Archives of environmental health最新文献

The authors measured the exposure to intermediate-frequency (IF: 10 kHz to 30 MHz) electromagnetic fields (EMF) in residential environments. They developed a system to acquire and record waveforms of IF magnetic fields (MFs) and set 5 nanotesla (nT) for the trigger level of acquisition. They operated the system near power lines, railroads, and electrical appliances as possible sources of IF-MFs. Most of the maximum values of magnetic flux density and the time derivative for each wave were below the upper limit of the measurable range of our system (i.e., 53 nT and 10 T/s); these values were much lower than the minimum amplitudes that can theoretically induce heating or membrane excitation within biological systems. Moreover, the amplitudes of the IF-MFs were not related to those of extremely low frequency (ELF) MF measured simultaneously, indicating that IF-MFs do not underlie the associations, observed in several epidemiological studies, between residential exposure to ELF-EMF and childhood cancer.

This study investigated the influence of petrochemical air pollution on birth weight. Birth data on 92,288 singleton infants with gestational periods of 37-44 wk born in a petrochemical industrial city (Kaohsiung, n = 31,530) with severe pollution or a nonpetrochemical industrial city (Taipei, n = 60,758) in Taiwan between 1995 and 1997 were included in this analysis. Air pollutant concentration derived from routinely monitored data showed significantly higher concentrations of SO2, O3, and PM10 in Kaohsiung. Infants with low birth weight (LBW) were significantly more prevalent in Kaohsiung (2.4%) than in Taipei (2.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for gestation age, gender, birth order, season of birth, maternal age, and maternal education further suggested that LBW risk in Kaohsiung was 13% higher than that in Taipei (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95%, confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.24).

Hypertension status and oxidative stress parameters were assessed in 291 workers (hypertensive workers were divided into three grades, non-equivalently) at two detergent production plants, one of which included enzymes in the detergent (n=138) and another which did not (n=153), and 45 control workers in another industry three times (at the time of employment, 7 yrs later at the time of installation of a filter system, and about 3 yrs later). Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, antioxidant enzymes and lipid status by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, trace elements by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and blood pressure using an oscilometric device. Prior to filter system installation, enzyme-exposed workers had significantly higher MDA, antioxidant enzyme activities, and prevalence of hypertension, compared with controls. The filter system reduced airborne detergent and enzyme dusts, resulting in a decreased prevalence of hypertension and a significant improvement in workers' oxidative stress indicators. Alterations in antioxidant status may result from the cumulative effect of high levels of detergent and enzyme in airborne dust in the workplace.

In this study, the authors examined the concentrations and mineralogical analyses of asbestos, and investigated mesothelioma risk in southeastern Anatolia, Turkey. They used a gravimetric dust sampler to collect samples from 2 villages and 2 asbestos mines (1 active). Samples were then evaluated by an X-ray diffractometer and an electron microscope. The authors found high concentrations of asbestos in an active mine (4.9 fibers[f]/cm3) and at a house that was plastered with asbestos (1.24 f/cm3) and had a very active population. They found a low concentration (0.0042 f/cm3) in indoor measurements taken in Armutova village, and an even lower concentration (0.000081 f/cm3) in the inactive mine environment. Outdoor measurements included a low concentration of 0.007 f/cm3 in the village environment, and a high concentration of 1.17 f/cm3 on the mine road during the passing of a sheep herd. The people in the region are continuously exposed to asbestos during normal activities. This cumulative exposure to asbestos carries sufficient risks for mesothelioma development.

To determine the relationship of arsenic, copper, cadmium, manganese, lead, zinc and selenium to Blackfoot disease (BFD, a peripheral vascular disorder endemic to areas of Taiwan, which has been linked to arsenic in drinking water) the authors measured the amount of these substances in urine from BFD patients, using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results indicate significantly higher amounts of urinary arsenic, copper, cadmium, manganese, and lead for BFD patients than for normal controls, also significantly lower urinary zinc and selenium.

Using responses to questionnaires and results of saliva samples from 40 women, the authors assessed the effects on health of participation in a short leisure trip (2 nights, 3 d) to Kyushu Island in Japan. They addressed transportation, sightseeing, and group activities during the tour, which might differ from participants' usual activities. Levels of the salivary endocrinological stress markers cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In each of the groups with characteristics considered healthy and related to lifestyle, patterns of behavior, perceived stressors, and stress reactions, a decrease in the cortisol levels and an increase in the CgA levels were apparent during the tour. The baseline for stress hormone changes was the levels on awakening on Day 1 (i.e., immediately before the tour). These findings suggest that even short periods of travel can bring about a reduction in di-stress and acquisition of eu-stress, experienced as feeling uplifted or fulfilled.

Clean indoor air (CIA) ordinances in Toledo, Ohio, and Bowling Green, Ohio, regulate smoking in restaurants to protect patrons and employees. Yet complete protection is questionable because the ordinances allow for smoking in certain dining sections. Two restaurants were studied in each city, one smoking and one nonsmoking. Levels of contaminants related to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)--determined by personal and area air monitoring-in the nonsmoking restaurants were comparable to levels in a control environment. However, levels of ETS-related contaminants in the smoking restaurants, including designated nonsmoking sections, were significantly higher than levels in the control environment. ETS-related contamination of the nonsmoking sections in the smoking restaurants is attributable to direct openings between the smoking and nonsmoking sections. Reasonable protection of employees and patrons against ETS-related contaminants requires strict enforcement of CIA ordinances. Full protection is achievable only with 100% smoke-free policies.

This study examined the relationship between health parameters and psychological distress among inhabitants of methylmercury-polluted areas in Japan. The subjects were 133 inhabitants over the age of 40 yr living in two methylmercury-polluted villages. Information on demographic factors, health status, and mental health was obtained using questionnaires, including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The proportional odds model was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios of factors associated with a higher GHQ score after adjustment for age, gender, and district. Very poor self-rated health status, a high number (5+) of subjective symptoms, having monthly outpatient visits and medical house calls, and receiving compensation for methylmercury poisoning were significantly associated with psychological distress. Poor physical condition may lead to the development of psychological distress.

The authors investigated the effect of residues from copper- and gold-mining on the Cree population of Oujé-Bougoumou, located 560 km north of Quebec City, Canada. Subjects (225) from Oujé-Bougoumou and a control population (100) completed a questionnaire on lifestyle and dietary habits and provided blood and urine samples for analysis. Geometric means of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and copper concentrations were not significantly different for subjects or controls 15 yr and older or children (8-14 yr old). However, blood zinc was higher and selenium was lower in Oujé-Bougoumou samples. Mean blood lead level was higher in children from Oujé-Bougoumou, but lower in adults aged 40 yr and older. For adults (15 yr and older) blood lead level increased with age and was higher in men, those who hunted, and consumed wild meat (R2 = 0.43). Blood cadmium increased with age and smoking (R2 = 0.61). No influence of mine residues was observed among residents of Oujé-Bougoumou, but lifestyle exposure associations were noted for both communities.