International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

Korhonen, K.; Liukkonen, T.; Ahrens, W.; Astrakianakis, G.; Boffetta, P.; Burdorf, A.; Heederik, D.; Kauppinen, T.; Kogevinas, M.; Osvoll, P.; Rix, B.; Saalo, A.; Sunyer, J.; Szadkowska-Stanczyk, I.; Teschke, K.; Westberg, H.; Widerkiewicz, K.

2004 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

doi: 10.1007/s00420-004-0530-5pmid: 15368059

As part of an International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) international epidemiological study of workers in the pulp and paper industry, previously unpublished exposure measurements were assembled in a database. This article summarizes the results of 3,873 measurements carried out in the production departments of paper and paperboard mills and recycling plants in 12 countries. In the paper and paperboard mills, most of the agents were measured in the pulping and refining departments and in on-machine coating and winding of paper/paperboard. Exposures to asbestos, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, fungal spores, bacteria, nitrogen dioxide, minerals dusts, paper dust, sulphuric acid and different solvents sometimes exceeded exposure limit values. In the re-pulping and de-inking departments of recycling plants high exposures to formaldehyde, fungal spores, bacteria and paper dust were observed. High exposures to asbestos, bioaerosols, carbon monoxide and paper dust were found in many departments; ammonia, formaldehyde, mineral and paper dust and solvents were found in coating machines; and diphenyl and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were found in some special circumstances. Measurements in the newsprint and uncoated paper machine departments revealed only a few elevated exposures. In nearly all departments, measurements of epichlorohydrin, PCBs, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans tended to be low, often even below their detection limits. In spite of some uncertainties in the measurement data, the study provides new insights into the level and variation of occupational exposures of production workers in the paper and paperboard industry.

Saijo, Y.; Kishi, R.; Sata, F.; Katakura, Y.; Urashima, Y.; Hatakeyama, A.; Kobayashi, S.; Jin, K.; Kurahashi, N.; Kondo, T.; Gong, Y.; Umemura, T.

2004 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

doi: 10.1007/s00420-004-0535-0pmid: 15558298

Objectives: As the airtightness of dwellings has recently increased, problems associated with indoor air pollution and dampness have become important environmental health issues. The aim of this study was to clarify whether symptoms in residents living in newly built dwellings were related to chemicals and dampness. Methods: Symptoms of 317 residents were surveyed by standardized questionnaires, and the concentrations of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and 17 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their homes were measured. Dampness (condensation on window panes and/or walls, and mold growth) was identified by questionnaires given to the householders or their partners. Results: Some VOCs (toluene, butyl acetate, ethylbenzene, alpha-pinene, p-dichlorobenzene, nonanal, and xylene) were significantly related to the symptoms, and the sum of all VOCs (all identified VOCs) was significantly related to throat and respiratory symptoms [odds ratio (OR) for eye symptoms =2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–5.5], although the concentrations of VOCs were relatively low. As for the dampness index, condensation on window panes and/or walls was related to all symptoms, and mold growth was related to all symptoms except skin, throat and respiratory and general symptoms. As the number of dampness signs increased, the ORs increased for the symptoms except general symptoms (OR for nose symptoms = 4.4, 95% CI 1.6–11.9). Conclusion: Both VOCs and dampness were significantly related to symptoms. We should take measures to reduce the concentrations of VOCs, dampness and microbial growth in dwellings.

Naidoo, Rajen; Robins, Thomas; Solomon, A.; White, Neil; Franzblau, Alfred

2004 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

doi: 10.1007/s00420-004-0532-3pmid: 15558299

Objectives: This study, the first to document the prevalence of pneumoconiosis among a living South African coal mining cohort, describes dose–response relationships between coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and respirable dust exposure, and relationships between pneumoconiosis and both lung function deterioration and respiratory symptoms. Methods: A total of 684 current miners and 188 ex-miners from three bituminous-coal mines in Mpumalanga, South Africa, was studied. Chest radiographs were read according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) classification by two experienced readers, one an accredited National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) “B” reader. Interviews were conducted to assess symptoms, work histories (also obtained from company records), smoking, and other risk factors. Spirometry was performed by trained technicians. Cumulative respirable dust exposure (CDE) estimates were constructed from historical company-collected sampling and researcher-collected personal dust measurements. κ-Statistics compared the radiographic outcomes predicted by the two readers. An average profusion score was used in the analysis for the outcomes of interest. Because of possible confounding by employment status, most analyses were stratified on current and ex-miner status. Results: The overall prevalence of pneumoconiosis was low (2%–4%). The degree of agreement between the two readers for profusion was moderate to high (κ=0.58). A significant association (P<0.001) and trend (P<0.001) was seen for pneumoconiosis with increasing categories of CDE among current miners only. A significant (P<0.0001) additional 58 mg-years/m3 CDE was seen among those with pneumoconiosis compared to those without. CDE contributed to a statistically significant 0.19% and 0.11% greater decline in the percent predicted 1-second forced expiration volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), respectively, among current miners with pneumoconiosis than among those without. Logistic regression models showed no significant relationships between pneumoconiosis and symptoms. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of pneumoconiosis, although significantly associated with CDE, was low. The presence of pneumoconiosis is associated with meaningful health effects, including deterioration in lung function. Intervention measures that control exposure are indicated, to reduce these functional effects.

