Download 051209-Bulletin

Bulletin Board
December 9, 2005
Contact us:
[email protected]
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70 Bambra Rd Caulfield North
Victoria 3161 Australia
*While Chemwatch has taken all efforts
to ensure the accuracy of information in
this publication, it is not intended to be
comprehensive or to render advice.
Websites rendered are subject to change.
Arthur’s Advice Line
Transport
Lists necessary details for transport purposes such as the Dangerous Goods
Code, the HAZCHEM code and the Packaging Group.
The EPG (Emergency Procedure Guide) can also be viewed for a substance
from the database. Information detailing spills, disposal, fire fighting and
emergency procedures is provided in the EPG. The TREMCARDs (Transport
and Emergency) used in Europe and Product Safety Cards used in New
Zealand were described in the Custom Labels section.
Hazard Alert
Butyl Acrylate
Butyl acrylate forms homopolymers and copolymers. Copolymers of butyl
acrylate can be prepared with acrylic acid and its salts, amides and esters,
and with methacrylates, acrylonitrile, maleic acid esters, vinyl acetate, vinyl
chloride, vinylidene chloride, styrene, butadiene, unsaturated polyesters and
drying oils, etc. Butyl acrylate is also a very useful feedstock for chemical
syntheses, because it readily undergoes addition reactions with a wide
variety of organic and inorganic compounds. [1]
Storage and Handling: [1]
In order to prevent polymerization, butyl acrylate must always be stored
under air, and never under inert gases. The presence of oxygen is required
for the stabilizer to function effectively. It has to contain a stabilizer and
the storage temperature must not exceed 35∫C. Under these conditions,
a storage stability of one year can be expected. In order to minimize the
likelihood of overstorage, the storage procedure should strictly follow the
“first-in-first-out” principle. For extended storage periods over four weeks,
it is advisable to replenish the dissolved oxygen content. Storage tanks
and pipes should be made of stainless steel or aluminium. Although butyl
acrylate does not corrode carbon steel, there is a risk of contamination if
corrosion does occur. Regulations for the storage of flammable liquids must
be observed (explosion-proof electrical equipment, vented tanks with flame
arresters, etc.). Storage tanks, pumps and pipes must be earthed.
Health Effects: [2]
Acute Health Effects
• Contact can cause severe irritation of the eyes and skin.
• Exposure can irritate the nose and throat causing coughing and wheezing.
Other Long-Term Effects
• Very high exposures may damage the lungs.
• Butyl Acrylate may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low
future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash.
• This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine
whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated exposure.
However, many solvents and other petroleum-based chemicals have
been shown to cause such damage. Effects may include reduced memory
and concentration, personality changes (withdrawal, irritability),
fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced coordination, and/or effects on
nerves supplying internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves
to the arms and legs (weakness, “pins and needles”).
Personal Protection: [2]
Clothing
• Avoid skin contact with Butyl Acrylate. Wear protective gloves and clothing.
Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations
on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation.
• All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean,
available each day, and put on before work.
Eye Protection
• Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with
liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn.
Respiratory Protection
• Where the potential exists for exposures over 10 ppm, use a MSHA/
NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/
canister. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air
purifying respirators.
• If while wearing a cartridge/canister respirator you can smell, taste,
or detect Butyl Acrylate, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator
you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately and replace the
cartridge or canister.
• Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need
a combination of filters and pre-filters to protect against different forms of a
chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals.
• Where the potential for high exposure exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH
approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in a
pressure-demand or other positivepressure mode. For increased
protection use in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing
apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positivepressure mode.
1. http://www.basf.com/businesses/chemicals/acrylates/pdfs/butacry.pdf
2. http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/0278.pdf
Legislation
Asia Pacific
Victoria: Radiation Act 2005 passed
2005-11-25
On 20 September 2005 the Radiation Act 2005 received royal assent and will
enter into effect on 1 September 2007 in Victoria, Australia. This will repeal
Sections 108AA to 108AK of the Health Act 1958 and the Health (Radiation
Safety) Regulations 1994, which currently govern radiation safety, and make
consequential amendments to other Acts. The Act introduces the Radiation
Protection Principle, which the interpretation of the Act should be based on.
This principle is that persons and the environment should be protected from
unnecessary exposure to radiation through the processes of justification,
limitation and optimisation, as explained in the Act. The Act describes a
licencing scheme for licensed activities and testing for prescribed radiation
sources, administration (responsible bodies, functions etc), enforcement,
radiation emergency provisions, etc.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
NSW: Local Government (General) Regulation 2005
passed
2005-11-25
On 1 September 2005 the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005
entered into force in NSW, Australia. This remakes with some alteration
(removal of redundant provisions and correction of inconsistencies between
the Regulations and the Act) and consolidates nine Local Government
Regulations from 1998 and 1999 which were repealed on 1 September
2005 by the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989. For industry this may apply
to water supply, sewerage services, waste management, rates, orders and
penalties.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Victoria: Order declaring certain ammonium goods as
high consequence dangerous goods
2005-11-25
On 22 September 2005 the Minister for WorkCover published in the Gazette
an Order under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (DG Act) declaring certain
dangerous goods as high consequence dangerous goods (HCDG) under the
DG Act. The declared HCDGs are Ammonium nitrate and certain mixtures.
This does not apply if these dangerous goods are in solution. The Order
further specifies which needs will be lawful for obtaining a HCDG licence
and which needs are prohibited.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
NSW: Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management)
(Driver Fatigue) Amendment (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2005
2005-11-25
On 30 September 2005 the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management)
(Driver Fatigue) Amendment (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2005 made a minor
reference update amendment to the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic
Management) (Driver Fatigue) Regulation 1999. This Regulation’s main
object is to provide for the suitable management of the fatigue of drivers
of heavy trucks and commercial buses by regulating the periods that they
spend driving, working and resting. It is made under the Road Transport
(Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
NSW: Electricity Safety (Electrical Installations)
Regulations remade
2005-11-25
On 1 September 2005 the Electricity Safety (Electrical Installations)
Regulation 2005 entered into force to replace the Electricity Safety (Electrical
Installations) Regulation 1998. The latter was repealed automatically on
the same day under the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989. This Regulation
covers the safe commissioning and maintenance of electrical installations
and adopts the Australia/New Zealand Wiring Rules. The 2005 Regulation
does not make any significant changes form the previous one.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Building and Construction Industry Improvement
Regulations 2005
2005-11-25
On 1 October 2005 the Building and Construction Industry Improvement
Regulations 2005 entered into force to prescribe certain matters for the
purpose of the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005
(BCII Act) that was passed on 12 September 2005. The BCII Act aims
to improve workplace relations practices in the building and construction
industry and sets the functions of two new bodies created for this purpose
- the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner and the Federal
Safety Officer. The Regulations primarily set out required forms.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Environment (Protection) Second Amendment Rules 2005
creating an exception for noise restrictions on diesel
generator sets on defence vehicles
2005-11-25
On 16 May 2005 the Environment (Protection) Second Amendment Rules
2005 were passed amending the Environment (Protection) Rules 1986 in
India. The Amendment Rules create an exception to the noise restrictions
requirements for diesel generator sets, that will apply for generator sets
of up to 30 KVA manufactured or imported until 30 June 2006 for use on
defence vehicles.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Biological Agents and Toxins Bill introduced to Parliament
2005-11-25
On 19 September 2005 the Biological Agents and Toxins Bill was introduced
to Parliament. The Bill had been issued for public comment on 11 April 2005.
