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PubMedDate not supplied

Lung cancer and mesothelioma among male automobile mechanics: a review.

BACKGROUND: Extensive, overt asbestos exposure clearly causes lung cancer and mesothelioma. Elevated cancer risk has also been documented for short term or low levels of asbestos exposure. Automobile mechanics are potentially exposed to asbestos through brake repair work. Few studies have specifically examined the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma associated with exposure to asbestos in brakes, but automobile mechanics are included in many studies of occupation and cancer. METHODS: We critically reviewed all epidemiologic studies of lung cancer and mesothelioma risk among male automobile mechanics identified through a broadly based Medline search and scrutiny of references in primary and review articles. We discuss the studies grouped by study design and control for smoking, the major risk factor for lung cancer. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: We reviewed all individual analytical studies meeting our criteria, plus all available case series and case reports. When examined in aggregate, the evidence did not support an increase in risk of either lung cancer or mesothelioma among male automobile mechanics occupationally exposed to asbestos from brake repair.

Asbestos↗
PubMed1998

Reducing automobile traffic: an urgent policy for health promotion.

In recent decades traffic injuries have become a leading cause of death and disability the world over. In congested urban areas, the noise and emissions from vehicle engines cause discomfort and disease. More than one billion people are exposed daily to harmful levels of atmospheric contamination. Because internal combustion generates carbon dioxide (CO2), the automobile is a principal contributor to the greenhouse effect, which has significantly raised the temperature of the atmosphere. Scientists anticipate that in coming decades the greenhouse effect will produce alterations in climate that are very likely to be harmful and possibly catastrophic. Meanwhile, burgeoning traffic and rural and urban highway infrastructures are already among the principal causes of environmental degradation. Urban development, because it is nearly always "planned" to accommodate automobiles rather than people, reduces the quality of life and tears the social fabric. In contrast to private automobiles, public transportation, bicycles, and walking produce little environmental contamination or injury-related morbidity and mortality. These modes of transport involve more physical activity, with its positive health effects, and avoid contributing to the greenhouse effect. The reduction of automobile traffic and substitution of alternative modes of transport are essential policies for health promotion. They should be incorporated in "healthy cities" programs and general economic policies.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1991

Health, life, and automobile insurance characteristics in adults with IDDM.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether people with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) were compromised in their access to insurance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A case-control study of 158 people with IDDM and 158 nondiabetic siblings matched for age and sex was conducted to evaluate the health, life, and automobile insurance characteristics and history of people with IDDM. RESULTS: Health insurance coverage (yes/no) among the IDDM and sibling control subjects was similar. More than 90% of the IDDM and control respondents had insurance through a private third-party source, and this insurance did not differ by type of plan, coverage, or premium. However, Medicare coverage was more common among the IDDM subjects and was associated with the presence of severe diabetic complications. IDDM subjects were also more likely to have been denied a health insurance policy by an insurer than were the control subjects (23 vs. 1%, P less than 0.001). Similarly, there was no difference between the IDDM and sibling control subjects in the number who had a life or automobile insurance policy. However, life and automobile insurance refusal was much more frequent among the IDDM respondents, more so for life (55 vs. 0%, P less than 0.001) than for automobile (12 vs. 4%, P less than 0.05) insurance. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that access to insurance is severely compromised for people with IDDM. Although most of those with IDDM are able to find some form of insurance, it is evident that on average they must go to extra lengths to find it. These data and a changing insurance environment emphasize the need to reexamine, as a society, the importance of insurance for people with chronic disease, particularly IDDM.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Visual inhibitions of automobile driving.

Three patients in psychotherapy who were symptomatically unable to drive automobiles also gave histories of having been afflicted with oculomotor disorders in childhood. This calls attention to the previously undiscussed visual dimension of automobile driving, which is considered in general terms. The specific question of an inhibition of visual function resulting in avoidance of automobile driving is then raised, and a case illustration given in which the attachment of sexual and aggressive meanings to the act of looking was important in the formation of an automobile driving symptom. The particular impact of ocular deviation on early psychosexual development is explored, using the clinical material as a point of departure.

Aggression↗
PubMed1980

Automobile inspection and maintenance programs: their role in reducing air pollution.

