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PubMed1986

[Auditory-vestibular changes in workers in ferrous metallurgy manufacture].

The deleterious factors of the working environment in metallurgy--physical and chemical, with a direct or indirect effect on the analyzer systems of organism could lead to some disturbances of their functions and restriction of the capacity for work of the workers. Seventy workers from coke-chemical production and 98 workers from ferro alloy production have been examined with a view to determination of the auditory and vestibular status among them. The exposure to manganese aerosols has been determined among the workers from ferro alloy production. The indices studied with various degree of exposure have been juxtaposed. Essential changes have been established in the auditory and vestibular analyzer of the workers from both productions. The vestibular disorders have a phase character. The central disorders in the otoneurological state of the workers from coke-chemical production predominate whereas the peripheral ones--among the workers from ferro alloy production. The presence of pronounced changes in the hearing and vestibular indices in the workers with the lowest degree of exposure, provided grounds to propose them as criteria for the early diagnostics of the chronic manganese intoxication.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Long-term mortality study of oil refinery workers. IV. Exposure to the lubricating-dewaxing process.

A retrospective cohort mortality study of 1,008 male oil refinery workers who ever worked on the lubricating-dewaxing process of the lube oil department and who have been followed for a period of 43 years is presented. These workers were exposed to a number of solvents, primarily methyl ethyl ketone [(MEK) CAS: 78-93-3] and toluene (CAS: 108-88-3), but at levels far below the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standard. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for all causes (0.70) and the SMR for cancer (0.86) are much lower than unity when they are compared to the mortality experience of the U.S. population. Also observed in this study were 8 prostate cancer deaths (4.4 expected) with an SMR of 1.82, which was not statistically significant (P = .16). Seven of these 8 prostate cancer deaths occurred among nonwhite males, who showed an SMR of 2.47 (P = 0.53). However, only 1 prostate cancer death was seen among workers specifically assigned to the MEK units. The remaining deaths occurred among maintenance workers who had lube oil department-wide assignments. This cancer risk increased with increasing duration of employment in the lube oil department. A latency of 20 years or more was also observed for these prostate cancer deaths. In this study the processing of lubricating oils was found to be at least as important as the MEK solvents, and department-wide maintenance workers were as much at risk as the MEK unit workers. In view of this finding and findings obtained by others, it seems prudent to continue to study lubricating-dewaxing process workers, including the medical monitoring of all such workers for prostate cancer.

Butanones↗
PubMed1978

A respiratory survey of cedar mill workers. I. Prevalence of symptoms and pulmonary function abnormalities.

A respiratory-occupational questionnaire and spirometry were used to compare the prevalence of symptoms and pulmonary function abnormalities in 405 workers exposed to red cedar dust and 252 control workers exposed to other wood dusts. Compared with controls, the cedar workers were found to have a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, cough, phlegm, wheeze and breathlessness, as well as more rhinitis and conjunctivitis. While, as expected, there was a clear relationship between respiratory symptoms and cigarette smoking, there was also evidence to suggest a synergistic effect between exposure to cedar dust and smoking. There was no difference in the lung function between cedar workers and controls. Sixty-five workers in the control group previously had worked in red cedar mills; they had a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms than other workers in this group. Red cedar asthma was found in only 1.1% of the cedar workers. This condition usually develops in the early months of exposure, and workers who are affected tend to leave the industry. The probable incidence of red cedar asthma was estimated to be higher, around 4-5%.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Qualification of elderly workers in industry--problems and opportunities].

The aim of the research project was to find out the conditions of a successful occupational qualification of older workers in the Federal Republic of Germany. The more recent results of psychological research concerning the learning capacities of older people suppose that older workers can also be qualified successfully with regard to the requirements of their job. However, the project results reveal that certain basic conditions should be fulfilled for the qualification of older workers. Training measures should take place during work time; the fact has to be respected that older workers need more time to learn than younger workers; the learning material should be divided into short, separated units; older workers should not be obliged to do home-work; the creation of learning groups among the older workers should refer to different degrees of qualification, not to the age of the workers.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Urine nickel concentrations in nickel-exposed workers.