The Bill has been drafted to regulate the possession, use, import, transfer and
transportation of biological agents and toxins that are known to be hazardous
to human health. The main need for such legislation arises from both health
as well as security risks arising from the use of biological agents and toxins as
weapons of terror. The Bill would impose requirements on operators of facilities
where certain high-risk biological agents and toxins are handled, it would require
a permit for possession or import of such substances and would also impose
requirements on their transport. The Bill aims to provide for the safe practices
and security related to biological agents and toxins.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
America
Amendment to substances fees regulations adopted
2005-11-25
On 31 August 2005 an Amendment to the New Substances Fees Regulations
was published in order to bring the Fees Regulations in line with the reform
of the notification mechanism. On 6 November 2002, the New Substances
Fees Regulations were published to implement a cost recovery scheme
for the assessment and notification processes under the New Substances
Notification Regulations (NSNR). Anyone wanting to import and/or
manufacture new substances in Canada has to pay fees for the service
received from Environment Canada and Health Canada in assessing the
new substance.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
New Substances Notification Regulations concerning
Chemicals and Polymers adopted
2005-11-25
On 31 August 2005 the Canada Environment published the New
Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers). These
repeal and replace the 1994 New Substances Notification Regulations. The
Regulations are the result of the multi-stakeholder consultative process that
was launched in 1999 with the objective to improve the effectiveness and
efficiency of the new substances notification and assessment process for
chemicals and polymers.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
New Substances Notification Regulations on Organisms
adopted
2005-11-25
On 31 August 2005 Canada Environment adopted the New Substances
Notification Regulations (Organisms). These 2005 Regulations implement
a part of the new regulatory structure for new substances notification. The
notification scheme ensures that no new living organism is imported into, or
manufactured in Canada before a risk assessment has been carried out.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Maintained EPA Program to Minimize Emissions of
Nitrogen Oxides
2005-11-25
On 29 September 2005 the EPA adopted a final rule under which the current
program to minimize the impact of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and
prevent significant declines in air quality in areas that meet EPA’s air quality
standards will not change from those established in October 1988. The
program, known as Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), addresses
the need to allow growth while maintaining air quality in areas that are
already clean. This follows a proposal in February 2005 which looked at
three possible alternatives to the current program.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
California: Air Resources Board 2005 Carl Moyer Program
Guideline Revisions
2005-11-25
On 30 September 2005 the California Air Resources Board released its
proposed revision of the existing Carl Moyer Program guidelines to address
new statutory requirements. The Carl Moyer Program is a grant program,
implemented by a partnership of ARB and local air districts, that funds
the incremental cost of cleaner-than-required engines, equipment, and
other sources of pollution. The proposed guidelines are scheduled to be
considered by the Board in November 2005.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Delaware: proposes changes to its Accidental Release Air
Rule
2005-11-25
On 16 September the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control’s (DNREC) Emergency Prevention and Response Branch announced
that it will hold a public workshop concerning a proposed amendment to
Regulation 1201, accidental release and prevention, on 29 September.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Europe
Decision amending heavy metal restrictions in vehicles
adopted
2005-11-25
On 20 September 2005 the Council Decision 2005/673/EC amending Annex
II to Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles was adopted. Annex II
to the Directive contains the exceptions to the general prohibition on the
use of lead, mercury, cadmium or hexavalent chromium in materials and
components of vehicles put on the market after 1 July 2003. The Decision
to amend Annex II to the Directive was motivated by a need to assess
the current exempted materials and their applications, in light of scientific
progress and the availability,
or not, of alternatives.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Decision exempting decaBDE from the scope of RoHS Directive adopted
2005-11-25
On 13 October 2005 the European Commission adopted a Decision
amending for the
purposes of adapting to technical progress the Annex to Directive 2002/95/
EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical
and electronic equipment. Decision 2005/717/EC exempts decaBDE in
polymeric applications and lead in lead-bronze bearing shells and bushes
from the ban detailed in Directive 2002/95/EC. Decision 2005/717/EC was
adopted under the comitology procedure despite lacking the support of the
Technical Adaptation Committee. The Council did not reach the qualified
majority required to block the Decision, and thus the Commission adopted
it unilaterally. The Commission faced strong criticism from the Parliament
which issued two Resolution opposing the initiative of the Commission.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Commission Directive amending plant protection
products Directive
2005-11-25
On 21 September 2005 the European Commission issued Directives
2005/57/EC concerning MCPA and MCPB and 2005/58/EC concerning
bifenazate and milbemectin. Previously on 19 September 2005 the
European Commission issued Directive 2005/54/EC concerning tribenuron.
Additionally, on 16 September 2005 the European Commission issued
Directive 2005/53/EC concerning chlorothalonil, chlorotoluron, cypermethrin,
daminozide and thiophanate-methyl. These Directives all amend Council
Directive 91/414/EEC (The Plant Protections Product/PPP Directive) to
include the aforementioned substances as active substances in its Annex
I. Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerns the authorization, placing on the
market, use and control within the Community of plant protection products
in commercial form and the placing on the market and control within the
Community of active substances intended for such purpose. Annex I of the
PPP Directive establishes the authorized active substances for incorporation
in plant protection products to be put on the market.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Draft Directive on workers’ exposure to optical radiation
issued
2005-11-25
In December 2004, the Council reached political agreement on the draft
proposal for a Directive (COM(92)560) of the European Parliament and the
Council on the minimum health requirements regarding the exposure of
workers to the risks arising from physical agents (optical radiation). The draft
proposal for a Directive is the 19th individual Directive within the meaning
of framework Directive 89/391/EEC on occupational safety and health of
workers. The draft proposal for a Directive (COM(92)560) aims at protecting
workers from risks to their health and safety arising from optical radiation.
The draft proposal for a Directive (COM(92)560) refers in particular to the
adverse effects of optical radiation to the eyes and skin of the workers.
The provisions regarding optical radiation are to be considered as minimum
requirements and therefore Member States might adopt more favorable
provisions for the protection of workers. In September 2005 the Commission
decided to delete the aspects dealing with the workers’ exposure to natural
optical radiation.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Proposed Directive on energy end-use efficiency and
energy services
2005-11-25
On 23 September 2005 the European Council adopted its common position
concerning the proposed Directive on Energy End-Use Efficiency and
Energy Services. The common position aims to reconcile the Council’s view
with the position taken by the European Parliament on the original proposal.
The European Commission issued a communication regarding the common
position on 28 September 2005, which while broadly supportive, included
stern criticism of the Council’s proposal to enact indicative, rather than
mandatory targets for energy savings. The European Parliament held its
first reading of the proposed Directive on 7 June 2005 and adopted over
100 amendments to the proposed Directive. Pursuant to the Commission’s
Proposal of 10 December 2003, which aims at fostering energy efficiency
measures and promoting the market for energy services, Member States
would be required to comply with two energy savings targets (i.e. a general
energy end-use savings targets of 1% per year and a demand-side sectoral
target) and ensure that suppliers of energy offer energy services for the
period of 2006 to 2012.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Proposed directive on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner
Air for Europe issued
2005-11-25
On 21 September 2005 the European Commission adopted its Thematic
Strategy on Air Pollution. This is the result of the Clean Air for Europe (CAFE)
programme which consisted of technical analysis and policy development
within the objectives set out by the Sixth Environmental Action Programme.
The Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution consists of a communication from
the Commission outlining its main goals, as well as a proposed Directive on
Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe. This proposal for a Directive
would substantially revise and merge five separate elements of existing
European Law on ambient air quality into a single Directive, thus simplifying
and streamlining existing provisions particularly in respect of monitoring
and reporting. The proposal will also update the provisions to reflect new
scientific developments and introduce controls on human exposure to fine
particulate matter (PM2.5) in ambient air.
Enhesa Update, October 2005
Janet’s Corner!
Samples of warning symbols uncovered from the 1950’s
The symbols pictured in our bulletin (pdf version), were amongst
a set adopted by the International Labour Organisation’s
Chemical Industries Committee, during a session at Geneva Switzerland
in the mid 1950’s.
The I.L.O. governing body urged world-wide use of the symbols in marking
dangerous substances, and the call was taken up by the National Safety
Council of Australia.
The amount of realism in the corrosion symbol is particularly gruesome to
our twenty first century sensibilities!
Gossip
A pill to make your hair curl?
2005-11-25
Scientists say they have identified the difference between straight and curly
hair. They believe it could lead to drugs that can make straight hair curly
and vice versa. Scientists also believe the discovery could lead to the death
of hair dyes, as drugs could be used to restore colour in the prematurely
grey.
In Clichy, Paris, a team from L’Oreal grew hair in the laboratory to get to
the root of what makes hair curly or straight. They found that the hair bulb,
around four millimetres deep in the scalp, is hook-shaped in people with curly
hair and straight in the case of European and Asian hair. When it emerges
from the scalp, the hair shaft retains the shape of the follicle. “A curly follicle
makes curly hair,” said Bruno Bernard, head of hair biology at L’Oreal. “This
is a breakthrough. For a very long time people did not understand how hair
got curly.” Although the team has yet to find a “master switch” that controls
follicle shape, Mr Bernard said it was now possible to think about how to
change hair shape by using hormones or drugs. “It is now possible to use
biological methods to make curly hair straight and vice versa,” he said.
Ananova News, 16 November 2005
http://www.ananova.com/news
Euro MPs back major chemicals law
2005-11-25
The European Parliament has approved far-reaching legislation which
will lead to the safety testing of thousands of chemicals used in everyday
products. The law, called Reach - Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation
of Chemicals - would create one database including all chemicals used in
the EU. Employers say it will impose heavy costs and cause firms to flee
Europe. MEPs also included a measure obliging firms to replace hazardous
chemicals with safe ones, whenever possible. The regulation has to be
approved by national governments before it can become law, and may
return to the parliament for another vote next year.
Reach in its original form would have led to about 30,000 substances found in everything from cars to computers to children’s toys - being tested
for their impact on health and the environment.
