Pub Date : 2001-11-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109602907
A. K. Srivastava, S. K. Hasan, R. Srivastava
Objective: One million people in 8 districts of West Bengal are exposed to high levels of arsenic in drinking water. Two hundred thousand individuals reportedly show arsenic-related symptoms. The clinical manifestations mainly pertain to dermal lesions characterized by diffuse pigmentation superimposed by 2-1 0-mm macules of depigmentation, which are clinically labeled as a rain-drop pattern of pigmentation and/or keratinization of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. We confirmed that there is chronic arsenic exposure. We analyzed arsenic levels in hair because objective, biological, etiological evidence is unavailable. Design. We contacted all of the available cases in one of the affected villages, and they were asked to volunteer for the study. We eventually selected only those cases who had (1) skin lesions that evidenced the raindrop pattern of pigmentation and/or keratinization of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and (2) other family members who had evidence of arsenicrelated problems. Setting. The study was conducted in a small village of Domkal block of Distt Murshidabad in West Bengal. Protocol. Each subject was interviewed about personal, social, and clinical details, and he or she was examined clinically. A sample of hair was obtained from the occiputonuchal region of the head, close to the root, from each subject. The samples, which measured 5-1 5 cm and weighed 0.5-1 .O gm, were stored in labeled paper bags. The hair samples were washed, weighed, cold digested, and analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Participants. Of the 19 persons selected, only 7 males and 1 female agreed to participate. Two of the males were excluded because they had recently shaved off their scalp hair. The study, therefore, included 5 males and 1 female. The mean age of the subjects was 31.5 yr (range = 25-47 yr). One of the subjects was an occasional smoker, and none were addicted to any toxicants. All were engaged in agricultural activities, and some were also involved in other supplemental occupations ( e g , carpentry, tea wending, construction work, household work). Results. A rain-drop pattern of pigmentation was present on the trunk and upper arms or thighs of all the subjects. Two of the subjects had keratinization of the palms, and 1 had keratinization of the feet. One of the subjects complained of tingling and numbness in his arms. There was no evidence of occupational exposure to arsenic compounds among any of the study subjects. The levels of arsenic in hair of these subjects ranged between 2.57 pg/gm and 8.85 pg/gm (mean = 5.55 pg/gm, median = 5.68 pg/gm). The subject with the highest level of arsenic in hair had resided continuously in the same area (i.e., without any break), whereas other subjects of the same village gave a history (i.e., during the past 4 yr) of nonresidence in the area that ranged from 5 mo to 1 yr. Conclusion. The cases of dermatoses studied revealed high levels of arsenic in hair, compar
{"title":"Arsenicism in India: Dermal Lesions and Hair Levels","authors":"A. K. Srivastava, S. K. Hasan, R. Srivastava","doi":"10.1080/00039890109602907","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109602907","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: One million people in 8 districts of West Bengal are exposed to high levels of arsenic in drinking water. Two hundred thousand individuals reportedly show arsenic-related symptoms. The clinical manifestations mainly pertain to dermal lesions characterized by diffuse pigmentation superimposed by 2-1 0-mm macules of depigmentation, which are clinically labeled as a rain-drop pattern of pigmentation and/or keratinization of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. We confirmed that there is chronic arsenic exposure. We analyzed arsenic levels in hair because objective, biological, etiological evidence is unavailable. Design. We contacted all of the available cases in one of the affected villages, and they were asked to volunteer for the study. We eventually selected only those cases who had (1) skin lesions that evidenced the raindrop pattern of pigmentation and/or keratinization of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and (2) other family members who had evidence of arsenicrelated problems. Setting. The study was conducted in a small village of Domkal block of Distt Murshidabad in West Bengal. Protocol. Each subject was interviewed about personal, social, and clinical details, and he or she was examined clinically. A sample of hair was obtained from the occiputonuchal region of the head, close to the root, from each subject. The samples, which measured 5-1 5 cm and weighed 0.5-1 .O gm, were stored in labeled paper bags. The hair samples were washed, weighed, cold digested, and analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Participants. Of the 19 persons selected, only 7 males and 1 female agreed to participate. Two of the males were excluded because they had recently shaved off their scalp hair. The study, therefore, included 5 males and 1 female. The mean age of the subjects was 31.5 yr (range = 25-47 yr). One of the subjects was an occasional smoker, and none were addicted to any toxicants. All were engaged in agricultural activities, and some were also involved in other supplemental occupations ( e g , carpentry, tea wending, construction work, household work). Results. A rain-drop pattern of pigmentation was present on the trunk and