Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Coke”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Reduced nucleotide excision repair and GSTM1-null genotypes influence anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adduct levels in mononuclear white blood cells of highly PAH-exposed coke oven workers.

It is important to identify the potential genetic-susceptible factors that are able to modulate individual responses to exposure to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In the present study we evaluated the influence of four polymorphisms of nucleotide excision repair (NER) genes [xeroderma pigmentosum-C (XPC)-PAT +/-, xeroderma pigmentosum-A (XPA) 5' non-coding region-A23G, XPD-exon 23 A35931C Lys751Gln, xeroderma pigmentosum-D (XPD)-exon 10 G23591A Asp312Asn] and that of glutathione S-transferase mu1 (GSTM1-active or -null) on benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (B[a]PDE)-DNA adduct levels from the lympho-monocyte fraction (LMF) of highly PAH benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-exposed Polish coke oven workers (n = 67, 67% current smokers) with individual urinary post-shift excretion of 1-pyrenol exceeding the proposed biological exposure index (BEI) (2.28 micromol/mol creatinine). The bulky (+/-)-r-7,t-8-dihydroxy-t-9,10-oxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (anti-B[a]PDE)-DNA adduct levels were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/fluorescence analysis and genotypes by polymerase chain reaction. We found that workers with the low DNA repair capacity of XPC-PAT+/+ and XPA-A23A genotypes had significantly increased anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adduct levels (Mann-Whitney U-test, z = 2.24, P = 0.02 and z = 2.65, P = 0.01). Moreover, DNA adducts were also raised in workers without GSTM1 activity (GSTM1-null genotype) (Mann-Whitney U-test, z = 2.25, P = 0.0246). Workers with unfavourable XPC-PAT+/+ and XPA-A23A NER genotypes, alone (approximately 65% of workers) or combined with GSTM1-null genotype (approximately 75% of workers) were in the tertile with the highest adduct level, i.e. >4.11 adducts/10(8) nt (chi2 = 5.85, P = 0.0156 and chi2 = 5.40, P = 0.01). The increase in anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adduct levels (ln values) was significantly related in a multiple linear regression analysis to PAH exposure (i.e. urinary post-shift excretion of 1-pyrenol) (t = 2.61, P = 0.0115), lack of GSTM1 activity (t = 2.41, P = 0.0192) and to low DNA repair capacity of the XPC-PAT+/+ genotype (t = 2.34, P = 0.0226). The influence of the XPA-A23A genotype was not evident in this statistical analysis, and no associations with XPD polymorphisms, dietary habits or tobacco smoking were found. The modulation of anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adducts in the LMF by GSTM1-null and some low-activity NER genotypes may be considered as a potential genetic susceptibility factor capable of modulating individual responses to PAH (B[a]P) genotoxic exposure and the consequent risk of cancer in coke oven workers.

Benzopyrenes↗
PubMed2006

Unexpected cause of raised benzene absorption in coke oven by-product workers.

BACKGROUND: Urinary biological monitoring for benzene (by measuring benzene metabolites) in coke oven by-product workers produced the unexpected result that 2 out of 10 employees had significantly raised urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA). However, simultaneous personal air sampling showed no excessive airborne exposure. METHODS: Possible causes for this finding were investigated having excluded inhalation as the route of uptake. It was suspected that skin absorption via contaminated overalls was the possible mechanism and a standard frequency for overall change was introduced. RESULTS: Changing overalls after every four shifts reduced uptake levels to less than the equivalent of 1 ppm inhaled dose for all employees. CONCLUSION: Skin absorption of benzene in coke oven by-product workers from contaminated overalls can be significant and therefore overalls should be changed on a regular and frequent basis.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed1988

A multistage approach to the cohort analysis of lifetime lung cancer risk among steelworkers exposed to coke oven emissions.

A cohort analysis was performed to predict the lifetime lung cancer risk to a US or Canadian nonwhite male steelworker exposed to coke oven emissions. The procedure employed required that the lung cancer mortality (used for risk assessment) be estimated by addition of the excess to the background rates. The age-specific excess rates were obtained following selection of the proper excess risk function as implied by the multistage theory of carcinogenesis. A quantitative approach based on model fitting was used for selection of the excess risk function. The results show no evidence that coke oven emissions have a late stage carcinogenic effect. The indication that the agent acts as an initiator is moderate to weak. The number of carcinogenic stages involved was estimated to be four. Based on the assumption that exposure was set at a high concentration for 40 years with a starting age of 20 years, it was estimated that the lifetime risk through age 85+ years for a hypothetical US or Canadian nonwhite male oven worker could be as high as 0.40. This represents a 15-fold increase of the baseline risk.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

1-Hydroxypyrene levels in coal-handling workers at a coke oven.