The development of Inspection and Maintenance Programs to control automobile emissions are one component of a comprehensive strategy to reduce automobile related air pollutants such as CO, NOX, and HC. Since the efficiency at which most motored vehicles are designed to limit pollutant emissions deteriorate with prolonged driving, an Inspection and Maintenance system is needed to restore the ability of the automobile to achieve its designed emission standards. Several types of approaches toward developing Inspection and Maintenance Programs in the U.S. including city, county, and state levels of organization and their effectiveness have been described. However, information on the efficiency of these approaches in achieving reductions in pollutant levels remain to be documented, as well as the cost effectiveness of such programs, and their acceptance by the public. In light of the important role that Inspection and Maintenance Programs have been projected to have in the U.S. in reducing automobile related air pollution, it is recommended that interdisciplinary research projects evaluating the multiple dimensions of Inspection and Maintenance Programs be initiated.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed2005

Importance of automobile exhaust catalyst emissions for the deposition of platinum, palladium, and rhodium in the northern hemisphere.

An estimated 500 million vehicles worldwide are equipped with an exhaust catalyst that uses platinum group elements (PGE) as the main active components and thus contribute to global PGE emissions. Although PGE emitted from automobile exhaust catalysts were first believed to remain in the roadside environment, we propose here that fine PGE-containing particles in automobile exhaust have resulted in a widespread distribution of emitted PGE. Regional and long-range transport of PGE from automobile exhaust catalysts is supported by elevated PGE deposition in both a peat bog located 250 m from traffic and in central Greenland, respectively. Russian smelters were also found to contribute to PGE contamination in central Greenland. Deposition rates estimated for the roadside environment, the peat bog, and central Greenland were used to provide a first estimate of PGE deposition in the northern hemisphere. The results show that deposition of regionally or long-range transported PGE accounts for a large fraction of total PGE deposition, and PGE deposition in the roadside environment represents less than 5% of the total deposition. Transport at the regional and global scales represents an important component in the environmental cycle of emitted PGE and needs to be further studied to fully assess the environmental fate of PGE from automobile exhaust catalysts.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2000

Treatment with nasal CPAP decreases automobile accidents in patients with sleep apnea.

We studied 50 consecutive patients to test the hypothesis that successful treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nasal CPAP) will decrease automobile accidents in patients with sleep apnea. Thirty-six (72%) of the patients reported using nasal CPAP regularly during 2 yr. Fourteen patients reported they had not used CPAP during 2 yr. The patients with sleep apnea in this study had a higher automobile crash rate than all drivers in the state of Colorado (0.07 versus 0. 01 crash per driver per year, p < 0.02). Patients who were treated with nasal CPAP had a lower crash rate while being treated than before treatment (0.07 versus 0 crash per driver per year, p < 0.03). Untreated patients with sleep apnea continued to have a high crash rate (0.07 crash per driver before and after diagnosis). Drivers with sleep apnea were reluctant to report their automobile crashes, for the drivers in this study reported only one-third of the crashes in which they were involved. This is the first study to confirm with traffic records that patients with sleep apnea have fewer automobile crashes while being treated with nasal CPAP.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2005

Magnetic properties and heavy metal contents of automobile emission particulates.

Measurements of the magnetic properties and total contents of Cu, Cd, Pb and Fe in 30 automobile emission particulate samples indicated the presence of magnetic particles in them. The values of frequency dependent susceptibility (chi(fd)) showed the absence of superparamagnetic (SP) grains in the samples. The IRM(20 mT) (isothermal remanent magnetization at 20 mT) being linearly proportional to SIRM (saturation isothermal remanent magnetization) (R(2)=0.901), suggested that ferrimagnetic minerals were responsible for the magnetic properties of automobile emission particulates. The average contents of Cu, Cd, Pb and Fe in automobile emission particulates were 95.83, 22.14, 30.58 and 34727.31 mg/kg, respectively. Significant positive correlations exist between the magnetic parameters and the contents of Pb, Cu and Fe. The magnetic parameters of automobile emission particulates reflecting concentration of magnetic particles increased linearly with increase of Pb and Cu content, showed that the magnetic measurement could be used as a preliminary index for detection of Pb and Cu pollution.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2003

[Progresses on adverse health effects of automobile exhaust].

