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At least 1,711 records · Page 95Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Workers' assessments of manual lifting tasks: cognitive strategies and validation with respect to objective indices and musculoskeletal symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the different cognitive strategies adopted by workers in assessing the effects of lifting-task parameters on effort, and to validate workers' assessments. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to 217 male workers with varied levels of experience in manual handling. Workers were asked to assess the effects of lifting on perceived effort, using linguistic descriptors (e.g., light, heavy), and to determine the physical meaning of such descriptors. In addition, each worker assessed on-the-job effort, perceived risk of injury and work dissatisfaction, and musculoskeletal outcomes in a cross-sectional design. RESULTS: Perceived physical effort was significantly associated with lifting variables. Results indicated that the three-cluster strategy is the best performer. Weight of load emerged as the most influential factor that impacted on effort in the most dominant cluster (close to 50% of the observations). The second cluster (25% of the observations) demonstrated that weight, horizontal distance, and twisting angle, contributed equally to effort, and the third cluster had weight and vertical travel distance as the most important variables (with travel distance being more important). Perceived effort was significantly associated with objective indices (i.e., biomechanical lifting equivalent and NIOSH lifting index), and musculoskeletal symptoms in eight body parts. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive reasoning of experienced workers may be used as an active device for the evaluation of strenuous physical activities such as lifting tasks. Lifting activities are significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, not only in the lower-back region, but also in seven other body parts; and effort may integrate the effects of both physical (lifting tasks) and non-physical (i.e., work dissatisfaction) factors, as well as perception of risk.

Cognition↗
PubMed2003

N-nitrosodiethanolamine urinary excretion in workers exposed to aqueous metalworking fluids.

OBJECTIVE: This work was intended to clarify the extent of exposure of workers occupationally exposed to N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), a carcinogenic nitrosamine, while working with aqueous metalworking fluids (MWFs) formulated with ("nitrite-formulated") or without ("nitrite-free") nitrite and to study the relationships between the nitrite and NDELA content of the MWFs as well as between the concentration of NDELA in MWFs and in urine. METHOD: Pre-shift and post-shift urine samples from 100 workers directly exposed to MWFs in 15 factories were analysed for NDELA with chemiluminescent detection (TEA) according to a previously described analytical procedure. The method was also applied to eight indirectly exposed workers and to 48 unexposed subjects. The NDELA and concentrations in 84 fluids used by the workers were also determined. RESULTS: No detectable NDELA could be observed in the control group. The mean post-shift NDELA excretion in workers exposed to "nitrite-formulated" and "nitrite-free" MWFs were 44.6 and 0.4 microg/l, with maxima of 277 and 2.7 microg/l, respectively. According to the correlation between the nitrite and NDELA concentrations in "nitrite-free" MWFs, there is a low probability of fluids exceeding 5 mg/l NDELA when the nitrite content does not exceed 20 mg/l. The NDELA concentrations in the fluids and urine were found to be highly correlated, particularly after correction for creatinine (r=0.917 in post-shift samples). Cutaneous contact probably contributes, at least in part, to the overall body uptake of NDELA: CONCLUSION: Due to clear evidence of urinary NDELA excretion in workers exposed to contaminated MWFs, and despite a lack of knowledge of the human risk following NDELA exposure, levels of NDELA in MWFs should be kept as low as possible. NDELA fluid concentrations of less than 1 mg/l must be considered as the objective to be attained, even if the limit of 5 mg/l is temporarily satisfactory and consistent with a nitrite limit of 20 mg/l that is easy to verify with inexpensive colorimetric tests. "Nitrite-formulated" fluids, still sometimes used, should be prohibited. Meanwhile, the material safety data sheets (MSDS) of commercially available products should be clearly labelled to indicate their nitrite content.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Hand-arm vibration syndrome with use of anti-vibration chain saws: 19-year follow-up study of forestry workers.

