Bulletin Board May 12, 2006

Occupational
Dermal exposure to jet fuel (JP-8) in US air force

personnel

2006-04-24

In this study, the magnitude of dermal exposure to jet propulsion fuel 8 (JP-8),

using naphthalene as a surrogate, on the US Air Force fuel-cell maintenance

workers was determined. Dermal exposure of 124 workers routinely working

with JP-8 was measured using a non-invasive tape-strip technique coupled

with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The contribution of

job related factors to dermal exposure was determined using multiple linear

regression analyses. The results showed a significant difference between the

high exposure group and the medium and low exposure groups, reflecting

the actual exposure scenarios. Skin irritation, use of booties, working inside

the fuel tank and the duration of JP-8 exposure were significant factors

explaining the whole body dermal exposure. The authors conclude that

this study clearly demonstrates the efficiency and suitability of the tape-

strip technique for the assessment of dermal exposure to JP-8 and that

naphthalene can serve as a useful marker of exposure and uptake of JP-8

and its components. It also showed that the skin provides a significant route

for JP-8 exposure and that actions to reduce exposure are required. Studies

to investigate the relative contribution of dermal uptake of JP-8 on total body

dose and the toxicokinetics of dermal exposure to JP-8 are underway.

Authors: Chao, Yi-Chun E.; Gibson, Roger L.; Nylander-French, Leena A.

Full Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2005, 49(7), 639-645 (Eng)
A case study: Surface contamination of

cyclophosphamide due to working practices and cleaning

procedures in two Italian hospitals

2006-04-24

This literature studies the efficacy of preventive and organizational measures

implemented in Italy to prevent the contamination of cytotoxic drug

preparation rooms. Oncology wards of two Italian hospitals were examined.

The sampling strategy involved a detailed questionnaires on workplace

practices and work organization. Wipe samples were also taken from

different surfaces of the preparation rooms, before and after the work shift,

over a span of a month. Cyclophosphamide was taken as the marker drug

that reflects exposure to cytotoxic drugs, being measurable by GC/MS. The

results showed a large amount of cyclophosphamide was found in hospital

A, both before and after shift. No quantifiable levels of cytotoxic drug were

detected in the second hospital investigated (Hospital B). The results could

be attributed to the efficacy of cleaning procedures and working practices as

hospital A’s cleaning procedures were carried out without substances used

specifically for the cleaning of surfaces contaminated by cytotoxic drugs

such as sodium hypochlorite. Working practices did not include Luer Lock

devices. The author concluded that the results reveal the insufficiency of

the risk management measures, which do not take into account working

practices that are necessary for periodic environmental monitoring, to

prevent antineoplastic drug exposure.

Authors: Acampora, Antonio; Castiglia, Loredana; Miraglia, Nadia; Pieri,

Maria; Soave, Claudio; Liotti, Francesco; Sannolo, Nicola

Full Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2005, 49(7), 611-618 (Eng)
Carcinogenic petroleum- and coal-derived substances in

workplaces

2006-04-24

This literature looks at the guidelines for working with and disposing of

carcinogenic petroleum and coal derived substances in Poland. The

guidelines contain standards for uniform scheduling of substances and

personnel involved, protection of workers from the risk related to exposure

to carcinogens, permissible concentrations and tolerance values in the

workplace. The study also presents up-to-date criteria for the classification

of carcinogenic activity, recommended by the Polish Ministry of Health.

The official list, attached to this recommendation, includes 819 known or

suspected carcinogenic substances, most of them of petroleum or coal

origin

Author: Komorowicz, Tadeusz

Full Source: Biuletyn ITN 2005, 17(2), 117-121 (Pol)
Exposure and inhalation risk assessment in an aluminium

cast-house

2006-04-24

This study observed the external exposure and the absorbed dose of metals

in personnel from the Al cast house. An evaluation of respiratory complaints

and the lung function of the personnel was also conducted. 30 Workers

from an Al casting plant participated and 17 individuals of the packaging

and distribution departments were selected as controls. The exposure was

assessed by the quantification of total inhalable fume with metal fraction

and by the detection of urinary Al, Cr, Be, Mn, and Pb concentrations. CO,

CO2, aldehydes, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons and man-made mineral

fibers concentrations were assessed as well. The result demonstrated the

total inhalable fume exposure to the combustion gases, man-made mineral

fibers, and metal fume was well below was well below the exposure limits.

