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PubMed2004

Optimization and validation of a method of analysis for fenitrothion and its main metabolites in forestry air samples using sorbent tubes with thermal desorption cold trap injection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

An analytical methodology using thermal-desorption cold trap (TCT) and GC-MS was developed for the determination of the insecticide fenitrothion and its main metabolites, 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol and fenitrooxon, in forestry atmospheres. The sampled atmosphere was pumped through a glass tube containing 100 mg of Tenax adsorbent at a flow rate of 50 ml min(-1). Adsorption/thermal desorption and breakthrough experiments were performed to test the ability to quantitatively trap the compounds. The detection limits of method for these compounds ranged between 1.6 and 2.1 ng m(-3). This methodology was developed to evaluate the persistence of fenitrothion in forest atmospheres after treatment. Spray application at 21.5 mg active ingredient m(-2) resulted in atmosphere levels of the insecticide of 78.3 ng m(-3) (after 2 h of application). Within 2-4 days following treatment, the presence of fenitrooxon fell to 50-55%. During this period residues of metabolites began to appear, disappearing 19 days later.

Air↗
PubMed1989

Lyme disease: prevalence and clinical importance of Borrelia burgdorferi specific IgG in forestry workers.

41 forestry workers, who had a high occupational risk of tick-bites, were screened for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi by ELISA and western blotting techniques, and questioned about possible symptoms of Lyme disease. Antibodies were detected in 10 of the 40 men who had been bitten by ticks. Definite symptoms of Lyme disease, in the form of erythema migrans, were reported by only 2 workers and none had a history of neurological illness.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The potential for short rotation energy forestry on restored landfill caps.

This review examines the potential for producing biomass on restored landfills using willow and poplar species in short rotation energy forestry. In southern England, the potential production may be about 20 t ha(-1) of dry stem wood annually. However, actual yields are likely to be constrained by detrimental soil conditions, including shallow depth, compaction, low water holding capacity and poor nutritional status. These factors will affect plant growth by causing drought, waterlogging, poor soil aeration and nutritional deficiencies. Practical solutions to these problems include the correct placement and handling of the agricultural cap material, soil amelioration using tillage and the addition of organic matter (such as sewage sludge), irrigation (possibly using landfill leachate), the installation of drainage and the application of inorganic fertilizers. The correct choice of species and clone, along with good site management are also essential if economically viable yields are to be obtained. Further investigations are required to determine the actual yields that can be obtained on landfill sites using a range of management inputs.

Agriculture↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Visibility of protective helmets worn by forestry workers.

BACKGROUND: High visibility helmets must be worn by forestry workers in New Zealand for protection and as conspicuous 'clothing' to alert workers to the presence and location of other workers. The colours yellow-green (fluorescent yellow-green) and 'watermelon' (fluorescent pink) are used and both appear to be conspicuous. To solve a controversy, we investigated which helmet colour is more visible for use in a forest setting for workers having normal or defective colour vision. METHOD: We obtained threshold angular sizes for two-millimetre square samples of helmet material presented against a textured background containing colours representative of those found in the foliage and bark of the most common forest type (Pinus Radiata). Observers with normal colour vision (n = 22) and with deutan (n = 8) and protan (n = 6) defects participated. Subjects with mild colour vision defects were excluded. RESULTS: The yellow-green colour was significantly more visible than the pink for the normal (p +/- 0.001) and protan (p +/- 0.05) observers. For the deutan observers the pink helmet colour was significantly more visible (p +/- 0.01). The median equivalent outdoor detection distances were for normal observers 400 m (pink) and 500 m (yellow-green); for protan observers 185 m (pink) and 500 m (yellow-green); and for deutan observers 550 m (pink) and 450 m (yellow-green). CONCLUSIONS: The yellow-green helmet can be detected at large distances by all observers. The yellow-green helmet has greater reflectance and therefore greater luminance contrast. The pink helmet colour can be confused with green forest background colours by observers with protan defects. For some observers with a protan colour vision defect, detection distances for the pink helmet colour are less than half of normal detection distances.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Serological evidence of Rickettsia infections in forestry rangers in north-eastern Italy.