OBJECTIVES: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) consists of vascular and neurological component. Musculoskeletal component has not been delineated yet. In the present follow-up study, we evaluated the prevalence of HAVS and the cumulative exposure to vibration among a cohort of forestry workers. Special interest was given to numbness and musculoskeletal disorders of upper extremity and neck in forestry workers. METHODS: A follow-up study starting from 1976 was conducted among forestry workers in Suomussalmi in Finland. Total exposure of hand-arm vibration was recorded during 11 cross-sectional surveys. The last study was carried out in 1995. The lifetime dose of vibration energy was calculated. A cohort of 52 forest workers participated to all 11 cross-sectional surveys 1976-1995. HAVS and musculoskeletal disorders were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of active vibration white finger (VWF) decreased from 13 to 4% in the cross-sectional study. In the cohort VWF decreased from 17 to 8% and numbness increased from 23 to 40%. Rotator cuff syndrome (P=0.034) and epicondylitis (P=0.004) associated with numbness. Regional neck pain was diagnosed in 38% of workers and associated with low back pain. In modeling VWF, the lifelong vibration energy (OR 1.03, CI 1.01-1.05), and smoking (OR 7.36, CI 1.07-50.76) were significant. Numbness was modeled by pain in upper extremities (OR 12.43, CI 2.42-63.80) and neck pain (5.97, CI 1.25-28.39), not by lifelong vibration energy. Right rotator cuff syndrome was modeled by age (OR 2.58, CI 1.04-6.41) and lifelong vibration energy (OR 1.04, CI 1.00-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of VWF constantly decreased. Numbness did not follow the vibration exposure profile. Numbness also associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Hand-arm vibration associated with the right rotator cuff syndrome in forestry workers.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed2006

Contributions of occupational hazards and human factors in occupational injuries and their associations with job, age and type of injuries in railway workers.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the contributions of environmental hazards, technical dysfunctions, lack of work organization, know-how and job knowledge, and other human factors in occupational injuries and their relationships with job, age and type of accidents in railway workers. METHODS: The sample included 1,604 male workers, having had at least one occupational injury with sick leave during a 2-year period in voluntary French railway services. A standardized questionnaire was filled in by the person-in-charge of prevention, with the injured worker. Data analysis was performed via the chi(2) independence test and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with Mantel-Haenszel test. RESULTS: The environmental hazards were implicated in 24.7%, technical dysfunctions in 16.0%, lack of work organization in 13.7%, lack of know-how in 17.6%, lack of job knowledge in 5.2%, and the other human factors in 31.9% of occupational injuries. The injuries caused by lack of know-how or job knowledge were more represented in workers aged less than 30 (ORs adjusted for job 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.06 and 2.06, 1.22-3.49, respectively), those by environmental hazards in energy and electrical traction maintenance operators and train drivers (ORs adjusted for age 2.04, 1.16-3.58 and 1.80, 1.01-3.20, respectively), and those by lack of work organization in mechanical maintenance operators and in energy and electrical traction maintenance operators (ORs adjusted for age 2.24, 1.13-4.45 and 1.83, 1.30-2.57, respectively). The causes considered were strongly related with the type of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that environmental hazards, technical dysfunctions, lack of work organization, lack of knowledge and other human factors had important contributions in injuries, and they were related to job, age and type of injuries. These findings are useful for prevention. Training is necessary for young workers. The occupational physician could help the workers to be more aware of the risks.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

A study of autoantibodies and circulating immune complexes in mercury-exposed chloralkali workers.

UNLABELLED: Inorganic mercury may cause immunologically mediated disease: e.g., glomerulonephritis, acrodynia, and contact allergy. Animal models have demonstrated the importance of genetic factors in determining susceptibility and resistance to autoimmunity, as well as the specific manifestation of the autoimmune response. Findings in groups of workers with occupational exposure to inorganic mercury have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether an immune response, caused by exposure to inorganic mercury (Hg), could be shown in occupationally exposed workers. METHODS: Immunoglobulin G (IgG), antinuclear autoantibodies, antibodies against thyroid, stomach or kidney antigens using indirect immunofluorescence, antibodies against glomerular basement membrane using ELISA, and circulating immune complexes in serum, and albumin in urine, were examined in Hg-exposed workers and controls. The two groups, 41 male chloralkali workers exposed to Hg vapour (mean exposure time 9 years) and 41 unexposed controls were age-matched and recruited from the same company. Hg concentrations in whole blood (B-Hg), plasma (P-Hg), and urine (U-Hg) were determined using cold vapor atomic spectrometry. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. RESULTS: The mean B-Hg, P-Hg and U-Hg levels were 46 nmol/l, 37 nmol/l, and 27 micrograms/g creatinine in the exposed group, and 17 nmol/l, 6.9 nmol/l, and 3.4 micrograms/g creatinine in the referents. No statistically significant differences were found regarding IgG levels, urinary albumin excretion, prevalence of abnormal titers of autoantibodies or circulating immune complexes. There were no statistically significant associations between autoantibodies or immune complexes on the one hand and mercury exposure indices on the other. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that, if and when lasting autoimmune response occurs at the mercury exposure levels of the present study, it is uncommon. A small fraction of humans may, however, be susceptible to the development of autoimmunity, and there is also a possible "healthy worker" selection. Thus cross-sectional studies of moderate numbers of active workers will have low power to demonstrate autoimmune effects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Measured exposures by personal monitoring for respirable suspended particles and environmental tobacco smoke of housewives and office workers resident in Bremen, Germany.