An environmental and medical survey was conducted at the coal-handling area of a coke oven, where workers came in contact with coal-tar sludge. The purpose of the study was to determine if skin contact with coal-tar sludge was an important route of exposure to pyrene because workers were observed to have substantial contact with the sludge. Environmental monitoring revealed minimal airborne exposure to pyrene, a byproduct of the coke distillation process; only one personal breathing zone sample detected pyrene, and at least of 0.001 mg/m3. However, the mean preshift urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentration was 1.00 mumol/mol creatinine (range, 0.16 to 2.96 mumol/mol creatinine) and the mean postshift level was 1.7 mumol/mol creatinine (range, 0.24 to 4.85 mumol/mol creatinine) (P < 0.01). These levels probably reflect absorption as a result of skin exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Health survey of former workers in a Norwegian coke plant: Part 2. Cancer incidence and cause specific mortality.

OBJECTIVES: A Norwegian coke plant that operated from 1964 to 1988 was investigated to ascertain whether the male workers in this plant had increased morbidities of cancer or increased mortality from specific causes, particularly associated with specific exposures at the coke plant. METHODS: Personal data on all the employees of the plant were obtained from the plant's archives. With additional data from the Norwegian Bureau of Statistics we identified 888 male former workers at the plant. Causes of death were obtained from the Norwegian Bureau of Statistics, and cancer diagnoses from the Norwegian Cancer Registry. The results were compared with national averages adjusted for age. Specific exposures were estimated with records of actual measurements done at the plant and interviews with former workers at the plant. RESULTS: A significant excess of stomach cancer (standardised incidence ratio (SIR) 2.22, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01 to 4.21) was found. Mortality from ischaemic heart disease and sudden death was positively associated with work in areas which entailed peak exposures to CO. When considering work in such areas the past 3 years before death, the association was significant (p = 0.01). The last result is based on only two deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the short follow up time and the small size of the cohort the results should be interpreted with a certain caution. The positive results would justify a re-examination of the cohort at a later date.

Carbon Monoxide↗
PubMed2005

Physicochemical characterization of coke-plant soil for the assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon availability and the feasibility of phytoremediation.

Coke oven site soil was characterized to assess the particle association and availability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We identified various carbonaceous materials including coal, coke, pitch, and tar decanter sludge. Most of the PAHs were associated with the polymeric matrix of tar sludge or hard pitch as discrete particles, coatings on soil mineral particles, or complex aggregates. The PAH availability from these particles was very low due to hindered diffusive release from solid tar or pitch with apparent diffusivities of 6 x 10(-15) for phenanthrene, 3 x 10(-15) for pyrene, and 1 x 10(-15) cm2/s for benzo[a]pyrene. Significant concentrations of PAHs were observed in the interior of solid tar aggregates with up to 40,000 mg/kg total PAHs. The release of PAHs from the interior of such particles requires diffusion over a substantial distance, and semipermeable membrane device tests confirmed a very limited availability of PAHs. These findings explain the results from three years of phytoremediation of the site soil, for which no significant changes in the total PAH concentrations were observed in the test plot samples. The observed low bioavailability of PAHs probably inhibited PAH phytoremediation, as diffusion-limited mass transfer would limit the release of PAHs to the aqueous phase.

Acetone↗
PubMed1980

Mutagenicity studies with urine concentrates from coke plant workers.

Urine from coke plant workers, collected before and after work, were tested for the content of mutagenic substances in the Salmonella test system. Urine extracts from exposed smokers showed mutagenic activity, whereas urine from exposed nonsmokers did not. The mutagenicity of exposed smoker's urine was not significantly different from that of urine from nonexposed smokers. Mutagenicity of smokers' urine was only evident in the presence of a rat liver metabolic activation system. The addition of beta-glucuronidase did not enhance the mutagenic effect. The facts that coke plant workers are exposed to very high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and that there is no observed enhanced mutagenicity of their urine indicate that the mutagenicity observed with urine from smokers is not due to conventional PAH.

Coal↗
PubMed1978

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the work atmosphere. II. Determination in a coke plant.

The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the work atmosphere of a coke plant was investigated on two occasions. Stationary, mobile, and personal sampling were used, and the samples were analyzed by glass capillary gas chromatography. Up to 39 PAH and heterocyclic compounds were indentified in the samples. By personal sampling, the occupational exposure to PAH was determined to vary between 5 and 1,000 mg/m3. A study of the occurrence of PAH on particulate matter revealed that 98% of the PAH was respirable. No significant variation in the relative distribution of the PAH components (PAH profile) was observed during the two sampling periods. The PAH profile for the coke plant was similar to that of a Søderberg aluminum plant, but different from that of a Søderberg paste plant.