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was employed for analyses of nickel concentrations in urine samples from nickel-exposed workers in 10 occupational groups and from non-exposed workers in two control groups. Mean concentrations of nickel in urine were greatest in workers who were exposed to inhalation of aerosols of soluble nickel salts (e.g., workers in nickel plating operations and in an electrolytic nickel refinery). Less marked increases in urine nickel concentrations were found in groups of metal sprayers, nickel battery workers, bench mechanics and are welders. No significant increases in mean concentrations of nickel were found in urine samples from workers who performed grinding, buffing and polishing of nickel-containing alloys or workers in a coal gasification plant who employed Raney nickel as a hydrogenation catalyst. Measurements of nickel concentrations in urine are more sensitive and practical than measurements of serum nickel concentrations for evaluation of nickel exposures in industrial workers.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

The pattern of lung function abnormalities in cotton textile workers.

Reversible airway obstruction has been shown to be a characteristic finding of early byssinosis. In the chronic phase of this disease, the patterns of respiratory abnormalities have not been well defined. We examined the lung function of a cohort of 383 older (45 yr of age or more), active and retired, cotton textile workers seen both in 1973 and in 1979 in Columbia, South Carolina. A group of control subjects consisted of 277 white community residents of comparable age from Lebanon, Connecticut. Using data at follow-up, 25% of the male and 14% of the female cotton textile workers had moderate to severe obstructive airway abnormalities, as opposed to 13 and 5% for male and female control subjects (p less than 0.01). There were fewer persons with restrictive than with obstructive lung patterns among cotton textile workers and control subjects, but again, abnormalities were more prevalent among cotton textile workers. Overall, 50% of male cotton textile workers and 37% of female cotton textile workers had some abnormality of lung function, as opposed to 29% of male and 20% of female control subjects (p less than 0.001). More abnormalities were present in cotton textile workers than in control subjects when only lifetime nonsmokers were examined. We conclude that there is an increased prevalence of both obstructive and restrictive lung function abnormalities among cotton textile workers when compared with control subjects, with the most common pattern being obstructive.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1995

Clinical and immunologic surveys of Hymenoptera hypersensitivity in Japanese forestry workers.

BACKGROUND: The increased incidence of bee-sting allergy among beekeepers is well known, whereas Hymenoptera hypersensitivity among forestry workers, who are frequently stung by Hymenoptera, is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the nature of Hymenoptera hypersensitivity among forestry workers and analyze the mechanism involved in Hymenoptera-induced systemic reactions. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered and yellow jacket venom-specific IgE antibody titers measured in 323 forestry workers and 100 age-matched office workers with little occupational exposure to Hymenoptera stings as a control group. RESULTS: From the questionnaire it was found that the percentage of systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings was significantly greater in the forestry workers than in the control subjects (P < .01). The number of sting exposures was significantly higher in the forestry workers than in the control subjects (P < .01) and was closely correlated with episodes of systemic reaction. Yellow jacket venom-specific IgE antibody titers were significantly higher in forestry workers with episodes of systemic reaction compared with those with only local or large local reactions to Hymenoptera (P < .05), although more than half of these subjects had undetectable IgE antibody titers to yellow jacket venom. IgE antibody titers against yellow jacket venom were closely correlated with those of paper wasp (rs = .802, P < .001), which is another frequent source of Hymenoptera stings. In workers with episodes of sting exposure within the most recent 3 years, the period from the last sting was not correlated with yellow jacket venom-specific IgE antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS: The number of sting exposures may contribute to systemic reactions to Hymenoptera sting, and some mechanism other than IgE mediated hypersensitivity may also be involved in Hymenoptera-induced systemic reactions.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Gender differences in hematopoietic and lymphoproliferative disorders and other cancer risks by major occupational group among workers exposed to benzene in China.