OBJECTIVE: Exposures to respirable suspended particles (RSP) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were assessed in Bremen, Germany, as part of a European air quality study. The range and level of personal exposures were assessed for housewives and office workers. DESIGN: Nonsmokers were randomly selected from a representative sample of the population of Bremen. Housewives were recruited into one group primarily for assessment of exposures in the home and office workers, into a second group for assessment of the contribution of the workplace to overall exposure. METHODS: A total of 190 subjects collected air samples from areas close to their breathing zone by wearing personal monitors for 24 h. Samples collected were analysed for RSP, ultraviolet-absorbing particulate matter (UVPM), fluorescing particulate matter (FPM), solanesol-related particulate matter (SolPM), nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine (3-EP). Saliva cotinine levels for all subjects were also established. RESULTS: Overall the levels found were quite low, with the majority of results being below the limit of quantification. Workers both living and working with smokers were exposed to the highest 24-h median quantities of RSP (789 micrograms) and ETS particles (128 micrograms) measured by FPM. The highest nicotine levels, based on median 24-h time-weighted average concentrations, were experienced by office workers working with smokers (0.69 microgram m-3). These workers were also found to have the highest median cotinine levels (1.6 ng ml-1). CONCLUSIONS: The most highly exposed workers, both living and working with smokers, would potentially inhale over 20 cigarette equivalents (CE) per annum as based on the upper decile levels. Housewives living with smokers could inhale up to 11 CE per annum as based on the upper decile levels. Locations outside the workplace, including the home, contribute most to overall RSP and ETS particle exposure. Consideration should be given to extending the personal monitoring period in cities where levels appear to be quite low.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Chromosome analysis of lymphocytes from radiation workers in tritium-applying industry.

OBJECTIVES: The frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronuclei (MN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes was compared in two groups of persons occupationally exposed to tritium either through the use of luminous paints or in the weapons industry, with the aim of finding a correlation between the CA and MN assays, the extent of radiation hazard, and the duration of occupational exposure to chemical forms of tritium and the ability of the latter to induce hazards in human lymphocytes. METHODS: CA analysis and the cytochalasin B micronucleus test were performed. Urinary tritium in both groups was measured using a liquid scintillation method. For purposes of comparison, 2 control groups (40 persons) were examined; 24 exposed individuals were matched to their controls according to age, sex, and smoking habits. RESULTS: Values recorded for the frequency of CA in the group of workers handling tritium in luminous dial painting were 0.015 +/- 0.014 dicentrics/cell, 0.023 +/- 0.017 total unstable CA/cell, and 0.035 +/- 0.019 MN/binucleated cell. Urinary levels of tritium in this group of employees ranged from 1.35 to 9.43 MBq/l. As compared with their matched controls, in these workers the differences in the yield of CA as well as in MN were statistically highly significant (P < 0.005 and P < 0.003, respectively). The same parameters analyzed in workers employed in the armament industry gave values of 0.001 +/- 0.003 dicentrics/cell, 0.010 +/- 0.008 total unstable CA/cell, and 0.021 +/- 0.029 MN/binucleated cell. No detectable concentration of urinary tritium was found. As compared with their matched controls, in these workers the differences were also statistically significant (P < 0.027 and P < 0.012, respectively). The yield of CA, particularly the yield of dicentrics, was significantly higher (P < 0.005) in the group of luminous dial painters as compared with the weapons industry workers. The difference found in the yield of MN between the two groups of workers was also statistically significant (P < 0.084). Intercontrol differences in the yields of spontaneous CA as well as in MN were insignificant (P < 0.683 and P < 0.735, respectively). The results are discussed with respect to individual variations in the response to low doses of ionizing radiation, disorders in the handling of radionuclides, the duration of occupational exposure, and the chemical properties of the radionuclides used. CONCLUSION: Tritium in the chemical form of luminous paint is a more powerful clastogenic agent than tritium gas. Statistical analysis demonstrated that lymphocyte effects are due to the concentration of tritium in urine rather than to the duration of occupational exposure. Since the radiation hazard measured by the MN assay did not differ from that determined by the CA assay, the MN test can be recommended as a rapid assay for screening purposes in cases of occupational exposure to low radiation doses.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Increased triglyceride levels in shift workers.