The progresses on the latest studies at home and abroad on adverse health effects of automobile exhaust were reviewed in this paper. Particulates and poisonous gases from automobile exhaust were considered to be harmful to respiratory system, immune system and reproductive system. It showed that increased prevalence of respiratory disease (e.g. chronic bronchitis and asthma), and decreased lung function, immunity were associated with automobile exhaust. The carcinogenic potential from the exposure to automobile exhausts needs to be further explored because the carcinogenesis is multifactorial.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Application of near infrared sensor to the technology of automobile transformation].

Using reflective near infrared sensor and voice record-reproducing assembly, the present article studies the voice anticollision-prompting device for backing an automobile. If there is a man or an object within a certain distance behind the backing automobile, part of the infrared signal will be reflected by the man or the object, and received by the photosensitive tube installed with a transmitting tube, and transformed to a similar frequency electric signal. The electric signal will be amplified, demodulated, and shaped by the circuit of module. After comparing and processing, the control signal will be output, which controls the work of voice record-reproducing assembly, and reminds the driver that there is a man or an object behind the backing automobile. With both the near infrared sensor and voice record-reproducing assembly being integrated, the distance-warning device has the advantages of low costs, simple wiring, strong anti-detonation ability, precise measuring, and working stability. It is suitable for being installed and used on the automobile.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2003

Automobile seat comfort: occupant preferences vs. anthropometric accommodation.

Automobile seat design specifications cannot be established without considering the comfort expectations of the target population. This contention is supported by published literature, which suggests that ergonomics criteria, particularly those related to physiology, do not satisfy consumer comfort. The objective of this paper is to challenge ergonomics criteria related to anthropometry in the same way. In this context, 12 subjects, representing a broad range of body sizes, evaluated five different compact car seats during a short-term seating session. Portions of a reliable and valid survey were used for this purpose. The contour and geometry characteristics of the five seats were quantified and compared to the survey information. Discrepancies were discovered between published anthropometric accommodation criteria and subject-preferred lumbar height, seatback width, cushion length, and cushion width. Based on this finding, it was concluded that automobile seat comfort is a unique science. Ergonomics criteria, while serving as the basis for this science, cannot be applied blindly for they do not ensure comfortable automobile seats.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1977

Children's behavior during automobile rides: do car seats make a difference?

The behavior of children riding in automobiles with their mothers was assessed by having an observer accompany them on repeated 15-minute automobile rides. Children riding in car seats exhibited very high levels of appropiate or safe behavior, whereas children not riding in car seats exhibited very low levels of appropriate behavior. When car seats were introduced to those children who previously had not used them, the level of appropriate behavior improved dramatically. These results were maintained at three-month follow-up observations. Prevention or reduction of disruptive child behavior on car rides is an obviously important, but previously unreported, benefit of the use of child restraint seats. This fact might very well be used by the pediatrician to further encourage or persuade parents to purchase and use child restraint seats. The use of a child restraint seat to reduce disruptive behavior during automobile rides is an advantage, beyond the safety aspects, of introducing car seats to young children.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2005

A multi-biomarker analysis of DNA damage in automobile painters.

The genotoxic effects associated with automobile painting were analyzed using a panel of biomarkers. Chromosomal aberrations (CAs), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), and micronuclei were evaluated in 25 car painters (12 smokers, 13 nonsmokers) working in different automobile paint-shops in Italy and in 37 control subjects. The controls were healthy blood donors (14 smokers, 23 non-smokers) that were matched with the experimental population for gender and age. Air samples were analyzed regularly at the work places, and elevated concentrations of benzene and toluene were detected consistently. The exposed group had higher frequencies of CAs (both chromosome- and chromatid-type), micronuclei, and SCE (P < 0.5 - P < 0.001). Furthermore, exposed and control subjects were also genotyped for GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism. No significant associations were detected between the biomarker responses and either the GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotype of the subjects, but the small sample size does not allow definite conclusions on the relationship between the genetic polymorphism and the biomarkers. The results indicate that automobile painters have increased levels of clastogenic and possible aneugenic damage and that smoking may be a confounding factor for the responses.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Marijuana and other drug use among automobile and motorcycle drivers treated at a trauma center.