Gender differences in risk for leukemia and other selected and combined disease categories were examined by major occupational category for 74,828 benzene-exposed workers compared to 35,805 unexposed workers from 12 cities in China. No significant differences in the relative risks for total mortality and cancer mortality were found between female and male benzene-exposed workers, although risks tended to be somewhat higher among male than among female employees. Both female and male workers in several occupational categories had notably increased risks for all hematopoietic and lymphoproliferative (HLP) malignant and nonmalignant disorders combined and for total leukemia. Variation in risk for HLP disorders by occupational category was observed in both genders, with highest risks for male and female chemical manufacturing workers, female nonproduction employees, and male printers. However, the numbers of leukemia and other HLP malignancies in each category were small. The findings suggest that both female and male benzene-exposed workers in several occupational categories experience excess leukemia and other HLP disorders with relatively minor gender differences. Although this population is one of the largest cohorts of benzene-exposed workers studied to date, evaluation of the observed variation in risk for HLP neoplasms among the occupational groups for workers of each gender is limited by the small numbers of these relatively rare malignancies.

Benzene↗
PubMed1994

Lead poisoning among battery reclamation workers in Alabama.

Lead exposures were evaluated at a battery reclamation facility in Alabama. A questionnaire obtained work and health information. Medical tests included blood lead, zinc protoporphyrin, hematocrit, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid. An investigation of workers' family members and neighborhood residents was conducted. Fourteen of 15 workers had blood lead levels greater than 50 micrograms/dL. Zinc protoporphyrin was > 79 micrograms/dL in 14 workers. Four workers had hematocrit < 40%; six had elevated serum creatinine (> 1.3 mg/dL). Workers' blood lead levels increased significantly over 2 years (beta = 1.004 micrograms/dL per month). Ten workers had elevated air lead levels. Twelve of 16 employee children had blood lead levels > 10 micrograms/dL; 3 were greater than 40 micrograms/dL. Workers' children had significantly higher blood lead levels than did neighborhood comparison children. Reclamation of lead batteries unaccompanied by smelting poses a health hazard to workers and their children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

HIV-specific T-helper activity in seronegative health care workers exposed to contaminated blood.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-specific cellular immune responses in HIV-seronegative health care workers with occupational high-risk exposures to HIV-infected (HIV-positive) patients. DESIGN: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained after occupational exposures to HIV, and PBMCs from health care workers exposed to HIV-negative patients served as controls. The PBMCs were stimulated in vitro with HIV envelope synthetic peptides. Interleukin 2 (IL-2) production was measured in a bioassay. The HIV antibody status was determined by standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Exposed individuals were also evaluated for HIV proviral DNA by polymerase chain reaction techniques. PARTICIPANTS: The PBMCs from eight health care workers with high-risk exposures and nine control health care workers were studied. RESULTS: The PBMCs from all individuals showed strong IL-2 production to control antigens, indicating intact T-helper function. Interleukin 2 production to HIV peptides was detected in PBMCs from six of eight HIV-exposed individuals, but in only one of the nine health care workers exposed to HIV-negative body fluids (P < .008). None of the HIV-exposed health care workers became infected as determined by negative HIV antibody and polymerase chain reaction analysis after follow-up evaluation that ranged from 8 to 64 weeks. CONCLUSION: Human immunodeficiency virus-specific T-helper activity was detected in six (75%) of eight HIV-negative health care workers with exposure to HIV-positive body fluids. Potent HIV-specific T-helper activity was detectable 4 to 8 weeks after the exposure and was lost in individuals followed up for 8 to 64 weeks. Three health care workers remained responsive at 8, 19, and 24 weeks. Exposure to HIV without evidence of subsequent infection appears to result in activation of cellular immunity without activation of antibody production.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

The effect of shift system on sleep quality, sleep quantity, psychological disturbance, and family function of workers in Taiwan.

This study was designed to examine whether there were any differences in sleep quality and quantity between rotating shift workers and permanent day workers. The subjects of this study consisted of 419 rotating shift workers and 468 permanent day workers. The Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12) and Family APGAR Index were used to collect information concerning psychological disturbances and family dysfunctions. The results showed that, compared to the permanent day workers, sleep quality and quantity were poorer for the rotating shift workers. The rotating shift workers often had more psychological disturbances and family dysfunctions than permanent day workers.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Prevalence and risk factors for warts among slaughterhouse workers.