upper arms or thighs of all the subjects. Two of the subjects had keratinization of the palms, and 1 had keratinization of the feet. One of the subjects complained of tingling and numbness in his arms. There was no evidence of occupational exposure to arsenic compounds among any of the study subjects. The levels of arsenic in hair of these subjects ranged between 2.57 pg/gm and 8.85 pg/gm (mean = 5.55 pg/gm, median = 5.68 pg/gm). The subject with the highest level of arsenic in hair had resided continuously in the same area (i.e., without any break), whereas other subjects of the same village gave a history (i.e., during the past 4 yr) of nonresidence in the area that ranged from 5 mo to 1 yr. Conclusion. The cases of dermatoses studied revealed high levels of arsenic in hair, compar","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"5 1","pages":"562 - 562"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79453907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2001-11-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109602896
W. Karmaus, J. Kuehr, H. Kruse
Abstract The authors investigated whether organochlorine exposure is associated with prevalence of otitis media, pneumonia, pertussis, asthma, and increased immunoglobulin E levels in children. Organochlorine concentrations and histories of infection and atopic manifestation were available for 343 children, and immunoglobulin E levels were available for 340 children. The authors applied logistic and linear regressions and controlled for confounders. In general, the prevalence of infections in children was not related to organochlorine exposure. However, for the combined effect of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene with polychlorinated biphenyls or hexachlorobenzene, a significantly increased relative risk (odds ratios = 3.70 and 2.38, respectively) was found for otitis media. Exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene resulted in a significantly higher odds ratio for asthma (odds ratio = 3.71; 95% confidence interval = 1.10, 12.56) and in immunoglobulin E concentrations above 200 kU/l (odds ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.20, 4.31). This is the first study in which dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene has been identified as a substantial risk factor for asthma and for increased immunoglobulin E blood levels.
{"title":"Infections and Atopic Disorders in Childhood and Organochlorine Exposure","authors":"W. Karmaus, J. Kuehr, H. Kruse","doi":"10.1080/00039890109602896","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109602896","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The authors investigated whether organochlorine exposure is associated with prevalence of otitis media, pneumonia, pertussis, asthma, and increased immunoglobulin E levels in children. Organochlorine concentrations and histories of infection and atopic manifestation were available for 343 children, and immunoglobulin E levels were available for 340 children. The authors applied logistic and linear regressions and controlled for confounders. In general, the prevalence of infections in children was not related to organochlorine exposure. However, for the combined effect of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene with polychlorinated biphenyls or hexachlorobenzene, a significantly increased relative risk (odds ratios = 3.70 and 2.38, respectively) was found for otitis media. Exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene resulted in a significantly higher odds ratio for asthma (odds ratio = 3.71; 95% confidence interval = 1.10, 12.56) and in immunoglobulin E concentrations above 200 kU/l (odds ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.20, 4.31). This is the first study in which dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene has been identified as a substantial risk factor for asthma and for increased immunoglobulin E blood levels.","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"485 - 492"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73298060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2001-09-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109604478
Jolanta Ciuk, R. Volkmer, John W. Edwards
Abstract A South Australian preschool study carried out in 1993 showed that the prevalence of respiratory symptoms was significantly associated with use of unflued gas appliances for cooking and heating. The authors sought to determine an association between domestic exposure to nitrogen dioxide and the excretion of total urinary nitrate and nitrite and their association with asthma prevalence. The results indicated that the geometric mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were much higher in homes that had natural gas appliance(s) and other types of appliances (i.e., electric and solid fuel). Higher levels of nitrogen dioxide were found in homes of suburban areas with higher prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms. Nitrogen dioxide levels were lower in the summer and there was a higher level in kitchens than in bedrooms. Urinary nitrate excretion was evaluated in 1,335 preschool children from the same sampling areas. No association existed between nitrogen dioxide levels and urinary nitrates, nor was there a relationship between urinary nitrates and asthma prevalence. These findings confirm that there is a positive association between nitrogen dioxide exposure from gas appliances and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, but urinary nitrate is not a useful biomarker of exposure at these levels.
