20 health complaints. Pathogenic and salutogenic work characteristics were assessed by the self-reported 52-item, 13-subscale SALSA questionnaire. RESULTS: Vital exhaustion correlated with the mental summary score of the SF-12 and the number of health complaints and was positively associated with age. Exhaustion was not associated with gender, position (socio-economic status) or being on a wage (paid per completed item up to a contracted amount) or salary (payment as fixed monthly income). The instrument identified departments with high levels of exhaustion. Of the observed variance in exhaustion, 29% was explained by age, department, and five work characteristics: High levels of exhaustion (score >10) were related to excessive workload or qualitative demands (scoring in the highest quartile; OR(adj) 7.5; 95% CI 2.4-23), to adverse physical work conditions (OR(adj) 6.9; 95% CI 2.2-21), to adverse co-worker behavior (OR(adj) 4.8; 95% CI 1.4-16), to qualification potential (OR(adj) 0.32; 95% CI 0.11-0.97), and to social support by co-workers (OR(adj) 0.34; 95% CI 0.13-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The nine-item instrument allows rapid screening of employees for self-reported levels of exhaustion. Besides physical work conditions and workload, absence or presence of social support by co-workers is strongly associated with exhaustion.

Adult↗

Trends in exposure to inhalable particulate and dermal contamination in the rubber manufacturing industry: effectiveness of control measures implemented over a nine-year period.

Exposure to inhalable particulates and dermal exposure to cyclohexane soluble matter (CSM) were evaluated in seven rubber manufacturing companies in 1988 and 1997. The identified exposure trends were used to study the effectiveness of control measures implemented over a nine-year period. Sampling and analytical methodologies were identical in both surveys. Inhalable particulate exposure was measured with a PAS6 sampling head. Dermal exposure was assessed by means of a dermal pad sampler worn at the lower wrist of the hand of preference. Changes in working organization and control measures taken after 1988 were identified based on discussions with management representatives and two walk-through surveys performed in 1994 and 1997. Exposure data were aggregated for comparison between years both at company and production function level. The mixed effect statistical procedure was used to evaluate the influence of control measures and seniority on current exposure levels. Comparison of the exposure levels between 1988 and 1997 revealed a reduction rate of 5.7 and 6.7% per year for inhalable particulate and dermal exposure, respectively. Companies and production functions with the highest exposure levels in 1988 and workers with seniority (more experience) showed a steeper decline in exposure levels. Fifty-seven control measures, mostly designed to control the levels of inhalable exposure were identified. Elimination of sources significantly reduced the inhalable particulate and dermal exposure by two-thirds of the level of 1988. Reduction of emission did not show a significant overall decrease in exposure concentrations. Control measures designed to control the levels of contaminants showed a significant reduction for both inhalable and dermal exposure, respectively 34 and 49% of the exposure level of 1988. These results indicate that efforts taken to improve work conditions in the rubber manufacturing industry in The Netherlands over this decade have been successful in reducing both inhalable particulate and dermal contamination.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

The orthopaedic surgeon and manufacturing industry relationship. Ethical guidelines.

Orthopaedic surgery has progressed over the years because of innovative work of pioneering orthopaedic surgeons; new developments in internal fixation techniques and implants codeveloped with the orthopaedic manufacturing industry have improved treatment greatly. This article analyzes and reviews the relationship of orthopaedic surgeons to the orthopaedic implant industry, analyzing three broad categories of the relationship: (1) physicians receiving gifts from industry; (2) the orthopaedic industry's financial support of educational and research endeavors of academic trauma and other centers; and (3) the relationship of the industry with innovators in the field of orthopaedic surgery by retainer fees, royalties, and stock options from industry. The ethical relationship requires: (1) putting the patient's concerns first above vested interests; (2) an awareness of a potential for abuse; and (3) a level of awareness of the relationship and the ability to explain and inculcate this relationship in the teaching program of young residents to maintain the high standards that have been set.

Ethics, Medical↗

A database of exposures in the rubber manufacturing industry: design and quality control.

The concerted action EXASRUB was initiated to create a database management system for information on occupational hygiene measurements that could be used to develop exposure models in the European rubber manufacturing industry. Quality of coding was assessed by calculating percentages of agreement and Cohen's kappa statistics (kappa) for an intra- and inter-centre recoding of randomly selected subsets of the measurements. In a 6-month period, 59 609 measurements from 523 surveys in 333 factories from as early as 1956 to 2003 were coded. The database consists primarily of measurements of N-nitrosamines (36%), rubber dust (23%), solvents (14%) and rubber fumes (10%). Coding of epidemiologically relevant information was done consistently with inter-centre kappa between 0.86 and 1.00. For occupational hygiene information, values of kappa were estimated to be between 0.67 and 1.00. The proposed method resulted in a large quantity of exposure measurements with auxiliary information of varying completeness and quality. Analyses showed that coding of epidemiologically relevant information in such a multi-centre, multi-country study was coded consistently. Larger errors however, occurred in coding of occupational hygiene information. This was primarily caused by lack of information in the primary records of measurements, emphasizing the importance of having a universal system in place to collect and store measurement information by occupational hygienists for future use.

Chemical Industry↗