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PubMed1995

Respiratory symptoms, ventilatory impairment, and bronchial reactivity in oil mist-exposed automobile workers.

Studies concerning the respiratory effects of oil mists are sparse and contradictory. The aim of this study was to determine the respective effects of occupational exposure to straight cutting oils and soluble mineral oils on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, ventilatory impairment, and bronchial reactivity. The population study consisted of 308 male workers of a large French car-making plant, including 40 subjects chronically exposed to straight cutting oils (group S), 51 subjects chronically exposed to soluble mineral oils (group E), 139 subjects with chronic dual exposure to straight cutting oils and soluble mineral oils (group D), and 78 unexposed assembly workers used as a control group (group C). Worker evaluation included a standardized questionnaire, measurement of pulmonary function, and a methacholine challenge. Oil mist concentration at the work place was determined by gravimetric analysis. The arithmetic mean concentration was 2.6 +/- 1.8 mg/m3. The geometric mean concentration was 2.2 +/- 1.9 mg/m3. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms did not differ significantly among the four groups. However, the subjects exposed to straight cutting oils (group S + group D) had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough and/or phlegm than the others (group E + group O): 25.7% vs. 16.3% (p = 0.048). Furthermore, the prevalence of cough and/or phlegm increased significantly (p = 0.03) with increasing duration of exposure to straight cutting oils after adjustment on smoking categories. Lung function tests did not differ significantly among the four groups but we observed a significant decrease of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced expiratory flow during the middle half of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75), and maximal flow rate at 50% and 25% of exhaled forced vital capacity (V50 and V25) according to duration of exposure among smokers exposed to straight cutting oils, suggesting a synergistic effect of tobacco and insoluble oils. No effect of exposure to mineral oils on bronchial reactivity was demonstrated. It is concluded that despite low levels of pollution by oil mists, the present study has shown tenuous adverse chronic effects of straight cutting oils on respiratory symptoms and lung function. However, no adverse effect of soluble mineral oils was demonstrated. These results suggest that threshold limit values for mineral oils should be reassessed.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Assessment of benzene and toluene emissions from automobile exhaust in Bangkok.

The use of unleaded gasoline, together with an increase in the number of vehicles in Bangkok, has significantly influenced benzene and toluene concentrations in vehicular emissions and contributes to the air pollution problem. As a matter of practical necessity, a quick test program is done for the measurement of emission concentrations/rates for vehicles driven on the road. Exhaust emission measurement at idle mode was conducted in a fleet of 12 vehicles of different model years and manufacturers. The study revealed that the benzene and toluene concentrations in the exhaust effluent averaged 4.4-22.02 and 12.24-44.75 mg/m3, respectively for 1990-1992 cars and decreased to 0.76-4.14 and 0.89-6.26 mg/m3, respectively for 1994-1995 cars. In another study, exhaust emission measurement on a chassis dynamometer was carried out in a fleet of nine selected, in-use cars. It was observed that benzene and toluene emission rates were considerably higher-in the range of 70.84-85.82 and 354.15- 429.00 mg/km, respectively, for 1990-1991 model year cars. Lower benzene and toluene emission rates of 0.43-95.07 and 2. 15-475.35 mg/km, respectively, were represented by newer cars with model years 1994-1995. These results indicated that there was a significant increase in benzene and toluene emission concentrations and rates with increasing car mileage and model year. The finding also revealed that only 28% of the tested vehicles complied to the approved emission standard.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1982

Dependence of motion sickness in automobiles on the direction of linear acceleration.

Thirty-eight normal volunteers were tested in an ambulance car while being accelerated in one of the following positions: (1) sitting upright facing forward in the car, (2) lying supine on a stretcher head forward, (3) supine position head backward. Consecutive short period of negative horizontal acceleration (0.7-0.95 g) were achieved by brisk braking manoeuvres of the car, followed by weak reacceleration (0.15 g). Motion sickness symptoms were observed and recorded after each experiment using a special motion sickness scaling index which was weighted according to the strength of any particular symptom. The results indicate that horizontal linear acceleration in a car, such as experienced during multiple breaking manoeuvres, is an effective motion sickness provoking stimulus. Negative X-axis stimulation is more nauseogenic then acceleration in the Z-axis stimulation is more nauseogenic then acceleration in the Z-axis of the body.

Acceleration↗
PubMed1997

[Automobile head supports--adjustment possibilities and utilization. Results of a field study].

An important detail referring to the whiplash syndrome is the relationship between the position of the head restraint and the head, because the head restraint protects the head in case of a rear-end accident. This relationship was evaluated in a representative study in 601 nonselected volunteers. A horizontal distance between the head and head restraint of maximal 9 cm was present in 69.6%. An optimal distance of 0 cm was only found in 7.4%. Just 50% of the adjustment distance was used by the car drivers. Even in completely distracted adjustments in 50% a deficit of more than 8 cm, and in 20.9% a deficit of even more than 12 cm was present. These results show that passive protection, on the one hand, is not guaranteed because of the lack of proper height adjustment. On the other, the volunteers did not use the best adjustment each time.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2002

[Psychiatric disorders and fitness to drive an automobile. An overview].

The revised version of the guidelines for driving ability and the new driving license decree in Germany are outlined regarding forensic implications, general rules, and guidelines for psychiatric illness. Patients suffering from acute organic psychosis, severe dementia, acute schizophrenia, mania, severe depression, and alcoholism must be seen as unable to drive cars. Regarding effects of psychotropic medication on driving performance, multiple data with healthy volunteers are available, with very few patients, however. Based on new data showing differences between older and newer antidepressants and antipsychotics, individual drug selection is strongly recommended.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1999

[Automobile driving capacity after retinal detachment surgery].

BACKGROUND: After vitreoretinal surgery the patient is at least temporarily unable to drive. Buckling procedures may cause refractive changes, reduced motility or impaired binocular vision. We examined the ability of these patients to drive a car according to German law after retinal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The frequency and extent of changes interfering with driving ability were examined in 112 unselected patients 3.5 years (2-5 years) after successful buckling procedures. We used half-round buckling elements of 3-11 mm diameter or encircling bands (2-3 mm). We examined visual acuity, frequency of permanent diplopia and field of normal binocular vision. Driving ability was considered as impaired, when visual acuity was below 0.4 in the better eye or 0.2 in the worse eye, or when diplopia occurred within a gazing field of 20 degrees of diameter. RESULTS: Eighteen of 112 (16%) patients reported diplopia within the first 3 months, so they were temporarily unable to drive. Two to five years later 14 of 112 patients did not have sufficient visual acuity according to the German requirements. Another 2 patients had an impaired binocular vision, resulting in driving disability. CONCLUSION: Driving ability may be temporarily restricted by double vision in 15% of patients after successful buckling for retinal detachment. Permanent driving ability is mainly impaired by macular involvement in retinal detachment. The type of buckling procedure is of minor importance.

Adult↗