{"title":"Domestic Nitrogen Oxide Exposure, Urinary Nitrate and Asthma Prevalence in Preschool Children","authors":"Jolanta Ciuk, R. Volkmer, John W. Edwards","doi":"10.1080/00039890109604478","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109604478","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A South Australian preschool study carried out in 1993 showed that the prevalence of respiratory symptoms was significantly associated with use of unflued gas appliances for cooking and heating. The authors sought to determine an association between domestic exposure to nitrogen dioxide and the excretion of total urinary nitrate and nitrite and their association with asthma prevalence. The results indicated that the geometric mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were much higher in homes that had natural gas appliance(s) and other types of appliances (i.e., electric and solid fuel). Higher levels of nitrogen dioxide were found in homes of suburban areas with higher prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms. Nitrogen dioxide levels were lower in the summer and there was a higher level in kitchens than in bedrooms. Urinary nitrate excretion was evaluated in 1,335 preschool children from the same sampling areas. No association existed between nitrogen dioxide levels and urinary nitrates, nor was there a relationship between urinary nitrates and asthma prevalence. These findings confirm that there is a positive association between nitrogen dioxide exposure from gas appliances and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, but urinary nitrate is not a useful biomarker of exposure at these levels.","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"42 1","pages":"433 - 438"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82146841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2001-09-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109604475
G. McKeown-Eyssen, C. Baines, L. Marshall, V. Jazmaji, Ellen R. Sokoloff
Abstract In this study, the authors used the University of Toronto's Health Survey self-administered questionnaire to determine discriminant validity of multiple chemical sensitivity definitions. The authors distributed a total of 4,126 questionnaires to adults who attended general, allergy, occupational, and environmental health practices. The authors then matched responses to features selected from existing case definitions posited by Thomson et al.; the National Research Council; Cullen; Ashford and Miller; Randolph; Nethercott et al.; and the 1999 Consensus (references 4–7, 2, 9, and 10, respectively, herein). The overall response rate was 61.7%. The prevalence of reported symptoms was lowest in general practices, was intermediate in occupational health and allergy practices, and was highest in environmental health practices. Features from the definitions presented by Nethercott et al. and the 1999 Consensus (references 9 and 10, respectively, herein) correctly identified more than 80% of environmental health practice patients and more than 70% of general practice patients. Combinations of 4 symptoms (i.e., having a stronger sense of smell than others, feeling dull/groggy, feeling “spacey,” and having difficulty concentrating) also discriminated successfully. In summary, features from 2 of 7 case definitions assessed by the University of Toronto Health Survey achieved good discrimination and identified patients with an increased likelihood of multiple chemical sensitivity.
{"title":"Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Discriminant Validity of Case Definitions","authors":"G. McKeown-Eyssen, C. Baines, L. Marshall, V. Jazmaji, Ellen R. Sokoloff","doi":"10.1080/00039890109604475","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109604475","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In this study, the authors used the University of Toronto's Health Survey self-administered questionnaire to determine discriminant validity of multiple chemical sensitivity definitions. The authors distributed a total of 4,126 questionnaires to adults who attended general, allergy, occupational, and environmental health practices. The authors then matched responses to features selected from existing case definitions posited by Thomson et al.; the National Research Council; Cullen; Ashford and Miller; Randolph; Nethercott et al.; and the 1999 Consensus (references 4–7, 2, 9, and 10, respectively, herein). The overall response rate was 61.7%. The prevalence of reported symptoms was lowest in general practices, was intermediate in occupational health and allergy practices, and was highest in environmental health practices. Features from the definitions presented by Nethercott et al. and the 1999 Consensus (references 9 and 10, respectively, herein) correctly identified more than 80% of environmental health practice patients and more than 70% of general practice patients. Combinations of 4 symptoms (i.e., having a stronger sense of smell than others, feeling dull/groggy, feeling “spacey,” and having difficulty concentrating) also discriminated successfully. In summary, features from 2 of 7 case definitions assessed by the University of Toronto Health Survey achieved good discrimination and identified patients with an increased likelihood of multiple chemical sensitivity.","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"406 - 412"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82318118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2001-09-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109604482
Jennifer Petrela, V. Câmara, G. Kennedy, Bahiya Bouyahi, J. Zayed