Reach in Numbers
• 1,000 pages of text already, rising potentially to 15,000
• 1,000 amendments voted on 30,000 chemicals to be registered over
11 years
• At least one million more animal tests
• Estimated costs of c 5bn euros for business over 11 years
• Billions of euros saved in healthcare costs
It has been intensely controversial, prompting some of the biggest lobbying
campaigns ever seen in Brussels, with industry on one side and unions,
and health and environmental groups on the other. Last week, the largest
political groups in the European Parliament - the conservative European
People’s Party and the Socialist group - agreed on a compromise, limiting
the amount of data required for substances used in volumes of less than 10
tonnes. All of the 30,000 chemicals will still need to be registered, but up to
two-thirds of them may be exempted from tests. Instead, a new European
Chemicals Agency, based in Helsinki, will decide which of these chemicals
used in low volumes are risky enough to have to pass through the testing
procedure.
Up to now, chemicals put on the market before 1981 - the vast majority of
those currently in use - have not had to be checked for their effects on health
and the environment. The onus has been on public health authorities in
individual countries to test those they suspect may be dangerous.
BBC News, 17 November 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health
Decaf coffee linked to heart risk
2005-11-25
Drinking decaffeinated coffee could increase the risk of heart disease, a
study has suggested. It could lead to a rise in harmful cholesterol levels,
the US National Institutes of Health study found. The US study looked at
187 people, a third of whom drank three to six cups of caffeinated coffee a
day, while a second group drank the same amount of decaffeinated coffee,
and the rest had no coffee. Researchers measured the level of caffeine in
people’s blood, as well as a number of heart-health indicators, including
blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels over the course of the three
month study.
At the end of the study, the group drinking decaffeinated coffee had
experienced an 18% rise in their fatty acids in the blood, which can drive the
production of bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol. Fatty acids did not change in the other
groups. Having a high level of LDL cholesterol is one of the risk factors for
metabolic syndrome, which can lead on to heart disease and diabetes. In
addition, a protein linked to bad cholesterol (apolipoprotein B), went up 8%
in the decaffeinated group but did not significantly change in the other two
groups.
Dr Robert Superko of the Fuqua Heart Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, who led
the research, said: “Contrary to what people have thought for many years, I
believe it’s not caffeinated but decaffeinated coffee that might promote heart
disease risk factors.” But he added: “If you only drink one cup each day, the
results of our study probably have little relevance because at that level your
daily coffee dose is relatively low.”
BBC News, 17 November 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health
New Orleans mould ‘risks health’
2005-11-25
Spores from mould growing in New Orleans homes flooded after Hurricane
Katrina pose a major risk to health, a US environmental group has warned.
Air tests have shown levels of mould high enough to trigger serious allergic
reactions in some people, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
says. It accuses the government of doing too little to warn residents of the
risks.
The steamy climate in New Orleans and the fact that many homes were
under water for days or weeks following Katrina has made it a fertile breeding
ground for mould. The authorities have encouraged returning residents and
workers to wear masks and protective clothing when cleaning up buildings.
But the NRDC, a national non-profit organisation, has said government
agencies must do more to test air quality and equip people with adequate
protection.
Tests that carried out in mid-October at 14 sites across New Orleans, nine
of which had been significantly flooded, showed high levels of mould spores
both indoors and out. Dr Gina Solomon, who led the NRDC study, said: “The
outdoor mould spore concentrations could easily trigger serious allergic or
asthmatic reactions in sensitive people. “The indoor air quality was even
worse, rendering the homes we tested dangerously uninhabitable by any
definition.”
BBC News, 17 November 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health
Lifestyle blamed for many cancers
2005-11-25
Simple lifestyle and environmental changes could significantly help to
cut the number of cancer deaths around the world each year, research
suggests. Experts linked more than a third of the seven million cancer deaths
worldwide in 2001 to nine potentially modifiable risk factors. These include
poor diet, smoking, alcohol, obesity, lack of exercise and air pollution. The
researchers calculated that of the seven million deaths from cancer in 2001,
2.43 million were linked to the nine risk factors. These are: Obesity, low fruit
and vegetable intake, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol, unsafe sex, urban
air pollution, indoor smoke from household use of coal and contaminated
injections.
The findings were based on a comprehensive review of scientific studies
and other sources such as government reports. The Harvard team and their
collaborators also re-analysed some of the original data from the studies.
They concluded that in low and middle-income countries the most important
risk factors were smoking, alcohol use, and low consumption of fruit and
vegetables. In high-income countries, smoking, alcohol use, and obesity
played the leading role.
BBC News, 18 November 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health
Deaths lead to Tamiflu safety check
2005-11-25
Drug safety regulators in the US and Europe are reviewing the safety of
the anti-flu drug Tamiflu among children and adolescents after reports of 12
deaths and psychiatric symptoms among users in Japan. The US Food and
Drug Administration said it was concerned about 32 reports of psychiatric
“events” among children, including hallucinations and abnormal behaviour.
There were two cases where a 12-year-old and 13-year-old had jumped out
of second-floor windows of their homes after taking the medication.
The European Medicines Agency has asked manufacturer Roche to provide
“all available data on serious psychiatric disorders, including all case reports
with a fatal outcome where Tamiflu was involved”. The US and European
agencies stressed last night that no causal link had been identified between
the use of Tamiflu and reported deaths. The drug is increasingly being used
against “normal” flu around the world, and is already being used against
avian flu contracted by humans in the far east. It will be a major bastion
against any pandemic flu that might follow if the virus mutates.
Google News, 18 November 2005
http://news.google.com/news/gnhealthleftnav.html
Growing health effects of global warming outlined on
regional scale
2005-11-25
In a recent chilling assessment, the World Health Organization (WHO)
reported that human-induced changes in the Earth’s climate now lead to at
least 5 million cases of illness and more than 150,000 deaths every year.
Temperature fluctuations may sway human health in a surprising number
of ways, scientists have learned, from influencing the spread of infectious
diseases to boosting the likelihood of illness-inducing heat waves and
floods.
Now, in a synthesis report featured on the cover of the journal Nature, a
team of health and climate scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
and the WHO has shown that the growing health impacts of climate change
affect different regions in markedly different ways. Ironically, the places that
have contributed the least to warming the Earth are the most vulnerable to
the death and disease higher temperatures can bring. “Those least able
to cope and least responsible for the greenhouse gases that cause global
warming are most affected,” says lead author Jonathan Patz, a professor at
UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. “Herein lies an
enormous global ethical challenge.”
According to the Nature report, regions at highest risk for enduring the health
effects of climate change include coastlines along the Pacific and Indian
Oceans and sub-Saharan Africa. Large sprawling cities, with their urban
“heat island” effect, are also prone to temperature-related health problems.
Science Daily, 17 November 2005
http://www.sciencedaily.com
High testosterone levels may increase risk of SIDS
2005-11-25
Infants with elevated testosterone levels may face a higher risk of sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS), a new study suggests. Researchers found
infants who died from SIDS have 50-120 percent higher testosterone levels
in their blood than infants who died from other causes. Previous studies
have suggested that higher than normal levels of the male sex hormone
may cause depressed breathing during sleep, which researchers say may
in turn contribute to SIDS risk.
“These results may be important for better understanding of SIDS because
the known relationship between testosterone and breathing during sleep
provides a mechanism that potentially contributes to SIDS,” says researcher
Michael Emery, PhD, of the University of Washington. SIDS is one of the
leading causes of death among infants 1 week to 1 year old. Although the
number of SIDS deaths has decreased in recent years due to increased
awareness of proper infant sleeping position (on the back), researchers say
the exact cause of SIDS is unknown.
Google News, 18 November 2005
http://news.google.com/news/gnhealthleftnav.html
Dietary supplements can alter your genes
2005-11-25
A new research has shown that the food you eat can permanently change
your behaviour for the better, or reverse diseases such as schizophrenia,
Huntingtons or cancer. Researchers studied the effect on rats just by
injecting them with a specific amino acid which changed the way their genes
were expressed, raising the idea that drugs or dietary supplements might
permanently halt the genetic effects that predispose people to mental or
physical illness. It is not yet clear whether such interventions could work in
humans. But there is good reason to believe they could, as evidence mounts
that a range of simple nutrients might have such effects.
Now a team of researchers has shown that a food supplement can have
the same effect on well-reared rats at 90 days old well into adulthood.
The researchers injected L-methionine, a common amino acid and food
supplement, into the brains of well-reared rats. The amino acid methylated
the glucocorticoid gene, and the animal’s behaviour changed. “They were
almost exactly like the poorly raised group,” says Moshe Szyf, of McGill
University Montreal, Canada. No one is envisaging injecting supplements
into people’s brains, but Szyf says his study shows how important subtle
nutrients and supplements can be. “Food has a dramatic effect,” he says. “But
it can go both ways,” he cautions. Methionine, for instance, the supplement
he used to make healthy rats stressed, is widely available in capsule form
online or in health-food stores and the molecules are small enough to get
into the brain via the bloodstream.