The prevalence of antibodies to Rickettsiae and other tick-borne microrganisms in the sera of 181 forestry rangers from Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Italy, was examined. Seven (3.9%) sera were positive for Rickettsia conorii and Rickettsia helvetica, as single or dual infections; four of these sera had been found previously to be positive for Borrelia burgdorferi. Antibodies to Coxiella burnetii were detected in five (2.8%) sera, four of which were also positive for B. burgdorferi. These findings indicate that patients in this north-eastern Italian region with fever subsequent to tick-bite should be investigated for Rickettsia and Coxiella infections.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Vibration-induced neuropathy among forestry workers.

The neurological findings of 217 forestry workers were evaluated during a compulsory annual health examination. Vibration detection thresholds were determined for the left hand and foot. The handgrip forces were measured for both hands. A reduction in the vibration detection threshold or handgrip force was not associated with clinical neuropathy. Polyneuropathy was found in 4% of the lumberjacks whereas neuropathy restricted to the arms was found in 7.5% of the lumberjacks. The neuropathic findings were not linked with alcohol consumption but were associated with a history of numbness in the hands and diminished muscle force. The findings support the concept that local vibration can cause neuropathy in the arms, but the mechanism of vibration-induced neuropathy still remains uncertain.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Risk of malignant lymphoma in Swedish agricultural and forestry workers.

The risk of malignant lymphoma after possible exposure to phenoxy acid herbicides was studied in 354,620 Swedish men who, according to a national census in 1960, were employed in agriculture or forestry. The cohort was divided into subcohorts according to assumed exposure and compared with 1,725,645 Swedish men having other economic activities. All were followed up in the Cancer-Environment Register between 1961 and 1979. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was found in 861 men in the study cohort. The relative risk was not significantly increased in any subcohort, did not differ significantly between the subcohorts, and showed no time related increase in the total cohort or any subcohort. Hodgkin's disease was found in 355 men in the study cohort. Relative risks significantly higher than unity were found among fur farming and silviculture workers where the relative risks were 4.45 and 2.26, respectively. All five cases in the former group were engaged in mink farming. A time related rising trend in relative risk was found in the silviculture subcohort. Elsewhere the relative risk did not diverge from unity and no time related trend was discernible.

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗
PubMed1988

Vasoconstrictor response to cold in forestry workers: a prospective study.

In a five year prospective study of the vasoconstrictor response to cold 37 forestry workers were investigated in 1978 and again in 1983. The subjects were classified into three groups: group A (n = 13): no subjective finger symptoms in 1978 and continued sawing until 1983; group B (n = 12): no symptoms in 1978 and stopped sawing before 1983; group C (n = 12): vibration induced white finger (VWF) in 1978. A cold provocation test measuring the finger systolic blood pressure with a cuff and strain gauge technique during combined body cooling and finger cooling to 30 degrees, 15 degrees, and 6 degrees C was applied to all subjects at both investigations. In 1978 all groups had an increased cold response when compared with that of 20 non-exposed controls (p less than 0.05), and the response was more exaggerated in group C than in groups A and B (p less than 0.01). From 1978 to 1983 the vasoconstrictor response increased in group A (p less than 0.05), was in group B (p greater than 0.10), and improved in group C (p less than 0.05). The changes in cold response in groups A and C were significantly larger than the within day variation of the method (p less than 0.01). The aggravation of group A indicates that a further five years use of anti-vibration chain saws induced an increased hyperreactivity in the vasoconstrictor mechanisms but led to subjective symptoms of VWF in only one subject. The improvement in group C was in accordance with the improvements of subjective finger symptoms and was associated with a previous shift from saws without vibration damping devices to anti-vibration saws and with cessation of work. The results of group C indicate that VWF may improve or subjectively disappear if exposure to vibration is reduced or stopped. The cold provocation test was more sensitive than the Taylor-Pelmear stage assessments (p<0.05). The test may be of guidance in evaluation preventive measures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Plasma gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane concentrations in forestry workers exposed to lindane.