Abstract In this study, the authors evaluated the relative risk of residential exposure to air pollution from an aluminum plant. The authors used government-compiled data to compare hospital admissions in 1997 for selected respiratory diseases for 2 communities in Brazil. One community, Ouro Preto, was located near an aluminum plant and the other, Diamantina, was located far from any source of industrial air pollution. The relative risk of hospital admissions for selected respiratory diseases was 4.11 (95% confidence interval = 2.96, 5.70). The risk was highest among individuals between 30 and 39 yr of age (relative risk = 11.70; 95% confidence interval = 1.52, 89.96). Admissions per thousand residents were highest for individuals under 10 yr of age and for individuals older than 70 yr of age. The authors assessed exposure with environmental measurements. Dust deposition was collected in the residences of participants (n = 36 in each location) and the dust was analyzed for aluminum, manganese, magnesium and calcium content. There were significantly different (p < .05) levels of aluminum in the 2 communities; the highest quantities were found near the aluminum plant. Measurements from independent studies indicated that both 24-hr maximum values and annual mean concentrations of suspended particulate matter exceeded the average of international standards in Ouro Preto (i.e., aluminum plant area). These results suggested that exposure to greater air pollution in the aluminum plant area (i.e., Ouro Preto, Brazil) versus the control area resulted in statistically significant health effects in those individuals who resided in Ouro Preto.
{"title":"Health Effects of Residential Exposure to Aluminum Plant Air Pollution","authors":"Jennifer Petrela, V. Câmara, G. Kennedy, Bahiya Bouyahi, J. Zayed","doi":"10.1080/00039890109604482","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109604482","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In this study, the authors evaluated the relative risk of residential exposure to air pollution from an aluminum plant. The authors used government-compiled data to compare hospital admissions in 1997 for selected respiratory diseases for 2 communities in Brazil. One community, Ouro Preto, was located near an aluminum plant and the other, Diamantina, was located far from any source of industrial air pollution. The relative risk of hospital admissions for selected respiratory diseases was 4.11 (95% confidence interval = 2.96, 5.70). The risk was highest among individuals between 30 and 39 yr of age (relative risk = 11.70; 95% confidence interval = 1.52, 89.96). Admissions per thousand residents were highest for individuals under 10 yr of age and for individuals older than 70 yr of age. The authors assessed exposure with environmental measurements. Dust deposition was collected in the residences of participants (n = 36 in each location) and the dust was analyzed for aluminum, manganese, magnesium and calcium content. There were significantly different (p < .05) levels of aluminum in the 2 communities; the highest quantities were found near the aluminum plant. Measurements from independent studies indicated that both 24-hr maximum values and annual mean concentrations of suspended particulate matter exceeded the average of international standards in Ouro Preto (i.e., aluminum plant area). These results suggested that exposure to greater air pollution in the aluminum plant area (i.e., Ouro Preto, Brazil) versus the control area resulted in statistically significant health effects in those individuals who resided in Ouro Preto.","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"77 1","pages":"456 - 460"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83186713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2001-09-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109604473
R. Schiffer, M. Mcdermott, Catherine Copley
Abstract The authors investigated a reported incidence cluster of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases in a small, north-central Illinois community to determine validity and statistical significance. DePue, Illinois–a small, north-central Illinois community–has previously been the site of significant environmental heavy-metal exposure from a zinc smelter. Significant contamination of soil and water with zinc and other metals has been documented in this community during the time period of interest. In the mid-1990s, several cases of MS were reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health within the geographic limits of this community. Available medical records from purported MS cases reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health were reviewed, and living individuals were seen and examined. Statistical analyses were conducted with clinically definite MS cases; onset dates were determined by first symptom, and expected incidence rates were determined from published epidemiologic studies. Nine new cases of clinically definite MS occurred among residents of DePue, Illinois, during the period between 1971 and 1990. Seven of the 8 living subjects included in the final analyses were examined by one author (RS). The computed incidence rate deriving from these cases within DePue Township, Illinois, represented a statistically significant excess of new MS cases over expected. During the period from 1971 through 1990, a significant excess of MS cases occurred within the population of DePue, Illinois. Significant exposure of this population to mitogenic trace metals, including zinc, was also documented during this time period.