Google News, 17 November 2005
http://news.google.com/news/gnhealthleftnav.html
Ecstasy may damage the brain’s physical defences
2005-11-25
The drug ecstasy reduces the brain’s defences, reveals a new study of
rats, leaving it vulnerable to invasion by viruses and other pathogens.
The researchers behind the study warn of “clinical considerations which
may apply to the treatment of people who abuse MDMA”. For example,
anaesthetics could find it easier to penetrate the brain, “greatly increasing the
risk of unwanted sedation”. And they say infections could cause permanent
damage to brain cells or alter the ability of the brain to function normally. The
brain is protected by a fence of tightly packed cells, called the blood-brain
barrier. This prevents all but the smallest molecules from passing through.
But the new experiments show that MDMA - the chemical name for ecstasy,
or “E” - somehow forces open that barrier, allowing larger molecules access
to the brain.
Bryan Yamamoto at Boston University, US, and colleagues gave rats four
doses of MDMA over 8 hours. The scientists also injected a blue dye, made of
molecules too large to get into the rats’ brains under normal circumstances.
One day later, the researchers found the dye had made its way into parts
of the brain, such as the caudate and the hippocampus. Ten weeks later,
despite no further doses of MDMA being given, new injections of dye were
still passing through the blood brain barrier. Ten weeks in rats could be
considered the equivalent of five to seven years in humans. “It does seem to
be a very protracted opening,” says Yamamoto. But, as yet, he is unable to
say for sure whether the breach is permanent.
New Scientist, 14 November 2005
http://www.newscientist.com/
Canadian study finds algae, parasites in U.S. water
2005-11-25
A new study by the Manitoba government found that water from North
Dakota’s Devils Lake, does not contain any invasive species of fish or plant
life. However, the study did reveal “biota of potential concern” that have not
been previously found in a Canadian lake. In August, the U.S. and Canadian
governments reached a compromise after Manitoba tried to block a project
under which North Dakota started draining water from Devils Lake into the
Sheyenne River, which empties into the Red River and Lake Winnipeg. The
compromise provided for the construction of a temporary gravel filter to treat
the lake’s water until a permanent filtration system could be built.
The study found algae and fish parasites in Devils Lake water that officials
said have not been previously found in Lake Winnipeg. The findings from the
study are now available to assist in designing the advanced filtration system
at Devils Lake to replace the temporary gravel filter that was installed prior
to operation of the outlet. This is consistent with the agreement reached
between Canada and the United States in August, which will also assist
Manitoba in reducing the levels of phosphorus and nitrogen entering the
Red River and Lake Winnipeg, officials said.
Water and Wastewater Products, November 2005
http://www.wwp-online.com
EPA reaches large-capacity cesspool agreements with
County of Hawaii
2005-11-25
EPA announced on Nov. 21 that it reached two agreements with the
County of Hawaii to close 133 large-capacity cesspools, pursuant to the
EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. EPA reached agreements with
the County of Hawaii’s Department of Public Works and Department of
Environmental Management. The agreements cover cesspools at parks and
county buildings island-wide, as well as housing in the Komohana Heights
and Queen Liliuokalani subdivisions. As part of the settlement, the county
also agreed to evaluate the potential for additional sewer construction in
the Honokaa and Queen Liliuokalani areas that could assist other property
owners with the closing their cesspools.
“This agreement commits the county to close their remaining cesspools,
and thereby protects drinking water, streams, and beaches throughout
the island,” said Alexis Strauss, director for the EPA’s water division for
the Pacific Southwest region. “All large capacity cesspool owners need to
meet these requirements by providing compliance plans and schedules,
and closing large capacity-cesspools promptly.” A large-capacity cesspool
is one that discharges untreated sewage from a multiple dwelling, or a
non-residential location that serves 20 or more people on any day. The
regulations, which prohibit large-capacity cesspools as of April 2005, do not
apply to single-family homes connected to their own individual cesspools.
Cesspools discharge raw sewage into the ground, which results in diseasecausing pathogens and other contaminants - such as nitrates - polluting
groundwater, streams and the ocean.
Water and Wastewater Products, November 2005
http://www.wwp-online.com
High Court: Pay workers for walk to/from work stations
2005-11-25
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that meat processing plant workers must
be paid for the time they spend walking to and from their production line
jobs each day and the time they spend donning and doffing required PPE.
The consolidated cases of IBP Inc. versus Alvarez (No. 03-1238) and Tum
versus Barber Foods (No. 04-66) raise questions concerning the coverage
of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA), as amended by the Portalto-Portal Act of 1947, with respect to activities of employees who must don
protective clothing on the employer’s premises before they engage in the
productive labor for which they are primarily hired. The principal question
presented in both cases is whether the time employees spend walking
between the changing area and the production area is compensable under
the FLSA.
In No. 03-1238, employees filed a class action seeking compensation for time
spent donning and doffing required protective gear and walking from and
back to the locker rooms to the production floor of a meat processing facility
owned by IBP Inc. (IBP). A district court found the activities compensable,
and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed. At its plant in
Pasco, IBP employs approximately 178 workers in 113 job classifications in
the slaughter division and 800 line workers in 145 job classifications in the
processing division. All production workers in both divisions must wear outer
garments, hardhats, hairnets, earplugs, gloves, sleeves, aprons, leggings,
and boots.
Occupational Health and Safety News, November 2005
http://www.ohsonline.com
Researchers: Mining employees have 60 percent more
alcohol problems than other workers
2005-11-25
People working in the mining industry have more alcohol problems than the
average American worker, according to an analysis of federal substance
use survey data by researchers at The George Washington University
Medical Center. According to David Dye, the acting head of MHSA, “Recent
toxicology reports from mining accidents indicate the presence of drugs or
alcohol in some of the victims. Use or abuse of alcohol or drugs in the mining
environment can significantly impair a miner’s ability to focus on the task at
hand and avoid the kinds of hazards that can maim or kill workers.”
In the notice, MSHA officials stated that because of the inherent dangers
present in all mining environments, the agency is considering regulatory and
non-regulatory approaches to address the risks and hazards to miner safety
from the use of or impairment from alcohol and other drugs, and is soliciting
information from the public to help determine how to proceed. “Without
question, the mining industry faces a significant problem,” said Goplerud,
director of Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems, a project of the GWU
Medical Center. “The prevalence of alcohol problems in mining is more than
60 percent higher than in other industries.”
Occupational Health and Safety News, November 2005
http://www.ohsonline.com
Study: Crash risk higher for truckers in 11th hour
2005-11-25
In the last hour of an 11-hour day behind the wheel, truckers face a crash
risk that is more than three times higher than the risk during the first hour,
according to Penn State researchers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration has issued a new hours-of-service (HOS) rule, which governs
how long a commercial driver can operate a truck before being required to
take a break. The new rules amend those made in 2003, which were struck
down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia due to a suit
filed by Public Citizen and other safety groups.
The amended HOS rules limit maximum driving time to 11 hours in a row,
maximum work time in a day to 14 hours, and require drivers to rest for at
least 10 hours between shifts. Dr. Paul Jovanis, professor of civil engineering
who led the Penn State study, said, “Our analysis of data from three national
trucking companies during normal operations in 2004 shows that the crash
risk is statistically similar for the first six hours of driving and then increases
in significant steps thereafter. The 11th hour has a crash risk more than
three times the first hour.”
Occupational Health and Safety News, November 2005
http://www.ohsonline.com
MedWatch - Risk of Electromagnetic Interference with
Medical Telemetry Systems Operating in the 460-470 MHz
Frequency Bands
2005-11-25
FDA issued a Public Health Notification regarding increased risk for
electromagnetic interference in any medical telemetry systems operating
in the 460-470 MHz frequency bands after December 31, 2005. This
interference could compromise patient safety. In January 2006 the Federal
Communications Commission will begin issuing new licenses for mobile
radio transmitters to operate in the 460-470 MHz band.
According to tests conducted by the FDA, the transmitters operating under
new licenses in this frequency band can interfere with medical telemetry
systems. This could lead to lapses in patient monitoring and missed alarm
events, putting patients at risk. The anticipated interference will not be
limited to urban areas. Any medical facility in the vicinity of a mobile radio
could be affected.
MedWatch Newsletter, 17 November 2005
EPA finalizes rule to help states reduce ozone pollution
2005-11-25
As part of the nationwide effort to improve air quality, EPA issued rules and
guidance to state, local and tribal governments on how to develop plans
to reduce ozone pollution in areas that do not meet EPA’s health-based
standards. “This rule signifies EPA’s commitment to working with communities
to develop cost effective plans,” EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Air
and Radiation Bill Wehrum said. “As our ozone rule and other clean air rules
take effect, Americans will be able to work, exercise and play in cleaner,
healthier air.”