Beryllium could not be detected in the urine. The values of Al, Mn, and Pb

in the urine were all under the respective reference value. There was no

significant difference in any of the categories of the respiratory questionnaire

and the results of the spirometry between cast house personnel and

referents. The authors concluded that exposure in cast houses seem to

be acceptable under these conditions. However, peak exposure to fumes

cannot be excluded and the potential risk of Cr and Be exposure due to the

recycling of Al requires further attention.

Authors: Godderis, L.; Vanderheyden, W.; Van Geel, J.; Moens, G.;

Masschelein, R.; Veulemans, H.

Full Source: Journal of Environmental Monitoring 2005, 7(12), 1359-1363

(Eng)
Abnormal liver function associated with occupational

exposure to dimethylformamide and glutathione S-

transferase polymorphisms

2006-04-4

This study demonstrates the significant dose-response relationship between

abnormal liver function tests, DMF exposure and the interaction with hepatitis

B virus (HBV) infection in Taiwanese workers. The toxic effect of various

chemicals can be modified by metabolic traits, the study also investigated

the influence of the glutathione S-transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1) on

the toxic effect of DMF. The results showed the average DMF exposure

concentration was 23.87 ppm in the high-exposure group and 2.41 ppm in

the low-exposure group. 29.6% of the high DMF exposure workers showed

abnormal liver function tests (elevations of either glutamate oxaloacetate

transaminase or glutamate pyruvate transaminase),9.1% of low DMF

exposure worker had abnormal liver function tests. Chronic liver disease as

detected by ultrasonography was present in 15.9% of high DMF exposure

workers, and 0% of low DMF exposure workers.GSTT1 null genotype workers

had abnormal liver function tests,12.5% of GSTT1-positive genome workers

that had abnormal liver function tests. The authors found that abnormal

liver function and chronic liver disease are associated with DMF exposure,

and there are more than multiplicative interaction effects on abnormal liver

function tests between the DMF exposure and the GSTT1 genotype.

Authors: Luo, J.-C.; Cheng, T.-J.; Kuo, H.-W.; Chang, M. J. W.

Full Source: Biomarkers 2005, 10(6), 464-474 (Eng)
Exposure of trucking company workers to particulate

matter during the winter

2006-04-24

This study analyzed the workplace area concentrations and the personal

exposure concentrations to fine particulate (PM2.5), elemental carbon (EC),

and organic carbon (OC) measured during the winter period in trucking

companies. The results showed that the averaged personal exposure

concentrations at breathing zones of workers are much greater than those of

the microenvironment concentrations. PM2.5 showed the greatest difference

between the personal exposure concentrations and the microenvironment,

followed by OC concentrations.

Concentration of all studied particulate matter was greater at the larger

terminal and the highest concentrations were observed in the shop areas

due to the high volume of diesel exhaust emissions. The PM2.5 and OC

concentrations in smoking workers was higher than that of non-smokers,

however, the smoking might not significantly contribute to the personal

exposure to EC. The authors concluded that there were significant correlations

between PM2.5 and OC concentrations in both areas tested and personal

exposure concentrations. However, significant correlations between the

PM2.5 and EC concentrations and the OC and EC concentrations were not

identified.

Authors: Lee, Byeong-Kyu; Smith, Thomas J.; Garshick, Eric; Natkin,

Jonathan; Reaser, Paul; Lane, Kevin; Lee, Haengah Kim

Full Source: Chemosphere 2005, 61(11), 1677-1690 (Eng)
Oxidative stress in operating room personnel:

occupational exposure to anesthetic gases

2006-04-25

Health professionals exposed to anesthetic gases are at higher risk of

reproductive, neurological, hematological, immunological, hepatic and renal

system diseases. In this study. The authors investigated if oxidative stress

induced by chronic exposure to anesthetic gases has any assoociation with

these conditions. Plasma lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity and

total thiology molecule levels were measured in 66 operating room staff

and 66 controls. The results indicated that lipid peroxidation levels were

significantly higher in the exposed staff.