Punakallio, Anne; Lusa, Sirpa; Luukkonen, Ritva

2004 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

doi: 10.1007/s00420-004-0536-zpmid: 15558300

Objective: The importance of balance abilities for firefighting and rescue work has already been recognized, but there are no valid balance tests available in the test batteries for the physical work capacity of firefighters. Moreover, few studies have examined the associations between balance and work ability in general. Valid work-related balance tests are needed for the purpose of screening in occupational health care and in rehabilitation for assessing the effects of balance training. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of functional, postural and perceived balance in respect to work ability among firefighters at baseline and after a 3-year follow-up. Methods: The subjects were 135 male firefighters aged 33–56 years. The outcome variables were the work ability index and perceived physical work ability (PWA), determined by questionnaire in 1996 and 1999. The predictors assessed in 1996 were postural balance (tested with a force platform), functional balance (measured during walking on a wooden plank), and perceived balance abilities, enquired about through a questionnaire. Results: Most of the balance test results and the perceived balance ability were associated with the perceived PWA at baseline. The final logistic regression models showed that the best predictors of decreased work ability among firefighters after 3 years were poor-to-moderate perceived balance [odds ratios (ORs) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9–6.6]; more than one error in the functional balance test (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.0–12.7); and a high mean amplitude of postural sway with the eyes closed (OR 2.7, 95% CI 0.9–6.1). Conclusions: The results support the work-related and predictive validity, in terms of perceived work ability, perceived balance, errors in the functional balance test and amplitude of postural sway with the eyes closed, of measuring balance among firefighters.

Huang, Wenlin; Grainger, James; Patterson, Donald; Turner, Wayman; Caudill, Samuel; Needham, Larry; Pirkle, James; Sampson, Eric

2004 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

doi: 10.1007/s00420-004-0529-ypmid: 15322857

Urine samples collected in 1999 and 2000 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed for 14 monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and, for the first time, reference range values were calculated for these metabolites in the US population. Pyrene is a major component of most PAH mixtures and often is used as a surrogate for total PAH exposure. We detected 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHpyrene), a metabolite of pyrene, in more than 99% of the samples. The overall geometric mean concentration for 1-OHpyrene in the USA was 79.8 ng/l, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 69.0–92.2 ng/l. The overall geometric mean creatinine-adjusted urinary 1-OHpyrene levels in the USA was 74.2 ng/g creatinine (0.039 μmol/mol), with a 95% CI of 64.1–85.9 ng/g creatinine (0.034–0.046 μmol/mol). There were no statistically significant differences among age, gender, or race/ethnicity groups. Adult smokers in the USA have urinary 1-OHpyrene levels three times higher than those of non-smokers. This difference was statistically significant. In this paper, we compare the reference range of urinary 1-OHpyrene levels with levels reported from various occupations by other researchers.

Yu, Ignatius; Chiu, Yuk-lan; Wong, Tze-wai; Tang, Jin-ling

2004 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

doi: 10.1007/s00420-004-0543-0pmid: 15558301

Objective: Previous studies have shown that waiters have a high risk of developing cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx, but nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has not been specifically studied. This study was carried out to investigate whether waiters/waitresses in Chinese restaurants have an increased risk of dying from NPC. Methods: A mortality odds ratio study was used to estimate the relative risk of dying from NPC for waiters/waitresses working in Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong during the period 1986–1995, using the general population as the external comparison group and deceased kitchen workers as an internal comparison group. Cases were deaths from NPC and the controls were deaths from the selected sets of reference causes. Results: Seventeen deaths from NPC were identified among 415 deceased waiters and four NPC deaths occurred among 140 deceased waitresses. The adjusted mortality odds ratio (aMOR) for NPC was increased among waiters, being 3.02 (95% CI 1.82–5.00) and 2.61 (95% CI 1.02–6.69) in the external and internal comparisons, respectively. For waitresses, the aMOR was 4.58 (95% CI 1.63–12.86) in the external comparison. Analysis by duration of union membership suggested a dose–response relationship. Conclusions: An increased risk of dying from NPC was observed among waiters/waitresses and could not be fully explained by bias or confounding factors. Possible risk factors related to poor indoor air quality in the service areas of Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong should be further investigated.