The Phase 2 Ozone Implementation Rule outlines emissions control and
planning requirements for states to address as they develop their plans
showing how they will reduce ozone pollution to meet the 8-hour ozone
standard. The reduction of ozone pollution is an important element of
EPA’s national clean air strategy. The strategy includes EPA’s recent Clean
Diesel Program to reduce pollution from highway, non road and stationary
diesel engines, the Clean Air Interstate Rule to reduce pollution from power
plants in the eastern United States, and the Clean Air Visibility Rule that
cuts emissions to protect visibility in national parks, wildlife refuges, and
wilderness areas.
Environmental Protection, November 2005
http://www.eponline.com
Researchers seek to understand long-term health effects
of lead
2005-11-25
Although lead is a well-known human health hazard, researchers at the
University of Rochester Medical Center announced they have discovered a
new aspect of how it may work in mice to harm the function of T-cells, which
regulate the body’s immune response to bacteria, viruses and other bugs.
The discovery adds insight to the latest trend in lead research, as scientists
shift their emphasis from the immediate public health threat to understanding
the long-term burden on the body, said Michael McCabe Jr., PhD, associate
professor of Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester.
“We know more about lead than any other environmental agent, but we’re
still trying to understand exactly why lead is dangerous and what its legacy
might be,” said McCabe, who co-authored a recent study. Our research
shows there may be additional long-term health threats,” McCabe said.
“Lead appears to disrupt the immune system’s checks and balances, which
must be in place if we are to successfully fight off pathogens. Our continuing
research is aimed at discovering how lead upsets the balance of cells
charged with protecting us.”
Graduate student David G. Farrer, of the Department of Environmental
Medicine, who established that T cell function was targeted by lead,
performed the laboratory work. Farrer also has shown that another crucial
immune system cell -- myeloid suppressor cells, which control runaway
immune responses -- also may be disrupted by lead exposure in mice.
Environmental Protection, November 2005
http://www.eponline.com
Crash involving bus, gas tanker in Western Mexico kills at
least 37
2005-11-25
A crash involving a gas tanker and a bus killed at least 37 people in the western
state of Sinaloa, federal police said Wednesday. The crash occurred near
the city of Los Mochis, on a highway linking Mexico City and the border city
of Nogales in northern Sinaloa, said a police officer, who wasn’t authorized
to speak on the record. Four people were injured. The officer said that the
tanker was carrying ammonium chloride, a toxic gas that sickened some of
the victims. A separate crash involving a bus on a highway between Mexico
and Queretaro killed six people and injured about 20 others.
DG & HazMat Newsletter, 18 November 2005
MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse
Event Reporting Program; Advair Diskus, Foradil
Aerolizer, and Serevent Diskus
2005-11-25
FDA notified manufacturers of Advair Diskus, Foradil Aerolizer, and Serevent
Diskus to update their existing product labels with new warnings and a
Medication Guide for patients to alert health care professionals and patients
that these medicines may increase the chance of severe asthma episodes,
and death when those episodes occur. All of these products contain longacting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA). Even though LABAs decrease the
frequency of asthma episodes, these medicines may make asthma episodes
more severe when they occur. A Medication Guide with information about
these risks will be given to patients when a prescription for a LABA is filled
or refilled.
MedWatch Newsletter, 19 November 2005
MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information; feeding formula
2005-11-25
FDA and Novartis Nutrition Corporation notified healthcare professionals of
a recall of 2,712 bottles of an enteral feeding formula that was incorrectly
labeled as Diabetisource AC 1.5 Liter bottles lot 2135L. The affected product
was shipped nationwide and is only distributed to healthcare institutional
facilities. The bottles contain sodium and calcium caseinate, components of
milk. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk may run the risk of
a serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
Healthcare professionals administering Diabetisource AC to patients who
have an allergy or sensitivity to milk should immediately stop using this
product.
MedWatch Newsletter, 18 November 2005
MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information; GenTeal Gel and
GenTeal GelDrops
2005-11-25
Novartis Ophthalmics and FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients
of a voluntary recall due to a lack of sterility assurance of seven lots of two
products, GenTeal Gel and GenTeal GelDrops, intended for use to relieve
dryness of the eye. While the risk of potential contamination is believed
to be very low, contaminated product could cause infections in susceptible
people.
The five lots of GenTeal Gel include about 142,500 tubes that were distributed
nationwide from March to November 2004. The two lots of GenTeal GelDrops
include about 12,000 dropper bottles that were distributed nationwide in
October 2005.
Test results for GenTeal Gel indicated the presence of mold in a small number
of samples, leading Novartis to initiate a recall of the five lots. The species
of mold that is suspected is generally not harmful, but has the potential
to cause an eye infection in susceptible people, especially in those with
compromised immune systems.
MedWatch Newsletter, 23 November 2005
MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse
Event Reporting Program; Flomax
2005-11-25
Boehringer Ingelheim and FDA notified healthcare professionals of
revisions to PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections of the
prescribing information for Flomax, indicated for the treatment of the signs
and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A surgical condition
termed Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) has been observed during
phacoemulsification cataract surgery in some patients treated with alpha-1
blockers including Flomax. Most of these reports were in patients taking the
alpha-1 blocker when IFIS occurred, but in some cases alpha-1 blocker had
been stopped prior to surgery. It is recommended that male patients being
considered for cataract surgery, as part of their medical history, be specifically
questioned to ascertain whether they have taken Flomax or other alpha-1
blockers. If so, the patient’s ophthalmologist should be prepared for possible
modifications to their surgical technique that may be warranted should IFIS
be observed during the procedure.
MedWatch Newsletter, 23 November 2005
Safety test burns club to ground
2005-11-25
A club owner burned his club to the ground while trying to prove it was
fire-proof to health and safety inspectors. Benedict Frank, owner of the
Cabaret Club in Kienberg, Switzerland, started the blaze to show how fireproof it was when he was visited by safety inspectors. They had questioned
whether his decorations were in accordance with fire safety rules, and he
used his lighter to set fire to the paper ornaments in a bid to prove there was
nothing to worry about. But the fire quickly took off and spread throughout
the club and the neighbouring restaurant - burning both establishments to
the ground. According to local police no one was hurt in the fire, but the
damage amounts to more than £300,000.
Ananova News, 22 November 2005
http://www.ananova.com/news
Stress may up cholesterol levels
2005-11-25
Stress may raise cholesterol blood levels, potentially increasing the risk of
heart disease, research suggests. Previous studies had established that
stress is linked to increased heart rate and weakened immune systems.
Now a team from University College London has found stress also appears
to raise cholesterol levels over the long-term in some people. The team
gave people 199 people stress tests and cholesterol tests three years apart,
Health Psychology reports.
Lead researcher Professor Andrew Steptoe said: “Some of the participants
show large increases even in the short-term, while others show very little
response. “The cholesterol responses that we measured in the lab probably
reflect the way people react to challenges in everyday life as well. “So the
larger responders to stress tasks will be large responders to emotional
situations in their lives and will have a greater chance of raised cholesterol
- a major risk factor for heart and circulatory disease.”
The participants were followed up three years later.
Cholesterol levels in all had gone up, as might be expected with the passage
of time. However, those people whose cholesterol had risen the most
following the initial tests showed substantially greater rises. Levels of LDL, or
“bad” cholesterol were three times as likely to be at potentially harmful levels
in this group compared with those who registered the smallest cholesterol
rise after the initial tests. This was after factors such as baseline cholesterol
levels, age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption were taken into
consideration.
BBC News, 23 November 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health
Report lists dangerous toys
2005-11-25
A consumer advocacy group released a report yesterday listing dangerous
children’s toys, while toy makers, academics and scientists criticized some
of the findings. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group’s Trouble in
Toyland report specifically targets loud toys and those that pose choking
or strangulation hazards. In addition, the report says those containing a
chemical plastic softener have been linked to problems such as birth defects
or early onset of puberty.
The public interest group had a laboratory test eight toys for presence of a
chemical known as phthalates -- types of which are also used in building
materials, cars and medical devices. The group found that six of the
products labeled “phthalate-free” actually contained the substance.”If these
manufacturers are going to label them toxic-free, then they should be toxicfree,” said Rose Garr, mid-Atlantic field organizer for the advocacy group.
But the levels were trace amounts, said Marian K. Stanley, manager of the
Phthalate Esters Panel of the American Chemistry Council, to the point that
manufacturers can label the toys as phthalate-free. “The phthalates at that
level are not harmful,” Stanley said.
Google News, 23 November 2005
http://news.google.com/news/gnhealthleftnav.html
Environmental
Estimation of radiological consequences of some
hypothetical radiation accidents at sites related to
salvaging of nuclear submarines
2005-11-22
A study was carried out to estimate the radiation consequences from the fall
of the flying aircrafts onto the objects of the former coastal technical bases of
the North and Pacific Navy of Russia, passed for salvaging to the Minatom
of Russia. As the aircrafts, a carrier-borne fighter plane and an anti-sheep
winged missile were used. It is demonstrated that the major mechanism of
the formation of a radioactive cloud in the case of the plane fall will be the
fire which causes the uplift of the surface pollution. The discharge from the
missile explosion is formed from the material dispersed by the explosion.