{"title":"A Multiple Sclerosis Cluster Associated with a Small, North-Central Illinois Community","authors":"R. Schiffer, M. Mcdermott, Catherine Copley","doi":"10.1080/00039890109604473","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109604473","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The authors investigated a reported incidence cluster of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases in a small, north-central Illinois community to determine validity and statistical significance. DePue, Illinois–a small, north-central Illinois community–has previously been the site of significant environmental heavy-metal exposure from a zinc smelter. Significant contamination of soil and water with zinc and other metals has been documented in this community during the time period of interest. In the mid-1990s, several cases of MS were reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health within the geographic limits of this community. Available medical records from purported MS cases reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health were reviewed, and living individuals were seen and examined. Statistical analyses were conducted with clinically definite MS cases; onset dates were determined by first symptom, and expected incidence rates were determined from published epidemiologic studies. Nine new cases of clinically definite MS occurred among residents of DePue, Illinois, during the period between 1971 and 1990. Seven of the 8 living subjects included in the final analyses were examined by one author (RS). The computed incidence rate deriving from these cases within DePue Township, Illinois, represented a statistically significant excess of new MS cases over expected. During the period from 1971 through 1990, a significant excess of MS cases occurred within the population of DePue, Illinois. Significant exposure of this population to mitogenic trace metals, including zinc, was also documented during this time period.","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"5 1","pages":"389 - 395"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81985028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2001-09-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109604481
E. Erfurth, L. Gerhardsson, A. Nilsson, L. Rylander, A. Schütz, S. Skerfving, J. Börjesson
Abstract In this study of the effects of lead on the endocrine system, 77 secondary lead-smelter workers (i.e., 62 active and 15 retired) were compared with 26 referents. Lead concentrations were determined in plasma with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (i.e., index of recent exposure), in blood with atomic absorption spectrophotometry and in fingerbone with K x-ray fluorescence technique (i.e., index of long-term exposure). In addition, pituitary hormones were determined in serum by fluoroimmunoassay and thyroid hormones and testosterone in serum were determined with radioimmunoassay. Nine lead workers and 11 referents were challenged with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone, followed by measurements of stimulated pituitary hormone levels in serum. Median levels of lead in plasma were 0.14 μg/dl (range = 0.04–3.7 μg/dl) in active lead workers, 0.08 μg/dl (range = 0.05–0.4 μg/dl) in retired lead workers and 0.03 μg/dl (range = 0.02–0.04 μg/dl) in referents (1 μg/dl = 48.3 nmol/l). Corresponding blood lead concentrations were 33.2 μg/dl (range = 8.3–93.2 μg/dl), 18.6 μg/dl (range = 10.4–49.7 μg/dl) and 4.1 μg/dl (range 0.8–6.2 μg/dl), respectively. Respective bone lead levels were 21 μg/gm (range = -13 to 99 μg/gm), 55 μg/gm (range = 3–88 μg/gm) and 2 μg/gm (range = -21 to 14 μg/gm). Concentrations of basal serum hormone (i.e., free thyroid hormones, thyrotrophin, sex hormone binding globulin and testosterone) were similar in the 3 groups. There were no significant associations between the hormones mentioned herein and blood plasma, blood lead and bone lead levels. In the challenge test, stimulated follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly lower in lead workers (p = .014) than in referents, indicating an effect of lead at the pituitary level. Also, there was a tendency toward lower basal stimulated follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations in lead workers (p = .08). This effect, however, was not associated with blood plasma level, blood lead level, or bone lead level. In conclusion, a moderate exposure to lead was associated with only minor changes in the male endocrine function, particularly affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Given that sperm parameters were not studied, the authors could not draw conclusions about fertility consequences.