This study was conducted in three animal slaughterhouses in Asir Province, southern region, Saudi Arabia. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of warts among the workers of slaughterhouses and to identify possible risk factors of developing warts associated with work environment and workers' characteristics. Data were collected through interview questionnaire and clinical examination. The questionnaire included items on socio-demographic, occupational and clinical characteristics of the workers. Descriptive statistics, bivariates statistics and multivariate logistic regression model were used in data analysis. All 71 workers were males with a mean age of 37 +/- 9.7 years. The overall prevalence of warts was 42.2%. Heavily exposed workers had a higher prevalence (54%) (P = 0.02). Workers with other skin lesions were at a higher risk of developing warts (OR = 4.3, 95% C.I. 1.6-11.7). It was found that exposure to meat might be necessary for development of warts. Working environment could facilitate the development and transmission of warts among slaughterers. Regular monitoring of workers with skin lesions other than warts was recommended. Workers with recurrent warts were recommended to be reassigned for jobs with lighter exposure.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed1996

Occupational dermatoses in nursery workers.

BACKGROUND: Several workers at a nursery complained of skin problems. An occupational allergic contact dermatitis from tulip was diagnosed in 2 of the workers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to survey the frequency of occupational dermatoses among nursery workers and to investigate whether the tulip sensitizer alpha-methylene-chi-butyrolactone traces all contact allergy to tulip. METHODS: A questionnaire was delivered to 41 employees, and everyone with a present or previous skin disease was offered a consultation including patch testing with the known tulip sensitizer as well as two types of tulip extracts and parts of the plant. RESULTS: Occupational dermatoses were diagnosed in 11 workers, allergic contact dermatitis in 9 workers (tulip and/or daffodil), and irritant contact dermatitis in 2 workers. CONCLUSION: Occupational dermatoses are common among nursery workers. All workers with contact allergy to tulip was traced by alpha-methylene-chi-butyrolactone.

Allergens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Ventilatory function and immunologic reactions in female workers processing dried fruits and teas].

Ventilatory capacity and immunological reactions were studied in 54 female workers employed in processing dried fruits and teas, and in 40 control workers. There was higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms in the exposed compared to control workers, although the differences were statistically significant only for dyspnea and nasal catarrh (p < 0.01). The exposed workers with positive skin tests had significantly higher prevalence of dyspnea (p < 0.05) and nasal catarrh (p < 0.01) than those with negative skin tests. In exposed workers there were statistically significant acute reductions of ventilatory capacity tests during the shift, particularly in flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of vital capacity on maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves (FEF50, FEF25). In comparison to predicted normal values, the mean FEF25 was significantly lower than normal (p < 0.01). Significantly larger number of exposed workers compared to controls reacted with positive skin tests to at least one of the occupational allergens (p < 0.01). However, only the prevalence of positive skin test to sage (60.0%) was significantly higher than in control workers (20.0%) (p < 0.01). Our data indicate that exposure to aerosols of dried fruits and teas may in some workers cause the development of respiratory symptoms and increased skin reactivity to work-related allergens, with an increase of immunoglobulin IgE.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Respiratory findings in textile workers employed in dyeing wool and cotton].

The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases and ventilatory capacity were studied in 97 textile workers employed in dyeing wool and cotton fibres and in 76 non-exposed control workers. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in the textile workers compared to controls. The symptoms of occupational asthma were recorded in 7.2 per cent of the textile workers. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher in exposed smokers than in exposed non-smokers. The textile workers employed for more than 10 years had a higher prevalence of all respiratory symptoms than those with a shorter period of employment. The textile workers showed a high prevalence of acute symptoms which developed during work shift. Significant acute reductions of ventilatory capacity tests on maximum expiratory flow-volume curves (MEFV) in textile workers varied from 5.1% for FVC to 12.4% for FEF25. Ventilatory capacity tests in the textile workers before work shift were significantly diminished in comparison to the predicted values. Our data indicate that work in the textile dyeing industry may cause the development of respiratory symptoms and diseases as well as impairment of ventilatory capacity.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The Estonian study of Chernobyl cleanup workers: I. Design and questionnaire data.