Authors: Bol’shov, L. A.; Sarkisov, A. A.; Barinov, V. N.; Belikov, V. V.;
Bogatov, S. A.; Gavrilov, S. L.; Kalinin, R. I.; Kiselev, V. P.; Semenov, V. N.;
Tokarchuk, D. N.
Full source: Izvestiya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk, Energetika 2004, (4), 9098 (Russ)
Human Health Risk Assessment of Naturally Occurring
Radioactive Materials in Produced Water-A Case Study
2005-11-22
Human health effects from naturally-occurring radioactive materials
(NORM) in produced water are of concern due to their bioavailability and
bioaccumulation characteristics in finfish and shellfish used for human
consumption. In this work, the Ra distribution in non-edible and edible
parts of fish and the probability of exposure to a produced water plume
were studied to characterize human health risks. Using the concentration
distribution approach, mean cancer risks to humans were predicted to be 8.6
• 10-7 to 9.5 • 10-7, i.e., 2.6-2.7 times less than risks predicted using whole
body concentrations. The exceedance probability of maximum permissible
human health cancer risk of 1 • 10-4 was close to 0. At a risk level of 1 • 106, the exceedance probability was 21%; using the whole body concentration
approach, the exceedance probability was 45-49%. No effect on fish from
exposure to NORM components in produced water was observed.
Authors: Chowdhury, Shakhawat; Husain, Tahir; Veitch, Brian; Bose, Neil;
Sadiq, Rehan
Full source: Human and Ecological Risk Assessment 2004, 10(6), 11551171 (Eng)
The residual dynamic of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in fishponds
of the Pearl River delta, South China
2005-11-22
Hong Kong and South China are the most developed regions in China, but
industrialization in these areas resulted in severe environmental problems.
Sediment and biotic samples including tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus),
bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus),
crucian carp (Carassius auratus), and mandarin fish/fresh water grouper
(Siniperca chuatsi) were collected from fish ponds in the Pearl River Delta
(Tanzhou, Sanjiao, Guangzhou, Shipai, Changan, Mai Po) to analyze polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and organochlorine (OC) pesticides. Mandarin
fish, which belongs to the highest trophic level, accumulated the highest
PAH and DDT concentrations among all fish species. DDT concentrations in
fish were 1.5-62 ng/g wet weight with >30% of fish exceeding the 14.4 ng/g
wet weight limit for human consumption recommended by USEPA (2000).
PAH concentrations in fish were 1.91-224.03 ng/g wet weight, but potencyweighted total PAH concentrations in muscle tissue were below the 0.67 ng/
g wet weight guideline value for human consumption set by USEPA (2000).
The calculated guideline value was based on a tissue consumption rate of
142.2 g/day (4-5 meals/week), a more protective rate for populations with
high fish consumption, e.g., Chinese and Asians. The effect of lipid content
in PAH and DDT accumulation in fish tissue was generally not significant.
Authors: Kong, K. Y.; Cheung, K. C.; Wong, C. K. C.; Wong, M. H.
Full source: Water Research 2005, 39(9), 1831-1843 (Eng)
Fluorinated organic chemicals: a review
2005-11-22
Recent studies reveal accumulation potential of environmentally peculiar,
recalcitrance and emerging chemicals namely “fluorinated organic chemicals
(FOCs)” in un-occupationally exposed human blood, serum, liver, wildlife
from aquatic and terrestrial environment, human food-stuff samples, drinking
water and even in biota from Arctic and Antarctic regions. Particularly,
perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is an important surfactant itself as well as
a precursor to other fluorinated surfactants and pesticides. Consequently,
they are considered as major representative chemicals for future work.
PFOS exposure results in lowered food intake, body-weight (BW) and further
estrous cyclicity in rats. PFOS treatment also increased norepinephrine
concentrations in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in rats.
Other fundamental studies with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) elucidated
peroxisome proliferation in humans. A number of studies demonstrated
that PFOS, PFOA and other FOCs can alter brain monoamines, serum
corticosterone and leptin levels in rodents and primates. Therefore, FOCs
are an important class of specialty chemicals that have physio-chemical
properties that differentiate them from chlorinated hydrocarbon surfactants.
Little is known about the occurrence, transport, biodegradation, and toxicity
of FOCs in environment.
Authors: Kumar, Kurunthachalam Senthil
Full source: Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment 2005, 9(3),
50-79 (Eng)
Acute and chronic toxicity of metal ions to aquatic
organisms
2005-11-22
In this study, authors investigated acute and chronic effects of zinc (Zn),
copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), aluminum
(Al), and strontium (Sr) ions on several freshwater organisms: Daphnia
magna (daphnid), Ceriodaphnia dubia (daphnid), Pseudokirchneriella
subcapitata (green algae), Danio rerio (zebra fish). Among the metal ions,
Cu2+ exhibited acute and chronic toxicity to all organisms tested at lower
than 0.1ppm. Zn also showed high toxicities to these organisms except
zebra fish. In addition, Ni2+ and Co2+ appeared to have chronic effects on
daphnid and green algae since the effective concentrations for chronic tests
were two or three orders of magnitude lower than the lethal concentrations.
Furthermore, the effective concentrations of Al3+ and Fe3+ for the green
algal growth inhibition were 10 to 100 times lower than those for other
tests. These results suggest that environmentally relevant concentrations
of certain metal ions may influence reproduction and/or growth of aquatic
organisms.
Authors: Nakamura, Akiko; Onikura, Norio; Onikura, Etsuko; Sakai, Kayoko
Full source: Kami Parupu Gijutsu Kyokai, Nenji Taikai Koen Yoshishu 2005,
154-157 (Japanese)
Medical
Increased serum formate in the diagnosis of methanol
poisoning
2005-11-22
Early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment in methanol poisoning.
Methanol detection by gas chromatography is not available in most hospitals.
Methanol increases the osmolal gap in serum and its metabolite formate
increases the anion gap. The sensitivity of these indirect diagnostic methods
is not good at low concentrations of methanol or formate. The authors,
therefore, studied the usefulness of formate measurement in diagnosing
methanol poisoning. The results proved formate analyzes to be a simple,
sensitive, and specific way of diagnosing methanol poisoning. Confounders
are patients admitted early, or concomitant ethanol ingestion, and therefore
no acidosis. This problem may, however, be omitted by repeated formate
analysis in patients developing metabolic acidosis.
Authors: Hovda, Knut Erik; Urdal, Petter; Jacobsen, Dag
Full source: Journal of Analytical Toxicology 2005, 29(6), 586-588 (Eng)
Use of submaximal inhalation and spirometry to assess
the effects of ozone exposure
2005-11-22
Spirometric measures of airway obstruction are strongly influenced by the
neurally mediated reduction in total lung capacity that accompanies ozone
exposure. This study was conducted to evaluate a method for quantifying
the effects of performing spirometry from a reduced inspiratory position
on measures of airway obstruction, and to apply the method to published
ozone-response data. In general, measures of airway obstruction were
related strongly to total expired volume, and approximately 80% of the
ozone-induced decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0)
resulted from the reduction in forced vital capacity. Results indicated that,
for young, healthy, nonsmoking adults, spirometric values from maneuvers
conducted from reduced inspiratory positions can be predicted accurately
and precisely in the unexposed state, allowing interpretation of measures of
ozone-induced airway obstruction.
Authors: McDonnell, William F.
Full source: Archives of Environmental Health 2004 (Pub. 2005), 59(2), 7683 (Eng)
Evidence on interaction between polychlorinated
biphenyls and phthalates in relation to human sperm
motility
2005-11-22
The authors studied 303 men who were partners in subfertile couples
seeking infertility diagnosis from the andrology laboratory at Massachusetts
General Hospital. Semen parameters were dichotomized based on World
Health Organization reference values, and phthalate and PCB levels were
dichotomized at their respective. medians. After adjusting for age and
abstinence time, for below reference sperm motility there was a greater than
additive interaction between monobenzyl phthalate and PCB-153, sum of
PCBs, and cytochrome P 450 (CYP450)-inducing PCBs. For below-reference
sperm motility, there was also a greater than additive interaction between
monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and PCB-153 and CYP450-inducing PCBs and
a suggestive interaction between MBP and sum of PCBs. In conclusion,
because there are important risk assessment and public health implications
of interactions between these two ubiquitous classes of compounds, further
studies need to be conducted to confirm these results and identify potential
mechanisms of interactions.
Authors: Hauser, Russ; Williams, Paige; Altshul, Larisa; Calafat, Antonia M.