PURPOSE: To assess an independent relationship between shift work and serum lipid levels. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Two plants of northern France: a chemical one and a nuclear power station. PARTICIPANTS: All the shift workers of the chemical plant and of one part of the nuclear station. One hundred nine persons were selected, 25 were excluded or absent during the study, and 11 refused to participate. Day workers matched with shift workers according to age, educational level, birthplace, and occupational physical activity level served as controls; 109 were selected, 26 were excluded or absent, and 10 refused to participate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fasting venous plasma concentration of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; dietary intake assessed by a 3-day record, smoking habits, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Shift workers had significantly higher levels of serum triglyceride (1.26 versus 1.03 mmol/L, p = 0.01). Cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels were similar for the two groups. There was no difference in energy and nutrient intake, but day workers had a higher alcohol intake (15.64 g/d versus 9.3 g/d, p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis conducted with triglycerides as dependent variable and shift work, BMI, smoking, age, leisure time physical activity level, energy intake, and alcohol intake as independent variables confirmed that shift work has a significant explanatory power for triglyceride levels (beta = 0.134, p = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that shift work is associated with an increase of triglyceride levels independent of dietary intake. We did not find any influence of shift work on cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Despite this latter fact, our findings are to be considered in the explanation of coronary risk among shift workers. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of this relative hypertriglyceridemia: stress induced by shift work or diurnal rhythm disturbances.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in coal liquefaction workers: the value of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene excretion in the development of occupational hygiene control strategies.

Studies in coal liquefaction workers were conducted to examine relationships between work activities, exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and excretion of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP). In a single-week study in operators, the end of work period 1-OHP excretion was an order of magnitude higher than in a shadow control subject, who experienced exposure by inhalation only (shadowed operator = 15.8 mumol mol-1 creatinine; shadow control = 1.07 mumol mol-1 creatinine). Dermal exposure was estimated to account for over 70% of excreted 1-OHP in exposed workers. A second study over 4 consecutive weeks (multi-week study) showed consistency in 1-OHP excretion from week to week both in operators and laboratory technicians, indicating little variation in weekly exposures for these workers. Excretion levels in maintenance workers however, showed some week to week variation, consistent with the variable nature of exposures associated with this type of work. A further study involving an end of work period spot assessment for all personnel showed a clear distinction between exposed workers (operators and maintenance staff) and other workers not thought to be exposed (laboratory technicians and office staff). Findings in the course of these studies indicated that there is no loss of 1-OHP at 4 degrees C, compared with -20 degrees C. On the basis of work to date at the coal liquefaction facility, hygiene control strategies have been proposed involving periodic urinary 1-OHP monitoring.

Coal↗
PubMed1988

Ergonomic on-the-job training of assembly workers. Arm-neck-shoulder complaints drastically reduced amongst beginners.

Assembly workers at a chain saw factory in Sweden were ergonomically instructed with the purpose of adjusting their movement patterns so that the muscular load on their upper extremities was kept below the critical level, defined as 10% of the maximum voluntary contraction. The study included two separate categories of subjects: new workers without previous experience of assembly work, and workers with at least one year's experience. As a result of the ergonomic instruction, the number of days lost through arm-neck-shoulder complaints was reduced by half in the test group consisting of new workers, compared with the corresponding control group with no ergonomic training. Amongst the experienced workers, however, the difference between the test group and the control group was statistically non-significant. The study showed that ergonomic monitoring and training are necessary to benefit fully from improved workplaces and tools. Considering the results accomplished amongst the new workers and given the extent of sick leave for the upper extremities, it seems that ergonomic interventions to prevent arm-neck-shoulder complaints at an early stage are extremely worthwhile.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1988

Comparison between required clothing insulation and that actually worn by workers exposed to artificial cold.