{"title":"Effects of Lead on the Endocrine System in Lead Smelter Workers","authors":"E. Erfurth, L. Gerhardsson, A. Nilsson, L. Rylander, A. Schütz, S. Skerfving, J. Börjesson","doi":"10.1080/00039890109604481","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109604481","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In this study of the effects of lead on the endocrine system, 77 secondary lead-smelter workers (i.e., 62 active and 15 retired) were compared with 26 referents. Lead concentrations were determined in plasma with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (i.e., index of recent exposure), in blood with atomic absorption spectrophotometry and in fingerbone with K x-ray fluorescence technique (i.e., index of long-term exposure). In addition, pituitary hormones were determined in serum by fluoroimmunoassay and thyroid hormones and testosterone in serum were determined with radioimmunoassay. Nine lead workers and 11 referents were challenged with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone, followed by measurements of stimulated pituitary hormone levels in serum. Median levels of lead in plasma were 0.14 μg/dl (range = 0.04–3.7 μg/dl) in active lead workers, 0.08 μg/dl (range = 0.05–0.4 μg/dl) in retired lead workers and 0.03 μg/dl (range = 0.02–0.04 μg/dl) in referents (1 μg/dl = 48.3 nmol/l). Corresponding blood lead concentrations were 33.2 μg/dl (range = 8.3–93.2 μg/dl), 18.6 μg/dl (range = 10.4–49.7 μg/dl) and 4.1 μg/dl (range 0.8–6.2 μg/dl), respectively. Respective bone lead levels were 21 μg/gm (range = -13 to 99 μg/gm), 55 μg/gm (range = 3–88 μg/gm) and 2 μg/gm (range = -21 to 14 μg/gm). Concentrations of basal serum hormone (i.e., free thyroid hormones, thyrotrophin, sex hormone binding globulin and testosterone) were similar in the 3 groups. There were no significant associations between the hormones mentioned herein and blood plasma, blood lead and bone lead levels. In the challenge test, stimulated follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly lower in lead workers (p = .014) than in referents, indicating an effect of lead at the pituitary level. Also, there was a tendency toward lower basal stimulated follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations in lead workers (p = .08). This effect, however, was not associated with blood plasma level, blood lead level, or bone lead level. In conclusion, a moderate exposure to lead was associated with only minor changes in the male endocrine function, particularly affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Given that sperm parameters were not studied, the authors could not draw conclusions about fertility consequences.","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"13 1","pages":"449 - 455"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83126995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2001-09-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109604476
Christina M. Scheel, W. Rosing, A. Farone
Abstract Sick Building Syndrome has been reported with increasing frequency during recent years. Buildings that have sustained water damage harbor various molds, some of which may be toxic. Students and staff at Central Middle School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, reported symptoms similar to those associated with Sick Building Syndrome. Upon investigation, investigators noted that a black fungal growth occurred throughout the building on wet cellulose ceiling tiles. Fungal growth of this type is consistent with the genus Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys spores contain macrocyclic trichothecenes, which may cause harm when inhaled or ingested. Bulk sampling of the black mold was initiated, and the samples were cultured in a moist chamber. Testing of the samples confirmed the presence of Stachybotrys spp., a finding that implies that air sampling procedures should ensue. Professional remediation of this potentially hazardous fungal contaminant is therefore recommended.
{"title":"Possible Sources of Sick Building Syndrome in a Tennessee Middle School","authors":"Christina M. Scheel, W. Rosing, A. Farone","doi":"10.1080/00039890109604476","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109604476","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Sick Building Syndrome has been reported with increasing frequency during recent years. Buildings that have sustained water damage harbor various molds, some of which may be toxic. Students and staff at Central Middle School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, reported symptoms similar to those associated with Sick Building Syndrome. Upon investigation, investigators noted that a black fungal growth occurred throughout the building on wet cellulose ceiling tiles. Fungal growth of this type is consistent with the genus Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys spores contain macrocyclic trichothecenes, which may cause harm when inhaled or ingested. Bulk sampling of the black mold was initiated, and the samples were cultured in a moist chamber. Testing of the samples confirmed the presence of Stachybotrys spp., a finding that implies that air sampling procedures should ensue. Professional remediation of this potentially hazardous fungal contaminant is therefore recommended.","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"120 1","pages":"413 - 417"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87962509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2001-09-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109604479
Martha A. Hickmann, E. Nelson, Earl G. Siegel, J. Bernstein
Abstract Bottling plant workers were evaluated for respiratory symptoms following an accidental exposure to a chlorine dioxide aerosol. Six exposed employees underwent medical and occupational histories, skin testing to common allergens, spirometry before and after use of bronchodilators and methacholine challenge. The reported exposure to chlorine dioxide ranged from 30 min to 12 hr. Physical examinations were all normal. Four workers had positive prick skin tests to common aeroallergens. None of the workers demonstrated significant changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec following use of bronchodilators and none experienced methacholine hyperresponsiveness. These cases suggest that the occurrence of reactive airways dysfunction syndrome is unpredictable and may not always occur in heavily exposed individuals.