Air↗
PubMed1989

[Semi-malignant pitch-acanthoma on the hand of a coke oven worker].

We experienced a case of pitch-acanthoma which had developed on the hand of a coke worker after 15 years from his retirement. The patient was a 75-year-old male, who had worked mainly as a coke-oven worker for 24 years. In the spring of 1988, after 15 years from his retirement, he noticed a small nodule on the dorsal aspect of his right hand. He visited our clinic on June 1988 because the nodule was rapidly growing larger. The diagnosis of pitch-acanthoma was obvious from his occupational history and the characteristic poikilodermatous outlook of his skin. The tumor was removed surgically. Histological examination showed hyperkeratosis and acanthosis with horn-pearl formation. Moreover, a pack of atypical cells was observed within the lesion, suggesting an early malignant change. The patient was heavily exposed to a tar-gas-containing atmosphere in his workplace for quite a long period. As tar or pitch remains within the skin in spite of careful cleansing, workers in this atmosphere have a relatively high risk of developing skin cancer. Our present case shows that such malignant change can occur after long years and we would emphasize the necessity of a long term follow-up, perhaps throughout the lifetime of these workers.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[Studies on the Ras p21 levels in workers exposed to coal tar pitch and coke oven volatiles].

To study the effects of serum p21 levels on the health of coal tar pitch(CTP) and coke oven volatiles (COV) workers recognized as the high risk population of pulmonary carcinoma, serum p21 levels among 24 cases of CTP workers, 25 cases of COV workers and 12 cases of normal control were detected with the method of Western Blotting. The results showed that the mean serum p21 level in exposed group was significantly higher than that in the normal control (366.8 vs 1270.7, P < 0.001). In the COV workers, serum p21 level in coke furnace workers was remarkably higher than that in the workers with other types of work. There were no differences for p21 among workers with different work years and between workers with or without smoking history. It indicates that CTP and COV can cause the p21 protein level increase in the occupational population.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Investigation on the immune function of coke-oven workers in a gas factory].

This paper reports a study on the immune function of coke-oven workers in a gas factory. The results of immunological examination for coke oven workers exposed to pollutants from coal combustion showed that contents of lysozyme in the saliva, total complement and IgG, IgA in serum and T lymphocytes transformation activity in peripheral blood were all significantly lower than those in the control population. After the workers had separated themselves from heavy air pollution environment for 3 years, only the contents of lysozyme were higher than before, the other immune functions did not return to normal.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[A study on the relationship between urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level and early genetic effect among coke oven workers].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level and cytokinesis-block micronucleus and the olive moment of comet assay in peripheral blood lymphocyte in coke oven workers. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-three workers from a coke plant and 28 referents without occupational PAH exposure were recruited in this study. Urinary level of 1-hydroxypyrene was measured by alkaline hydrolysis combined with high performance liquid chromatography as an internal exposure dose, and the DNA and chromosomal damage of peripheral blood lymphocyte were evaluated with comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus method. Personal information including occupational history, age, sex, smoking and alcohol drinking, was collected by questionnaire. RESULTS: There existed a good correlationship between the urinary level of 1-hydroxypyrene and frequency of micronuclei per 1 000 binucleated cells or the olive moment of comet assay in the study subjects, after adjusting for sex, age, smoking and alcohol drinking (r > 0.25, P < 0.01). One hundred and sixty-one subjects were divided into three groups by their urine 1-hydroxypyrene level (expressed as 0.30 - 2.44, 2.45 - 7.09 and 7.10 - 33.10 micro mol/mol Cr), and the geometric means of their urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene were 1.14, 4.32 and 12.49 micro mol/mol Cr, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking and alcohol drinking by multiple nonparametric analysis of covariance, the median of olive moment of comet assay in the group of 7.10 - 33.10 micro mol/mol Cr was 3.67, significantly higher than that in the groups of 0.30 - 2.44 and 2.45 - 7.09; and the micronuclei frequencies in the groups of 2.45 - 7.09 and 7.10 - 33.10 micro mol/mol Cr were 8.00 per thousand and 7.50 per thousand, respectively, significantly higher than that in the group of 0.30 - 2.44 micro mol/mol Cr (6.00 per thousand ). CONCLUSIONS: The comet assay of peripheral blood lymphocyte was more suitable to detect the PAHs-induced early genotoxicity, than the cytokinesis-block micronucleus.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-DNA adducts in white blood cells from coke oven workers: correlation with job categories.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-DNA adducts were quantitatively determined by ultrasensitive radioimmunoassay (USERIA) and 32P postlabeling in 128 DNA samples from WBCs of 68 coke oven workers and a local control group of 13 workers. Forty-four samples had a detectable adduct level by USERIA, with a mean of 0.390 fmol adducts/micrograms DNA (12.9 adducts/10(8) nucleotides) in the exposed group compared to a mean of 0.316 fmol adducts/micrograms DNA (10.4 adducts/10(8) nucleotides) in the control group. The mean adduct level with 32P postlabeling was 0.05 fmol/micrograms DNA (1.67 adducts/10(8) nucleotides) for the exposed group and 0.046 fmol/microgram DNA (1.54 adducts/10(8) nucleotides for the control group. Based on job description the workers were divided in 4 groups: control, low-, medium-, and high-exposure group. Both methods produced a positive correlation coefficient between estimated exposure and PAH-DNA adduct levels. The significance levels determined with Kendall rank correlation were P = 0.0145 for USERIA and P = 0.0594 for 32P postlabeling. Adduct levels determined by 32P postlabeling showed a correlation with tobacco smoking in the control group. No significant correlation between PAH-DNA adduct levels measured by USERIA and 32P postlabeling was found. These results show that these methods recognize different parts of the complex exposures in a coke oven plant.