Required Clothing Insulation (IREQ) is a new thermal index submitted to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for discussion. It is designed to prevent general body cooling and is based on an analysis of heat exchanges. The thermal clothing insulation actually worn (lcl) is estimated using a new method, also submitted to ISO. IREQ of 54 workers exposed to artificial cold (air temperature between -30 degrees C and +10 degrees C) was compared with lcl actually worn by these workers. The results of the present study show that, on average, the workers choose accurately lcl they need if their IREQ is below and up to 1.5 clo. Moreover, these workers prefer to wear garments which provide them with thermal comfort. If IREQ of workers is higher than 1.5-2 clo (i e, workers exposed to -20 degrees C), it is difficult for them to increase their thermal insulation with additional garments. Although their lcl is not sufficient, there is no risk of gradual body cooling because of their continuous time exposure (CTE) which is shorter than the calculated Duration Limited Exposure (DLE). On the other hand, Wind Chill Index (WCI), which is proposed to prevent local cooling, is better adapted to prevent cold injuries than physiological thermal strain; for example, impairment of manual dexterity cannot be prevented with this index.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

Pulmonary function and symptoms of Nigerian workers exposed to cement dust.

The pulmonary and nonpulmonary effects of cement dust exposure in 52 randomly selected, directly exposed cement workers and 24 maintenance workers were investigated. Compared with the nonindustrially exposed population, both subgroups had significantly (P less than 0.001) lower lung function. The lung function of the exposed subjects was probably influenced by the level of physical activity and the level of dust exposure. The more directly exposed cement packers had significantly (P less than 0.05) lower lung function than the less exposed cement loaders. There was no significant difference in the lung function of the directly exposed groups and the maintenance group, but the physically more active cement loaders showed higher lung function values than the maintenance workers. The lung function of the cement workers also decreased with the duration of employment. Cement dust produced significant (P less than 0.001) workshift depression in the lung function of the subjects. The symptoms presented by the subjects were cough and phlegm production, skin irritation, chest tightness, conjunctivitis, catarrh, stomachache, and boils. The prevalence of stomachache among the subjects becomes significant in the light of a finding by other workers of hepatic granuloma in cement workers. The measured dust level in the cement depot was 30.81 mg/m3.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

The costs and effects of screening for cancer among asbestos-exposed workers.

Several million workers previously exposed to asbestos are at risk each year for developing asbestosis or cancer as a result of this exposure. We have reviewed the data on the general effectiveness of screening for the two most common cancers found in these workers (lung cancer and colo-rectal cancer) and have compared the relative benefits expected from screening workers for colon or lung cancer 10, 15, 20 or 25 yr after their initial exposure. Although lung cancer is common, there is little evidence at present that screening for this disease is effective in reducing mortality. Colon cancer is less common, there is more evidence that screening is effective, and the relatively high risk of dying from this disease in asbestos workers makes screening useful. The cost per additional year of life extended by screening is only a few hundreds of dollars, making colon cancer screening programs for asbestos workers considerably more cost-effective than most other screening programs. We conclude that occupational safety agencies should consider implementing screening programs for colon cancer in workers exposed to asbestos over 10 yr ago.

Asbestos↗
PubMed1981

Chromosomal analysis in vinyl chloride exposed workers: comparison of the standard technique with the sister-chromatid exchange technique.

A group of 21 workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride and 6 controls were examined for the presence of chromosomal aberrations or sister-chromatid exchanges in their peripheral lymphocytes. These people comprised a second sampling from a group of exposed workers and controls first examined 18 months earlier. The vinyl chloride exposed workers showed levels of chromosomal aberrations elevated above those of the controls, but there was only a slight increase in sister-chromatid exchanges (per cell or per chromosome) and this increase was not statistically significant. Sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were also examined from in vitro cultures of lymphocytes exposed in G0/early G1 and late G1/early S phase to vinyl chloride, both with and without metabolic activation. There was no increase in SCEs in vitro without metabolic activation but there was a marked increase with metabolic activation and this increase was shown to be independent of cell-cycle phase. It thus was apparent that the small increases of SCEs in workers were not due to the inability of vinyl chloride to induce SCEs in human lymphocytes but were probably because of low exposures and SCE levels could have returned to normal relatively quickly after exposure. The present study suggested that the analysis of longer-living conventional chromosomal aberrations appeared to be a more sensitive monitor of exposure to vinyl chloride in exposed workers than the estimation of SCEs; however, it should be noted that in a 3rd sampling taken 24 months later the exposed workers had chromosomal aberration levels similar to the controls.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1995

Chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in reinforced plastics workers exposed to styrene.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytogenetic changes induced in humans exposed to styrene in a reinforced plastics plant. Blood and urine samples were collected from 18 styrene exposed workers and 18 age and sex matched control subjects from the administrative department of the same factory. Chromosome aberrations (CAs) and micronuclei (MN) (cytokinesis block method) were analyzed in blood lymphocytes. All of the subjects included in the study were male non-smokers. The duration of employment ranged from 10 to 22 years (14.3 +/- 4.4). In order to monitor exposure to styrene, urinary mandelic acid (MA) levels were measured using a standard colorimetric method. The level of thioethers in the urine was also determined colorimetrically. The mean level of mandelic acid was significantly higher in the exposed workers (328.44 +/- 266.21 mg/g creatinine) compared with that of the controls (50.09 +/- 16.84 mg/g creatinine) (p < 0.05). The level of urinary thioethers was found to be higher among the exposed workers. The number of cells with chromosomal aberrations was significantly higher in the workers (6.06 +/- 4.41) compared with the controls (3.44 +/- 2.28) (p < 0.05). There was no significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei in the exposed workers compared to controls. Our results support earlier findings on increased rates of chromosomal aberrations in reinforced plastics workers.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Cytogenetic analysis of lymphocytes from fiberglass-reinforced plastics workers occupationally exposed to styrene.

In this study a group of 52 workers employed in a plant manufacturing fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) pipes and cisterns, and therefore daily exposed to styrene, were monitored. As a control group 24 non-exposed workers from another factory producing and repairing pallets volunteered to participate. The airborne styrene during the monitoring ranged from 2.2 to 110.1 mg/m3. As a metabolic marker for styrene exposure mandelic acid was measured in the urine and ranged from 11 to 649 mg/g creatinine. From 43 exposed and 15 control workers sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) and high frequency cell (HFC) data and from 49 exposed and 23 control workers micronucleus (MN) data from peripheral lymphocytes are reported. Although the two groups of workers could clearly be distinguished on the basis of the airborne styrene concentrations and urinary mandelic acid concentrations no differences in any of the cytogenetic markers were found. Correlations between the cytogenetic data and the level of airborne styrene concentrations or urinary mandelic acid levels could also not be demonstrated. Otherwise, smoking increased the SCE frequency. Grouping the workers according to smoking habits showed a statistically significant difference in SCE. Moreover, levels of urinary thiocyanate (SCN), which can be used as a metabolic marker for smoking, showed a significant positive correlation with the number of SCE. This indicates that SCE is a sensitive biomarker and might still be useful in biomonitoring. However, only chronic exposures over a long period would probably be detectable. In this study, where exposure was rather low and the number of working years was small (mean of 2.9 years), cytogenetic effects are probably too low or rare to be detectable with any assay.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Depressed cholinesterase activities among farm workers in New Jersey.

The widespread use of organophosphate pesticides creates the possibility of excessive exposure of migrant farm workers to these compounds. Blood cholinesterase determinations were used to compare the organophosphate pesticide exposure of 57 migrant farm workers with that of 35 controls. Frequently reported symptoms of the farm workers which might be related to pesticide exposure were also studied, including headaches, dizziness, loss of weight, nausea, and a general feeling of weakness or loss of energy. Significantly depressed cholinesterase activities were found in the farm workers, with 10.5% of the farm workers having values below the lower limit of normal. There was no significant relationship between frequently reported symptoms of the farm workers and depressed cholinesterase levels.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1994

Occupational latex exposure: characteristics of contact and systemic reactions in 47 workers.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have noted an apparent increase in the prevalence of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy among workers with occupational latex exposure (OLE). The risk factors for and the natural history of NRL allergy in this population are not well delineated, and the utility and comparability of immunoassays as confirmatory testing are unclear. METHODS: Serum samples and medical histories were obtained from 47 symptomatic workers with OLE, from nine other individuals with a history consistent with NRL allergy, and from 10 atopic asymptomatic NRL-exposed control subjects. Sera were coded and analyzed in a blinded manner for latex-specific IgE, using a variety of antigen sources, including ammoniated and nonammoniated raw latex preparations and three finished glove preparations. RESULTS: Risk factors for the latex allergy in workers with OLE appear to include a history of atopy or preexisting dermatitis involving the hands. In this population, NRL allergy is commonly preceded by latex glove-associated contact dermatitis. Serologic testing confirmed the suspected diagnosis in 62% of workers (15 of 24) with systemic symptoms but was only positive in 27% of workers (4 of 15) with symptoms limited to contact urticaria. CONCLUSIONS: The appearance of a latex glove-associated contact rash may precede the development of NRL allergy, particularly in atopic persons. Workers at risk should be advised to use alternate types and brands of latex gloves or to switch to nonlatex gloves entirely.

Adult↗