{"title":"Are High-Dose Toxic Exposures Always Associated with Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)?","authors":"Martha A. Hickmann, E. Nelson, Earl G. Siegel, J. Bernstein","doi":"10.1080/00039890109604479","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109604479","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Bottling plant workers were evaluated for respiratory symptoms following an accidental exposure to a chlorine dioxide aerosol. Six exposed employees underwent medical and occupational histories, skin testing to common allergens, spirometry before and after use of bronchodilators and methacholine challenge. The reported exposure to chlorine dioxide ranged from 30 min to 12 hr. Physical examinations were all normal. Four workers had positive prick skin tests to common aeroallergens. None of the workers demonstrated significant changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec following use of bronchodilators and none experienced methacholine hyperresponsiveness. These cases suggest that the occurrence of reactive airways dysfunction syndrome is unpredictable and may not always occur in heavily exposed individuals.","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"439 - 442"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82305455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2001-09-01DOI: 10.1080/00039890109604483
B. Zachara, H. Pawluk, E. Bloch-boguslawska, K. Śliwka, J. Korenkiewicz, Ź. Skok, Kazimierz Ryć
Abstract The authors obtained tissue samples taken at autopsy from 46 healthy individuals killed in accidents and from 75 corpses of victims of various diseases to analyze selenium levels. The per-weight-unit basis of selenium levels (all expressed as ng/gm wet tissue) in tissues decreased in the following order: kidney (469) > liver > spleen > pancreas > heart > brain > lung > bone > skeletal muscle (51). The highest proportion of body selenium was found in skeletal muscles (27.5%); much less selenium was found in bones (16%) and blood (10%). In the tissues of cancer corpses, the selenium levels were much lower than levels in controls. The lowest selenium levels were found in the livers of alcoholics. Tissue selenium levels found in the study were significantly lower than levels reported in Japan, United States, Canada and other countries. The low selenium levels in the tissues of Polish residents result from inadequate selenium levels in the soil. The authors used selenium levels in tissues to calculate the amount of selenium in humans in Poland (i.e., approximately 5.2 mg). This level was similar to levels found in New Zealand (i.e., 3.0–6.1 mg), but it was lower than the mean level found in Germany (i.e., 6.6 mg) and in the United States (i.e., 13.0–20.3 mg).
{"title":"Tissue Level, Distribution and Total Body Selenium Content in Healthy and Diseased Humans in Poland","authors":"B. Zachara, H. Pawluk, E. Bloch-boguslawska, K. Śliwka, J. Korenkiewicz, Ź. Skok, Kazimierz Ryć","doi":"10.1080/00039890109604483","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890109604483","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The authors obtained tissue samples taken at autopsy from 46 healthy individuals killed in accidents and from 75 corpses of victims of various diseases to analyze selenium levels. The per-weight-unit basis of selenium levels (all expressed as ng/gm wet tissue) in tissues decreased in the following order: kidney (469) > liver > spleen > pancreas > heart > brain > lung > bone > skeletal muscle (51). The highest proportion of body selenium was found in skeletal muscles (27.5%); much less selenium was found in bones (16%) and blood (10%). In the tissues of cancer corpses, the selenium levels were much lower than levels in controls. The lowest selenium levels were found in the livers of alcoholics. Tissue selenium levels found in the study were significantly lower than levels reported in Japan, United States, Canada and other countries. The low selenium levels in the tissues of Polish residents result from inadequate selenium levels in the soil. The authors used selenium levels in tissues to calculate the amount of selenium in humans in Poland (i.e., approximately 5.2 mg). This level was similar to levels found in New Zealand (i.e., 3.0–6.1 mg), but it was lower than the mean level found in Germany (i.e., 6.6 mg) and in the United States (i.e., 13.0–20.3 mg).","PeriodicalId":8276,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal","volume":"7 1","pages":"461 - 466"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2001-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73219125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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