Total antioxidant capacity of the body was no different between the two

groups Increased lipid peroxidation in the blood of exposed subjects warns

that oxygen free radicals have increased in the body and thus might attack

cells, which, in the long-term, results in multi-organ damage. The authors

concluded that the remaining blood total antioxidant capacity at normal

values is promising, and means that other non-thiological antioxidants, such

as uric acid, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, and vitamin antioxidants,

such as R-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, have been stimulated to maintain

the total anti-oxidant power of the body at normal state.

Authors: Malekirad, A. Akbar; Ranjbar, A.; Rahzani, K.; Kadkhodaee, M.;

Rezaie, A.; Taghavi, B.; Abdollahi, M.

Full Source: Human & Experimental Toxicology 2005, 24(11), 597-601

(Eng)
Plasma lipid profiles and risk of cardiovascular disease in

occupational lead exposure in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

2006-04-25

This literature looks at the effect of occupational Pb exposure on the risk

of cardiovascular disease. This exposure was assessed by determining

the plasma cholesterol and its fractions as high-d. liporotein (HDL), low-

d. liporotein (LDL), and triglyceride in various artisans in Abeokuta, Nigeria

and then relating it to the blood PB concentrations. The results showed an

increased risk of cardiovascular disease and total cholesterol was 1.5-2

time higher and LDL cholesterol was 1.6-2.4 times higher in artisans. HDL

cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were not affected. A significant

positive correlation was observed between blood Pb and total cholesterol

and blood Pb and LDL cholesterol. LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio was also higher

in artisans. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and other anthropometric

parameters were not significantly different. The authors concluding that Pb

exposure increases cholesterol synthesis and transport to peripheral tissue;

reverse cholesterol transport to the liver is not affected.

Authors: Ademuyiwa, Oladipo; Ugbaja, Regina Ngozi; Idumebor, Florence;

Adebawo, Olugbenga

Full Source: Lipids in Health and Disease [online computer file] 2005, 4, No

pp. given (Eng)
Occupational allergies of the skin and respiratory tract

- common features and differences

2006-04-25

This study reviews the occupational allergies of the skin and respiratory tract,

which are frequently the cause of absence due to illness, predominantly in

the young employees. The clinical symptoms of an occupational respiratory

allergy are rhinitis, asthma or exogenous allergic alveolitis. Inhalation

allergens consist generally of macro-molecules, predominantly peptides or

proteins, substances with a high molecular weight such as animal proteins,

pollen or dusts in the form of full antigens. These substances directly induce

the production of specific IgE-antibodies, as can some low molecular

weight substances like platinum salts, acid anhydrides and di-isocyanates.

Although with low molecular weight substrances, it is suspected that

these substances react as hapten, and can only become a full antigen

in the organism by bonding with a protein. To validate workplace-related

bronchial obstruction, lung function analysis was performed including a

Metacholin test to confirm bronchial hyper-reactivity. The results indicated

that smoking appears to be both a predisposition factor and simultaneously

an aggravating factor of a Type I allergy. Previous studies have been able

to demonstrate that the risk of an IgE-related reaction is higher amongst

smokers than amongst non-smokers by a factor of 4-6. Contact allergies

generally manifest themselves in the form of allergic contact eczema, which

pathogenetically is based on an immune reaction of the delayed type (Type

IV reaction) caused by T-lymphocytes. The cause of a contact eczema is

almost always a reactive, low-molecular substance and working in a damp

environment is the major irritative agent. One special form of allergic contact

eczema is photoallergic contact eczema, in which, the effect of UV light is

also required (photoallergen). The establishment of common features and

differences between occupational allergies of the skin and respiratory tract

requires subtle occupational medical knowledge and experience with regard

to case history, diagnostics and differential diagnostics.

Author: Kuetting, Birgitta

Full Source: Zentralblatt fuer Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie

2006, 56(1), 2-9 (Ger)

Public Health
Agricultural pesticide use and risk of glioma in Nebraska,

United States

2006-04-24

This study evaluated the risk of the adult glioma associated with farming

and agricultural pesticide use in eastern Nebraska by conducting telephone

interviews with men and women diagnosed with gliomas between 1988

and 1993 and controls randomly selected from the same geographical

area. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds

ratios (ORs) for farming and for use of individual and chemical classes of

insecticides and herbicides. The results showed a significant increase in the

risk associated with developing glioma for men either living or working on a

farm and the duration. Among women, there were no positive associations

with farming activities. Specific pesticide families and individual pesticides

were associated with significantly increased risks among male farmers.