Plasma gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) and three urinary trichlorophenols were measured in forestry workers who were engaged in planting seedlings treated with gamma-HCH. These two procedures were assessed as potential biological monitoring methods and the data were compared with reported clinical symptoms. The measurement of plasma gamma-HCH was considered to be a feasible and valid monitoring method for use in routine practice and is a useful indicator of gamma-HCH absorption. The data were used to illustrate the need to be vigilant about personal hygiene and the efficacy of protective clothing. Plasma gamma-HCH concentrations above 70 nmol/l were measured in two workers which coincided with persistent non-specific clinical symptoms. Trichlorophenols were identified in urine but the extensive and variable metabolism of gamma-HCH makes this approach less suitable for biological monitoring.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1991

A cohort mortality study of forestry workers exposed to phenoxy acid herbicides.

A cohort mortality study was undertaken of forestry workers at a public electrical utility who had worked for six months or more during 1950-82 and who were routinely exposed to herbicides including phenoxy acids. A total of 1222 men with 25 274 years at risk experienced 80 deaths. Ascertainment of vital state at the end of follow up was 95.5%. The male population of the province (Ontario) was used as the reference group. Overall, no excess mortality was found in this cohort relative to the reference population. A statistically significant increase in deaths occurred, however, due to suicide (SMR = 210, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 105-376) for the cohort as a whole. No deaths were seen due to cancers such as soft tissue sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that have been cited by other authors as being associated with exposure to phenoxy acid herbicides. Although the cohort is not large, the absence of deaths due to these cancers is consistent with findings from other studies with sufficient numbers to allow examination of specific risks. The cohort is still young, however, and at the end of follow up most had not reached an age when increased incidence of cancer would normally be expected.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Vibration syndrome among forestry workers. Subjective symptoms and diagnostic norm].

Three hundred fourteen male forestry workers using vibrating tools were analyzed to evaluate the relationship among 11 items of the special examinations for the diagnosis of vibration syndrome and the relationship between the items and 13 subjective symptoms. The following results were obtained: Age of the workers had the strongest relationship to the grip strength. However, it showed less strong relationship with other items, such as the threshold of pain sense and that of vibration sense, and the degree of Raynaud's phenomenon (number of fingers affected). Working time in years with vibrating tools showed statistically significant correlations with the threshold of pain sense, that of vibratory sense, and with the degree of Raynaud's phenomenon. The threshold of pain sense, that of vibratory sense, and the degree of Raynaud's phenomenon correlated with each other but not with the skin temperature nor the recovery time of blood flow in the finger nail-beds. The rise of pain threshold exhibited the strongest association with the subjective symptoms. Vibratory sense threshold at 250 Hz also showed similar association with the latter. The skin temperature and the recovery time of blood flow had no association with any complaints except for gastric disorders. The grip strength, only when extremely lowered, was associated with the rise of ratio of complaints, i.e. percentage of the number of workers who complain among all the workers. The age was associated in general with the decreased ratio of complaints except for muscle weakness in arms and forgetfulness.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

[Effects of the reduction of vibration intensity of chain saws on the prevalence rates of vibration syndrome among forestry workers].

Prevalence rates of vibration syndrome in two groups of forestry workers who were employed in private enterprises in Fukushima Prefecture and were operating chain saws not less than 25 days a year were evaluated in relation to the vibration acceleration levels of chain saws and the total working hours per year with the tools. The 1st group consisted of 261 workers (mean age and SD: 46.2 +/- 11.0 yr) who had begun to operate the tools between 1965 and 1976 and were examined at least once in 1976 or 1977 and the 2nd group of 225 workers (46.1 +/- 11.0 yr) who were at work between 1976 and 1987 and examined at least once during 1983 to 1988. The following results were obtained: 1. It was estimated that the maximum acceleration levels of the chain saws used between 1965 and 1975, and between 1976 and 1988 ranged approximately from 2.5 G to 8 G (mean: 5.1 G) and from 1 G to 2.5 G (mean: 1.7 G) by the one-third octave band filters, respectively. The average intensity of vibration was thus reduced by 89% after 1976. 2. The number of working days per year and hours per day with the tools were 157 +/- 70 d (mean +/- SD) and 3.7 +/- 1.3 h (mean +/- SD) in the first group and 120 +/- 55 d and 3.0 +/- 1.3 h in the second group, respectively. Therefore, the average total hours per year decreased by 38% after 1976.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Exposure of council and forestry workers to 2,4,5-T.

The exposure of council and forestry workers to 2,4,5-T, a plant poison, has been monitored for a period of two years. It was found that the excessive urine levels of 2,4,5-T fell dramatically once the exposure was minimized. Therefore, the use of protective clothing and adoption of measures to prevent inhalation exposure are essential.