Nearly 2% of the male population of Estonia aged 20-39 years were sent to Chernobyl to assist in the cleanup activities after the reactor accident. A cohort of 4,833 cleanup workers was assembled based on multiple and independent sources of information. Information obtained from 3,704 responses to a detailed questionnaire indicated that 63% of the workers were sent to Chernobyl in 1986; 54% were of Estonian and 35% of Russian ethnicity; 72% were married, and 1,164 of their 5,392 children were conceived after the Chernobyl disaster. The workers were less educated than their counterparts in the general population of Estonia, and only 8.5% had attended university. Based on doses entered in worker records, the mean dose was 11 cGy, with only 1.4% over 25 cGy. Nearly 85% of the workers were sent as part of military training activities, and more than half spent in excess of 3 months in the Chernobyl area. Thirty-six percent of the workers reported having worked within the immediate vicinity of the accident site; 11.5% worked on the roofs near the damaged reactor, clearing the highly radioactive debris. The most commonly performed task was the removal and burial of topsoil (55% of the workers). Potassium iodide was given to over 18% of the men. The study design also incorporates biological indicators of exposure based on the glycophorin A mutational assay of red blood cells and chromosome translocation analyses of lymphocytes; record linkage with national cancer registry and mortality registry files to determine cancer incidence and cause-specific mortality; thyroid screening examinations with ultrasound and fine-needle biopsy; and cryopreserved white blood cells and plasma for future molecular studies. Comprehensive studies of Chernobyl cleanup workers have potential to provide new information about cancer risks due to protracted exposures to ionizing radiation.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1997

Diagnostic implications of p53 protein reactivity in nasal mucosa of nickel workers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the quantitation of p53 protein reactivity in nasal biopsies could be related to nickel exposure by comparing nickel workers with various control groups. STUDY DESIGN: Nasal biopsies taken from nickel workers (n = 93) were compared immunohistochemically to various controls, including office staff members (n = 34) and hospital attendants (n = 6). The material was studied immunohistochemically with p53 antibody DO-1. p53 Protein-positive cells were counted at 400x magnification. RESULTS: p53 Protein reactivity was found in 54% (49/93) of nickel workers, 50% (17/34) of office staff members, 67% (4/6) of hospital attendants. No differences were seen between roasting/smelting, electrolysis and other workers in the refinery. The positive cells were present predominantly in the basal layer of the epithelium. The number of positive nasal cells per field in the hospital attendants on the average was half of that in the workers and the office staff in the refinery. In no case in the control group were more than 10 cells per field seen. No significant differences in p53 protein positivity were observed between the three nickel worker groups and between production workers and office staff members. CONCLUSION: Accumulation of p53 protein in nickel workers seems not to be attributable to nickel exposure. The lack of p53 protein positivity in fetal tissues shows that the accumulation of p53 protein is an event taking place after birth. Stimuli in the natural environment during life may explain p53 protein positivity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

The demand for health insurance coverage by low-income workers: can reduced premiums achieve full coverage?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree to which premium reductions will increase the participation in employer-sponsored health plans by low-income workers who are employed in small businesses. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Sample of workers in small business (25 or fewer employees) in seven metropolitan areas. The data were gathered as part of the Small Business Benefits Survey, a telephone survey of small business conducted between October 1992 and February 1993. STUDY DESIGN: Probit regressions were used to estimate the demand for health insurance coverage by low-income workers. Predictions based on these findings were made to assess the extent to which premium reductions might increase coverage rates. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Workers included in the sample were selected, at random, from a randomly generated set of firms drawn from Dun and Bradstreet's DMI (Dun's Market Inclusion). The response rate was 81 percent. FINDINGS: Participation in employer-sponsored plans is high when coverage is offered. However, even when coverage is offered to employees who have no other source of insurance, participation is not universal. Although premium reductions will increase participation in employer-sponsored plans, even large subsidies will not induce all workers to participate in employer-sponsored plans. For workers eligible to participate, subsidies as high as 75 percent of premiums are estimated to increase participation rates from 89.0 percent to 92.6 percent. For workers in firms that do not sponsor plans, similar subsidies are projected to achieve only modest increases in coverage above that which would be observed if the workers had access to plans at unsubsidized, group market rates. CONCLUSIONS: Policies that rely on voluntary purchase of coverage to reduce the number of uninsured will have only modest success.

Adult↗