For two herbicides and three insecticides, use was positively associated

with risk. The authors concluded that significant association between some

specific agricultural pesticide exposures and the risk of glioma among male

farmers but not among female farmers in Nebraska; however, most of the

positive associations were limited to proxy respondents. These findings

warrant further evaluation in prospective cohort studies where issues of

recall bias are not a concern.

Authors: Lee, W. J.; Colt, J. S.; Heineman, E. F.; McComb, R.; Weisenburger,

D. D.; Lijinsky, W.; Ward, M. H.

Full Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005, 62(11), 786-

792 (Eng)
Surface contamination of cyclophosphamide packaging

and surface contamination with antineoplastic drugs in a

hospital pharmacy in Sweden

2006-04-24

In this study potential sources for exposure of antineoplastic drugs were

investigated. Samples of unbroken drug vials and tablet blister packages,

both containing cyclophosphamide (CP) and their outer packaging were

taken. Analysis was performed by liquid chromatography combined with

tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). The results showed that almost

every part of the primary packaging was contaminated with CP and

ifosfamide (IF). However, the amounts of CP and IF were low, and most likely

not harmful for the personnel handling these packaging in association with

drug preparation. The contamination must originate from the pharmaceutical

manufacturer. Different surfaces in the preparation unit of a Swedish hospital

pharmacy were also investigated on two occasions and both CP and IF

were found as contaminants on the majority of the investigated surfaces.

The amount of CP and IF decreased in the second test due to improved

processes in the hospital pharmacy A low degree of contamination with CP

and IF was also detected on the floor outside the preparation unit, the author

concluding that this indicated a small distribution of antineoplastic drugs to

the surroundings.

Authors: Hedmer, M.; Georgiadi, A.; Bremberg, E. Raemme; Joensson, B.

A. G.; Eksborg, S.

Full Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2005, 49(7), 629-637 (Eng)
DDT and human health

2006-04-24

This literature review the use of 1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2’bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane

(DDT) and its effect on human health. DDT is known to have had major

environmental consequences and was associated with dramatic declines

in many animal populations. DDT use has been restricted since the early

1970s, however exposure remains widespread. In developed countries,

slow elimination from the body means a large proportion of the population

still have detectable levels of DDT, or its metabolite DDE, in their serum or

adipose tissue. It also continues to be used for vector control and a significant

proportion of breast-fed babies have daily intakes above recommended

levels. This review considers the epidemiological evidence for possible

adverse effects of human exposure to DDT. Flaws in the methodology

weaken much of this research. Recent studies have looked at the putative

role for DDT in disease etiology. The author concludes that while DDT does

not appear to play a causative role in breast cancer development, there

is suggestive evidence for a role in the etiology of other conditions such

as pancreatic cancer, neuropsychological dysfunction, and reproductive

outcomes. Research into these and other conditions would benefit from the

same rigorous approaches used in breast cancer research. Until further high

quality evidence is available, it is still too early to determine the role of DDT

in a number of common diseases.

Author: Beard, John

Full Source: Science of the Total Environment 2006, 355(1-3), 78-89 (Eng)
The World Trade Center Residents’ Respiratory health

study: new-onset respiratory symptoms and pulmonary

function

2006-04-24

In this study, the effect of the pulverized dust and combustion products

on the incidence of persistent respiratory symptoms and abnormalities in

screening spirometry was determined for the residents surrounding the

world trade center (WTC). A hybrid cross-sectional and retrospective cohort

study of residents in an exposed area and in a control area was performed.

The results showed that 55.8% of residents in the exposed area reported

new onset respiratory symptoms, compared with 20.1% in the control area.

Persistent new-onset symptoms were identified in 26.4 vs.7.5% of residents

in the exposed area versus the control area, respectively. No differences in

screening spirometry between the groups were detected. A small pilot study

suggested the possibility of an increase in bronchial hyperresponsiveness

in exposed participants with persistent symptoms. The authors concludes

that the data demonstrates an increased rate of new-onset and persistent

respiratory health effects in residents near the former WTC compared with

a control population.