Full source: Environmental Health Perspectives 2005, 113(4), 425-430
(Eng)
Prenatal and early childhood blood lead levels and
cardiovascular functioning in 9 1/2 year old children
2005-11-22
A number of studies have found that increasing lead exposure is associated
with increases in blood pressure in humans. Studies with animals suggest
that lead-induced increases in vascular resistance account for these
increases in blood pressure. The present study assessed cardiovascular
functioning at rest and in response to acute stress for 9 1/2 year old
children having relatively low prenatal (cord) blood lead levels and low
postnatal (early childhood) blood lead levels. Higher cord blood levels were
associated with higher baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP), and higher
early childhood lead levels were associated with greater total peripheral
(vascular) resistance (TPR) responses to acute stress. In addition, a
negative association between blood lead levels and stroke volume (SV)
suggests that lead-induced increases in vascular resistance were sufficient
to produce cardiac afterload, a situation arising when blood pressure in the
aorta makes it difficult for the left ventricle to eject blood. These effects were
not mediated by differences in task performance or emotional responses to
the acute stress tasks. Finally, these effects were significant for lead levels
considered low, notably, below the 10 mug/dL threshold currently adopted
by the CDC for deleterious effects.
Authors: Gump, Brooks B.; Stewart, Paul; Reihman, Jacki; Lonky, Ed; Darvill,
Tom; Matthews, Karen A.; Parsons, Patrick J.
Full source: Neurotoxicology and Teratology 2005, 27(4), 655-665 (Eng)
Up- and-down procedure (UDP) determinations of
acute oral toxicity of nitroso degradation products of
hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)
2005-11-22
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), a widely used military
explosive and soil and ground water contaminant of munitions manufacturing
and artillery training sites, undergoes microbial nitroreductase metabolism
to hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX), hexahydro-1,3dinitroso-5-nitro-1,3,5-triazine (DNX), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5triazine (TNX). Human occupational and accidental exposures to RDX, as
well as acute oral exposures in rats, result in seizures, but little is known
about the toxicity of the RDX degradation products. This study determines
the oral LD50 of the most potent RDX N-nitroso product in female SpragueDawley rats using the recently validated up-and-down procedure (UDP).
With only 26 rats, MNX was identified as the most potent metabolite and a
maximum likelihood estimate of 187 mg kg-1 for its LD50 was established
and found equivalent to that of RDX determined with the same protocol. CNS
toxicity, manifested as forelimb clonic seizures progressing to generalized
clonic-tonic seizures, was the critical adverse effect. Further, confirmation
of the UDP LD50 for MNX with a fixed-dose design enabled identification
of 94 mg kg-1 as the highest nonlethal dose. An ED50 of 57 mg kg-1 was
determined for neurotoxicity, while splenic hemosiderosis and decreased
blood hematocrit and Hb concentration occurred with a threshold at 94 mg
kg-1 in 14-day survivors. These studies, while providing new toxicity data
necessary for the management of RDX-contaminated sites, illustrate the
efficiency of the UDP for comparative acute toxicity determinations and its
value in guiding further characterization of dose dependency of identified
adverse effects.
Authors: Meyer, Sharon A.; Marchand, Adam J.; Hight, Jennifer L.; Roberts,
George H.; Escalon, Lynn B.; Inouye, Laura S.; MacMillan, Denise K.
Full source: Journal of Applied Toxicology 2005, 25(5), 427-434 (Eng)
Developmental toxicity study with triethylene glycol given
by gavage to CD rats and CD-1 mice
2005-11-22
Triethylene glycol (TEG) is a liquid industrial chemical with a potential for
human exposure. The likelihood for developmental toxicity was investigated
in two species. Rat dams had reduced body weights, body weight gains, and
food consumption, and increased water consumption and relative kidney
weights at 11 260 mg kg-1 day-1. They also had reduced body weight and
increased water consumption at 5630 mg kg-1 day-1. Mice had clinical
signs and increased relative kidney weight at 11 260 mg kg-1 day-1. Renal
histology was normal in both species. Neither species had treatment-related
effects on corpora lutea or implantations. Fetal body weights were reduced
at 11 260 mg kg-1 day-1 (both species) and 5630 mg kg-1 day-1 (mice). In rat
fetuses there was a pattern of delayed ossification in the thoracic region at
11 260 mg kg-1 day-1. Mouse fetuses had delayed ossification in the frontal
and supraoccipital bones, cervical region, hindlimb proximal phalanges and
reduced caudal segments at 11 260 mg kg-1 day-1, and in the skull bones at
5630 mg kg-1 day-1. These patterns of delayed ossification are consistent
with reduced fetal body weights. No biologically significant embryotoxicity
or teratogenicity was observed at any dosage in either species. The NOEL
for TEG given by gavage over the period of organogenesis was 1126 mg
kg-1 day-1 in the rat and 5630 mg kg-1 day-1 in the mouse for maternal
toxicity, and 5630 mg kg-1 day-1 (rat) and 563 mg kg-1 day-1 (mouse) for
developmental toxicology.
Authors: Ballantyne, Bryan; Snellings, William M.
Full source: Journal of Applied Toxicology 2005, 25(5), 418-426 (Eng)
Epithelial and inflammatory responses in the airways
of laboratory rats coexposed to ozone and biogenic
substances: enhancement of toxicant-induced airway
injury
2005-11-22
People are often concurrently exposed to more than one air pollutant whether
they are in outdoor or indoor environments. Therefore, inhalation studies that
are designed to examine the toxicity of coexposures to two or more airborne
toxicants may be more relevant for assessing human health risks than those
studies that investigate the toxic effects of only one airborne toxicant at a
time. Furthermore, airborne biogenic substances such as pollens, bacteria,
fungi, and microbial toxins often coexist with common air pollutants in the
ambient air, and when inhaled may also cause specific adverse effects on
the respiratory tract. One such biogenic substance, bacterial endotoxin, is a
potent stimulus of airway inflammation and is commonly found in domestic,
agricultural, and industrial settings. Little is known about the interaction
of exposures to biogenic substances and common air pollutants, such as
ozone or airborne particulate matter. In the last few years, authors have
performed a series of in vivo studies using laboratory rodents that examined
how airway surface epithelial cells are altered by coexposure to ozone
and a biogenic substance, either bacterial endotoxin or a commonly used
experimental aeroallergen (ovalbumin). Results from these studies indicate
that the ozone-induced epithelial and inflammatory responses in laboratory
rodents may be markedly enhanced by coexposure to an inhaled biogenic
substance. Conversely, the adverse airway alterations caused by exposure
to biogenic substances may be enhanced by coexposure to ozone. The
results from these initial studies have also suggested some of the cellular
and molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic epithelial alterations
induced by these coexposures.
Authors: Harkema, Jack R.; Wagner, James G.
Full source: Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology 2005, 57(S1), 129-141
(Eng)
Changes in the central nervous activity of rats treated
with dimethoate in combination with other neurotoxicants
in different phases of ontogenesis
2005-11-22
Organophosphates are usually found in the environment with other pesticides
and with pollutants of industrial origin can cause combined exposure involving
unknown interactions between the agents. In this study, female Wistar rats
were given 1/25 LD50 of dimethoate by gavage, combined with the same
LD50 fractions of propoxur and cypermethrin or with arsenic (6.66 mg kg1). The results showed that combined exposure to several environmental
toxicants could be more harmful than the effects of each substance alone,
indicating the importance of combination toxicology in modelling human
effects. Furthermore, these results emphasize the importance of avoiding
toxic exposures in pregnant and nursing women.
Authors: Lengyel, Zsuzsanna; Fazakas, Zita; Nagymajtenyi, Luszlo
Full source: Arhiv za Higijenu Rada i Toksikologiju 2005, 56(3), 257-264
(Eng)
Flow cytometry applications in the evaluation of sperm
quality: semen analysis, sperm function and DNA integrity
2005-11-22
Flow cytometry (FCM) has been extensively used to study mammalian
sperm in the areas of reproductive toxicology, veterinary science and
clinical andrology. Using FCM, a variety of sperm features can now be
rapidly measured on a cell-by-cell basis such as sperm count, viability,
acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial function and DNA integrity; the last one
is involved in postfertilization failure and embryo toxicity. It is foreseen that
only a multiplex approach, which includes FCM assays together with the
new genomics/proteomics methods, could increase the predictive power of
fertility status and help identify susceptible subpopulations of men at risk for
infertility, spontaneous abortions and birth defects.