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗
PubMed1988

Law No. 88-20, Forestry Code, 13 April 1988.

This Law approves the Forestry Code of Tunisia. Under the Code, forest land is divided into two categories, public land and private land. With respect to public land, the General Directorate of Forests is to establish a management plan for each forest area in the country. The right to use public land is strictly controlled and generally given only to persons living in the forest for personal uses; a permit, valid for five years, must be obtained. Extraction of forest materials for use in construction is also permitted if the material is sold in public auction and a special permit is obtained. With respect to private land, the exploitation and clearing of forest land is allowed after a permit has been obtained. Granting of a permit for clearing land may be made subject to conditions involving conservation of forested areas and soil. The Code also provides that the protection of national territory from desertification and the development of "sylvo-pastoral" resources are activities of national interest and that such activities are to be supported by state loans and grants. To encourage these activities the Code creates a special fund. The Code sets penalties for infractions of its provisions, including fines and imprisonment. It also contains prohibitions on lighting fires in certain areas and in certain parts of the year. Further provisions of the Code relate to national parks, hunting, and the protection of dunes, grasslands, fauna and flora, and water areas.

Africa↗
PubMed2005

[Application value of organic ground surface mulch in urban forestry construction].

This paper summarized the development process of organic ground surface mulch, and analyzed its important application value (such as the functions of improving soil physical and chemical properties, promoting plant growth, beautifying urban landscape, and preventing soil dust, etc.), and its values in protecting environment and benefiting economy. The problems in the application process of organic ground surface mulch were discussed, and the actual impendence and broad development space of its production and application in our urban forestry construction were pointed out.

City Planning↗
PubMed1978

Cutaneous sporotrichosis in forestry workers. Epidemic due to contaminated Sphagnum moss.

In December 1975 and January and February 1976, an epidemic of cutaneous sporotrichosis occurred in Mississippi among forestry workers and other persons exposed to sphagnum moss used in packing pine seedlings. Seventeen cases were identified, 15 of which were from patients who had been exposed to sphagnum moss from a single source. Attack rates were significantly higher among workers exposed to this moss than among those not exposed. Sporothrix schenckii was cultured from the implicated batch of sphagnum moss but not from other batches. The source of contamination of the sphagnum moss that caused this epidemic and sphagnum moss associated with similar epidemics is unknown. One worker without cutaneous sporotrichosis may have had asymptomatic pulmonary sporotrichosis.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed1977

[Correlation between work conditions and the occurrence of vibration disease in forestry workers II].

The frequency of occurrence of vibration disease in 460 randomly chosen sawworkers, from 20 to 65 years of age, working with motor-saws of the KBK-3a and Partner R-11 types was determined. The control group consisted of 136 forestry workers non-exposed to vibration. Vibration disease was observed in 22.6% of motor-sawers, and it was suspected in 6.7%. The occurrence of vibration disease is significantly dependent on the age, daily exposure to vibration, working period in years and--especially strongly--(p less than 0.001) on the amount of timber produced and fuel used for the saw. It was discovered that daily exposure to motor-saw vibration with the type BK-3a considered, should not exceed 2 hours a day. The amount of timber produced by the saw-worker as m3 of timber felled, should not exceed 5.000 m3 in a year and 40.000 m3 in the whole employment period.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Raynaud's phenomenon in forestry workers in Quebec.

A survey of 1540 forestry workers in Quebec found a prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon of 30.5% among chain-saw users and 8.7% among nonusers. Prevalence was related directly to duration of use of the chain-saw. The mean interval (+/- the standard deviation) between the time the chain-saw was first used and the onset of Raynaud's phenomenon was 7.8 +/- 5.6 years. After 20 years of chain-saw use over 50% of the population had Raynaud's phenomenon. Relative risks among those using a chain-saw for more than 10 years were 3.60 for nonsmokers and 6.55 for smokers. Other factors associated with the phenomenon included a family history of nonoccupational Raynaud's phenomenon, previous injuries to the arms, climate and type of residence during the wood-cutting season. Decreased work capacity, interference with leisure activities and changes in professional orientation often resulted from this disease. These problems should be taken into account when disability compensation is being considered.

Adult↗