Serum from injured automobile and motorcycle drivers treated at a trauma center was tested for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol activity to determine precrash marijuana use. From June 1990 to March 1991, samples from approximately 20 automobile drivers per month and all motorcycle drivers were available for testing. Also, toxicology screens were performed for ethyl alcohol, cocaine, and phencyclidine (PCP) among the driver groups. Six (2.7%) of the 225 automobile (AUT) drivers and 34 (32.0%) of the 106 motorcycle (MTC) drivers were THC+ (p < .001). Compared with a prior study, the THC+ rate decreased significantly from 31.8% among AUT drivers (p < .001) but had not changed significantly from the 38.6% rate among MTC drivers. Positive toxicology rates were higher among the 261 MTC drivers compared to the 1,077 AUT drivers tested for ETOH, CO, and PCP, being 47.1% vs 35.2% (p < .001), 5.0% vs 8.0% (p < .08), and 1.5% vs 3.1% (NS), respectively.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1992

Sleep apnea syndrome symptoms and automobile driving in a general population.

Automobile accidents are reported as being overrepresented in those suffering from the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), evident by snoring, sleep disturbances and diurnal hypersomnia. An estimation of the prevalence of these symptoms amongst an adult population, predominantly automobile drivers, was assessed by using a one-stage questionnaire procedure. From a national random sample of 1214 persons a weighted reply rate of 76% was achieved. Snoring, breath cessations, mid-sleep awakenings, and diurnal hypersomnia were reported in 24, 3.8, 27 and 9.1%, respectively. The maximum prevalence of SAS was estimated as 2.8-5.5% among men, aged 30-69 years, depending on definition used. Driving frequency in potential sleep apneics was similar to that of the entire population studied. Diurnal hypersomnia, considered a consequence of SAS, was reported as an overall 2.2%, corresponding to 100,000 automobile drivers in Sweden.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Alarm mistrust in automobiles: how collision alarm reliability affects driving.

As roadways become more congested, there is greater potential for automobile accidents and incidents. To improve roadway safety, automobile manufacturers are now designing and incorporating collision avoidance warning systems; yet, there has been little investigation of how the reliability of alarm signals might impact driver performance. We measured driving and alarm reaction performances following alarms of various reliability levels. In Experiment One, 70 participants operated a driving simulator while being presented console emitted collision alarms that were 50%, 75%, or 100% reliable. In Experiment Two, the same participants were presented spatially generated collision alarms of the same reliability levels. The results were similar in both experiments: alarm and automobile swerving reactions were significantly better when alarms were more reliable; however, drivers still failed to avoid collisions following reliable alarms. These results emphasize that alarm designers should maximize alarm reliability while minimizing alarm invasiveness.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2005

An investigation of thermal comfort inside an automobile during the heating period.

This paper describes a combined theoretical and experimental study of thermal comfort during the heating period inside an automobile. To investigate the effects of thermal conditions on the human physiology and thermal comfort during the heating period, temperature, humidity and air velocity were measured at a number of points inside the automobile, so thermal conditions were accurately determined. The human body was divided into 16 sedentary segments, and the change of temperature was observed both experimentally and theoretically. During transient conditions of the heating period, heat and mass transfer between the human body and the interior environment of an automobile were simulated by a computational model, and predictions were compared with the measured data. It is shown that there is a good agreement between the model predictions and experimental results. By means of the present model, the effects of the fast transient conditions of the heating period on the sensible and latent heat transfer from the body, body segments skin temperatures and thermal sensation were investigated in detail.

Automobiles↗
PubMed2005

Emissions from an automobile fire.

The emissions from automobile fires have been investigated. The main gas phase components were analysed in small-scale tests with representative material from an automobile. A more detailed investigation of full-scale simulated automobile fires was also conducted, including the characterisation of gas phase components, particulates and run-off water from extinguishing activities. Three separate full scale fire tests have been characterised: a fire ignited and developed in the engine compartment; a fire ignited inside the coupé, that was extinguished in the early stages; and a similar fire ignited inside the coupé that was allowed to spread until the entire vehicle was involved in the fire. The quantitative analysis of the smoke gases from the full-scale fires showed that emissions with a potentially negative impact on the environment, or chronic toxic effect on humans, were produced in significant quantities. These emissions included HCl, SO2, VOCs (e.g. benzene), PAHs, and PCDDs/PCDFs. Analysis of run-off water indicated that it was severely contaminated, containing elevated levels of both organic compounds and metals. Comparison with data from other vehicle fires found in the literature shows that contamination by lead, copper, zinc, and antimony appears to be significant in water run-off from these types of fires.

Air Pollutants↗