Eklöf, Mats; Hagberg, Mats; Toomingas, Allan; Tornqvist, Ewa

2004 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

doi: 10.1007/s00420-004-0531-4pmid: 15558302

Objective: To test whether feedback and discussion of ergonomic and psychosocial working-environment data during one short session with individual, groups or supervisors of white-collar computer workers had an effect on activity to modify workplace design, working technique and psychosocial aspects of work. Methods: A total of 36 workgroups from nine organizations representing different trades was randomized (stratified for organization) to three feedback conditions or control with no feedback. Data were collected 1 month before and 6 months after feedback sessions. The effects studied were: (1) change in the proportion of workgroup members who reported any modification regarding workplace design or working technique; (2) change in the proportion of workgroup members who reported any modification regarding psychosocial aspects; (3) average number of modification types regarding workplace design or working technique per individual in a workgroup; (4) average number of modification types regarding psychosocial aspects per individual in a workgroup. Results: All feedback conditions differed positively from controls regarding change in the proportion of workgroup members who reported any modification in workplace design or working technique. No such effect was found for psychosocial aspects. For change in average number of psychosocial modification types per individual in a workgroup an effect was observed for feedback to supervisors. No intervention effect was observed for the average number of modifications in workplace design or working technique per individual in a workgroup. Conclusion: Feedback and discussion of ergonomic and psychosocial working-environment data during one short session with individual, groups or supervisors of white-collar computer workers may have a positive effect on how many people in a workgroup modify (or have modifications done regarding) workplace design and working technique. Feedback to supervisors may have an effect on the average number of psychosocial modification types per individual in a workgroup. Feedback to group supervisors appeared to be the most cost-effective variant.

Garshick, Eric; Laden, Francine; Hart, Jaime; Moy, Marilyn

2004 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

doi: 10.1007/s00420-004-0534-1pmid: 15368060

Objectives: Occupational exposure to dusts may result in chronic respiratory symptoms. Methods: To investigate the utility of obtaining a history of occupational exposure to dust in US veterans, a respiratory health survey was conducted between 1988 and 1992 in a community-based cohort of US veterans in southeastern Massachusetts that were eligible for Veterans’ Affairs (VA) healthcare benefits but were not regular users. A mail questionnaire was used to obtain a history of cough, phlegm, and wheeze, work in a dusty job, and duration, type, and intensity of dust exposure. Information on cigarette use and other possible confounders was obtained. Results: In 2,617 white men, after the data had been adjusted for cigarette smoking, age, distance to the nearest major roadway, and chronic respiratory disease, the relative odds of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, and persistent wheeze attributable to occupational dust exposure was increased twofold. Risk also increased, based on exposure intensity. For heavy dust exposure the OR was 1.98 (95% CI 1.39–2.81) for chronic cough, 2.82 (95% CI 2.03–3.93) for chronic phlegm, and 2.70 (95% CI 1.95–3.75) for persistent wheeze. Conclusions: After active cigarette smoking and other possible confounders had been considered, it was found that dust exposure was related to respiratory symptoms in US veterans and that the greatest risk was attributable to heavy intensity exposure.

Overgaard, E.; Brandt, L.; Ellemann, K.; Mikkelsen, S.; Andersen, J.

2004 International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

doi: 10.1007/s00420-004-0545-ypmid: 15558303

Objectives: To investigate whether tingling/numbness of the hands and fingers among computer users is associated with elevated vibration threshold as a sign of early nerve compression. Methods: Within the Danish NUDATA study, vibratory sensory testing with monitoring of the digital vibration threshold at seven frequencies on the second and fifth fingers of both hands was performed on 20 cases with unilateral tingling/numbness in the hands and fingers, and 20 gender- and age-matched controls. Both cases and controls were identified from questionnaire information about tingling/numbness at least once a week or daily within the last 3 months. Participants with more than slight muscular pain or disorders of the neck and upper extremities, excessive alcohol consumption, previous injuries of the upper extremities, or concurrent medical diseases were excluded. The two groups had a similar amount of work with mouse, keyboard, and computer. Results: Seven of the 20 cases (35%) had elevated vibration thresholds, compared with 3 of the 20 controls (15%); this difference was not statistically significant (χ2=2.13, P=0.14). Compared with controls, cases had increased perception threshold for all frequencies, but the difference was statistically significant for only 2 out of 14 measurements. Comparison between left and right hand threshold values within the case group did not show any significant difference at any frequency. Conclusions: The results indicate that tingling/numbness of the hands and fingers among computer users cannot be explained by nerve compression.