Authors: Reibman, Joan; Lin, Shao; Hwang, Syni-An A.; Gulati, Mridu;

Bowers, James A.; Rogers, Linda; Berger, Kenneth I.; Hoerning, Anne;

Gomez, Marta; Fitzgerald, Edward F.

Full Source: Environmental Health Perspectives 2005, 113(4), 406-411

(Eng)
Thoron levels in traditional Chinese residential dwellings

2006-04-24

This study examined radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and its decay products

(220RnD) in traditional Chinese dwellings.These dwellings constructed with

loam bricks or soil wall. The results showed, the average annual EDs to

the local residents due to radon and thoron exposure were 1.44-4.62 mSv.

Thoron contributes 12.9-56.6% to the total doses. These preliminary results

show that there is a relation between 220RnD in air and 232Th in soil. The

correlation factors of outdoor and indoor were 0.88 and 0.40. The 232Th

activity content of Chinese soil is estimated to be about two times the world

average. The authors conclude that further investigations on the 220Rn level

in these dwelling with the aim of dose reduction are required.

Shang, Bing; Chen, Bin; Gao, Yun; Wang, Yuwen; Cui, Hongxing; Li, Zhou .

Full Source: Radiation and Environmental Biophysics 2005, 44(3), 193-199

(Eng)

Safety
Carrier security system

2006-04-24

This literature looks at the detection device developed for carrier vehicles,

collection facilities and collection boxes to determine if hazardous material.

The system is designed to provide detection, identification and measurement

of chemical, biological and DNA/RNA elements. When a hazardous material

is detected, an alarm notifies the worker. The system communicates with

a central monitoring station that receives vehicle ID, GPS positioning and

identification of the hazardous material. A HAZMAT team is then dispatched

to the vehicle site. Systems that can benefit include carrier vehicles,

collection boxes, collection facilities, mail carriers, cargo carriers, freight

carriers, package delivery services, express delivery services, etc. The

carrier vehicles may include trucks, automobiles, aircraft and ships. The

collection boxes may include, containers, mail collection boxes, express

delivery collection boxes, etc. The collection facilities may include mail and

package receiving centers, express mail and package receiving stations,

and shipping and receiving stations.

Author: Frank, David L.

Full Source: U.S. US 7,005,982 (Cl. 340-539.26; G08B1/08), 28 Feb 2006,

US Appl. 2001/PV347,997, 26 Oct 2001; 24 pp. (Eng).
Advanced chemical/biological crew mask with filter

2006-04-24

This literature examines the development of an improved crew mask for

protection of a user against chemical and biological hazards. The novel crew

mask includes the following features: a facepiece that includes a hybrid face

seal with both intern and flat seals, and g1 transparent lens positioned at

the level of the eyes of the person; g1 inlet hose for delivery of filtered air

operably connected to the facepiece; g1 exhaust 1-way exhaust port for

venting air from the crew mask; and a compact filter unit with a reduced

airflow resistance relative to currently employed filter units.

Authors: Grove, Corey M.; Chase, Stephen E.

Full Source: US 7,007,690 (Cl. 128-201.25; A62B19/00), 7 Mar 2006, Appl.

2000/653,569, 31 Aug 2000; 9 pp. (Eng)
Method and apparatus for treating gas from wastewater

tank for suppressing malodorous or harmful gaseous

component generation in the tank

2006-04-24

This article examines the apparatus and the methodology used for treating

gas from wastewater tanks to suppress gaseous components within the

tank. The gas from a wastewater tank is passed through a reaction container

filled with TiO2 granules and then blown into water. The TiO2 is activated

by heating or electromagnetic wave radiation to efficiently oxidize H2S to

S oxide, which is dissolved in water and thereby suppresses the emission

of malodor of H2S, without using harmful metals reactive on H2S.The

apparatus for the gas treatment comprises the reaction container containing.

TiO2 granules, a pipe for connecting a wastewater tank and the container,

a unit for heating or radiating electromagnetic wave, a gas transporting unit,

and a gas blowing unit.

Authors: Osada, Hideharu; Takahashi, Tadaharu; Shibamoto, Hironobu;

Osada, Naoma

Full Source: Kokai Tokkyo Koho JP 2006 55,821(Cl. B01D53/86), 2 Mar

2006, Appl. 2004/243,424, 24 Aug 2004; 7 pp.(Jp).