Coke↗
PubMed1990

[Acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase activities in peripheral blood lymphocytes of coke plant workers].

In 32 workers of coking plants cytoenzymatic reaction was examined in lymphocytes peripheral blood to determine the presence of acid phosphatase and unspecific esterase expressed in total score values. Statistically significant decrease of unspecific esterase activity and lower mean values of acid phosphatase activity were found as compared to the results obtained in the control group. It seems that periodical determinations of cytoenzymatic activity of unspecific esterase in lymphocytes of peripheral blood may be useful in assessment of biological effects of occupational exposure in coking plants workers.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1989

[Levels of metabolites of selected chemical compounds in the urine of workers in pitch coke plant].

In urine samples collected from pitch coke plant workers just before and after occupational exposure, differentiated concentrations of phenol (20.8-692.8 mg/dm3), p-cresol (51.8-590 mg/dm3), I-naphtol (4.9-63.7 mg/dm3) and benzo(a)pyrene (0.3-18.9 ug/dm3) have been found. The occurrence of enhanced concentrations of phenol in 10.1%, p-cresol in 31.9%, I-naphthol in 13.5% and benzo(a)pyrene in 72.8% of the test urine specimens collected prior to exposure points to a slow excretion of these metabolites of chemical compounds inherent in the work environment. Furthermore, the urinary level of the metabolites in particular coke plant workers points to different individual exposure.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Energy requirements of workers in the coke chemical industry].

Energy spent by workers engaged in the basic departments of a coke-chemical plant during working hours and performing operations after the Douglas-Holdeine method was measured and total energy expenditures during separate periods of the day and as a whole determined. Depending upon their jobs the energy spent by the workers during working hours varies within a range of 825 to 1860 Kcal. The energy expenditure during the time outside work, including sleep, amounts to from 1482 up to 1756 Kcal. As concerns the calorific requirements of their alimentation the workers of coke-chemical industry are subdivided into 5 groups of labour-intensity within an interval of from 2500 to 3600 kcal (for men) and from 2200 to 3100 kcal (for women).

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Cytological detection of a peripheral lung carcinoma in a coke oven worker.

OSHA mandated programs of pulmonary cytology among coke oven workers have resulted in detection of a number of unsuspected tumors. While it is too early to determine the eventual impact of these programs, this report describes the detection of a 0.3 cm peripheral lesion, believed to the smallest identified by cytology. In addition to being diminutive, the tumor proved to be of the epidermoid type, unusual for the location. Further investigation is required to determine whether peripheral epidermoid neoplasms are associated with exposure to coke oven vapors.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1993

[Concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen, alpha-fetoprotein and beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in serum of workers employed directly in the production of coke].

Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in coke oven workers were estimated in order to detect early biological effects of carcinogenesis. CEA, AFP and HCG concentrations were measured in 30 coke oven workers (group I) occupationally exposed to very high concentrations of BaP and tar substances. One of the control groups (group II) consisted of 64 inhabitants of a highly industrialized city whereas the second one comprised 35 persons living in a relatively unpolluted region (group III). Mean serum levels of CEA and AFP in group I were significantly higher than in the control groups. Furthermore, mean CEA level was significantly higher in group II than in group III. HCG concentrations only in a few cases exceeded the threshold of detectability. The effect of tobacco smoking was revealed only in the control groups. No correlation was found between the exposure time and the examined tumour marker levels. It is supposed that the obtained results were the consequence of enhanced expression of genes responsible for the markers synthesis, initiation of early stage of oncogenesis and were due to long-term exposure to carcinogenic PAHs.

Adult↗