Authors: Cordelli, Eugenia; Eleuteri, Patrizia; Leter, Giorgio; Rescia, Michele;
Spano, Marcello
Full source: Contraception 2005, 72(4), 273-279 (Eng)
Role of diallyl tetrasulfide in ameliorating the cadmium
induced biochemical changes in rats
2005-11-22
Cadmium (Cd) is an ubiquitous environmental and occupational toxic
metal concerned with a variety of adverse effects. The present study was
undertaken to evaluate the role of diallyl tetrasulfide (DTS), an organosulfur
compound in alleviating the Cd induced biochemical changes in male Wistar
rats. In Cd treated rats, the activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine
transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly increased in
serum with elevated levels of bilirubin, urea and creatinine. The Hb level and
creatinine clearance were also significantly decreased in Cd treated rats. In
addition, the levels of plasma lipid peroxidation markers: thiobarbituric acid
reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides were significantly increased
while the levels of plasma reduced glutathione (GSH), Vitamins C and E
were significantly decreased in Cd administered rats. Administration of DTS
along with Cd significantly decreased the serum, liver and kidney markers
towards near normal level in a dose dependent manner. DTS at a dose of 40
mg/(kg day) was highly effective when compared to other doses (10 and 20
mg/(kg day)). DTS also significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd in blood
and tissues as well as decreased the level of lipid peroxidation markers with
elevation of antioxidants in plasma. All these changes were accompanied
by histological observations in liver. The obtained results demonstrated the
beneficial effect of DTS in reducing the harmful effects of Cd.
Authors: Pari, Leelavinothan; Murugavel, Ponnusamy
Full source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 2005, 20(3), 493500 (Eng)
Subchronic and chronic safety studies with genistein in
dogs
2005-11-22
Genistein is a phytoestrogen that occurs naturally in the diet, especially
in soy-based foods. There is widespread interest in phytoestrogens as
chemopreventive agents for a variety of diseases and cancers based on
epidemiological evidence. Although soy and its constituents, such as
genistein, have been consumed at high levels in several Asian populations
without apparent adverse effects, concern has been raised about potential
adverse effects due to estrogenic and other activities. The subchronic and
chronic safety of genistein were evaluated in the beagle dog including a
4-week study and a 52-week safety study with a 13 week interim sacrifice
and a 4 week recovery period. In both studies at doses of 50, 150 and 500
mg/kg/day, genistein was well tolerated. In the 4 week study, except for an
increase in uterine weights in female dogs at 500 mg/kg/day, there were no
other treatment related findings. In the 52-week study, the primary effects of
genistein were observed on the reproductive tract, which included for male
dogs: reduced size and/or weight of the testes, epididymus and prostate
of 2/2 dogs after 13 week of treatment and in 1/4 dogs after 52 week of
treatment at 500 mg/kg/day.
The histological changes observed in the affected dogs at 500 mg/kg/day
indicated atrophy of the testes and prostate gland and absent spermatozoa
in the epididymus. At the mid-dose of 150 mg/kg/day, although there was a
reduction to a lesser extent in testes weight after 13, but not 52 week, there
were no histopathological changes. In female dogs, the reproductive tract
effects included increased uterine weight at 500 mg/kg/day after 13 week
of treatment, but not after 52 week of treatment. There was also a small
decrease in ovarian weights at 150 and 500 mg/kg/day after 13 week and at
500 mg/kg/day after 52 week of treatment. There were no histopathological
correlates to the changes in organ weights in female dogs. In the 4-week
recovery group dogs, no changes were observed in dogs previously
treated for 52 week with 500 mg/kg/day of genistein. It is concluded that
the administration of genistein to dogs for a period of 4-52 week was well
tolerated and did not result in systemic toxicity. Effects of genistein on the
reproductive tract at very high doses were functional in nature and are of
a type that would be expected in view of the relatively weak estrogenic
activity of genistein and were considered not adverse effects. In the 4-week
study, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for genistein was
considered to be >500 mg/kg/day and the no observed effect level (NOEL)
was considered to be 150 mg/kg/day. For the 52-week study, the NOAEL
is considered to be >500 mg/kg/day and the NOEL is considered to be 50
mg/kg/day.
Authors: McClain, R. Michael; Wolz, Erich; Davidovich, Alberto; Pfannkuch,
Friedlieb; Bausch, Jochen
Full source: Food and Chemical Toxicology 2005, 43(10), 1461-1482 (Eng)
Evaluation of cardiac function in primates using real-time
three-dimensional echocardiography as applications to
safety assessment
2005-11-22
A timed non-invasive determination of cardiac function is potentially
important for safety pharmacology and toxicity studies. The objectives of
this study were to evaluate the accuracy of real-time three-dimensional
(RT3D) echocardiography measurements of the left ventricular (LV) volume
and LV function and to investigate the effects of some drugs on LV function
in cynomolgus monkeys. A strong correlation was found between the actual
LV volume and that calculated from RT3D echocardiogram. Propranolol
(0.1 mg/kg/10 min) caused an increase in ESV, but not EDV, resulting in a
decrease in EF and SV, while verapamil produced increases in both EDV
and ESV. Dobutamine (0.01 mg/kg/5 min) produced decreases in both EDV
and ESV and thereby the increased CO resulted from the increased SV.
These results demonstrate that RT3D echocardiography provides a feasible
and accurate estimation of LV volume and EF for safety pharmacology and
toxicity studies.
Authors: Tsusaki, Hideshi; Yonamine, Haruno; Tamai, Asako; Shimomoto,
Mutsuko; Iwao, Hiroshi; Nagata, Ryoichi; Kito, Go
Full source: Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods 2005,
52(1), 182-187 (Eng)
1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123) CAS no.
306-83-2 (third edition)
2005-11-22
This report has been produced as part of the ECETOC Joint Assessment
of Commodity Chemicals (JACC) program. It updates an earlier ECEPTOC
review and presents a critical evaluation of the available toxicity and
ecotoxicity data on 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluorothane (HCFC-123), including
results of new toxicological studies conducted by the Program for Alternative
Fluorocarbon Toxicity Testing (PAFCT). HCFC-123 is a volatile liquid that
is used, for example, as a refrigerant in air-conditioning installations and
as an intermediate in the production of various chemicals. HCFC-123 is a
transitional replacement (to be phased out by 2020) for chloro- and bromofluorocarbons. It has a low potential for ozone depletion (2% of that of
CFC-11, trichlorofluoromethane) and global warming (76 relative to carbon
dioxide; this compares to 4,000 for CFC-11). Any HCFC-123 released to
the environment will rapidly volatilize to the atmosphere, where it will be
slowly degraded, mainly to trifluoroacetic acid, which will partition into water
and possibly accumulate there, although predicted concentrations are
below toxic thresholds. HCFC-123 is not readily biodegradable, but is not
likely to bio-concentrate in fish and other aquatic organisms. It is slightly
to moderately toxic to fish, invertebrates, and algae. Thus, HCFC-123 is
unlikely to pose a significant hazard to the aquatic environment; it is also
not persistent in water. HCFC-123 has a low toxicity in laboratory animals
upon single brief exposure to the liquid or vapor. The liquid is not irritant or
sensitizing to the skin, but produces eye irritation. For humans, the most
relevant critical effects from single, brief single exposure to HCFC-123, such
as from the discharge of a fire extinguisher, are depression of the central
nervous system and increased likelihood of cardiac arrhythmia. Repeated
exposure to HCFC-123 may yield liver lesions. In reproductive toxicity studies
in animals, the growth of neonates was retarded, probably because the milk
of the dams contained trifluoroacetic acid, the main metabolite of HCFC123. HCFC-123 is not genotoxic in vivo, although there was clastogenetic
activity at high does in vitro. HCFC-123 caused statistically significant
increases in benign tumors in rat liver, testis and pancreas. The formation of
liver tumors can be linked with the rodent-specific peroxisome proliferation
potential of HCFC-123, while the testicular tumors may have resulted from
enhanced hormonal disturbances in senescent rats. Thus, the hepatic and
testicular tumors are not relevant for human health hazard assessment. The
mechanism of pancreatic acinar cell tumor formation is not understood, and
the significance of those tumors for humans remains uncertain.
Full source: JACC 2005, (47), i-v, 1-95 (Eng)
Occupational
Effects of sarin on the nervous system of subway workers
seven years after the Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack
2005-11-22
This study was designed to assess the after effects of sarin exposure on
the nervous system in victims of the Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack, which
occurred on 20 March, 1995. The authors performed a similar study 3 years
after the disaster. As reported previously, the exposed group performed
significantly less well in the psychomotor function test (tapping) than the
referent group. Using merged data, this phenomenon was also observed in
a dose-dependent manner and the exposed group performed significantly
less well in the backward digit span test. These results indicate that chronic
decline of psychomotor function and memory function still exist 7 year after
the sarin exposure.
Authors: Miyaki, Koichi; Nishiwaki, Yuji; Maekawa, Kazuhiko; Ogawa,
Yasutaka; Asukai, Nozomu; Yoshimura, Kimio; Etoh, Norihito; Matsumoto,
Yukio; Kikuchi, Yuriko; Kumagai, Nami; Omae, Kazuyuki
Full source: Journal of Occupational Health 2005, 47(4), 299-304 (Eng)
DNA damage in leukocytes of workers occupationally
exposed to arsenic in copper smelters
2005-11-22
Inorganic arsenic (i-As) is a known human carcinogen; however, humans
continue to be exposed to i-As in drinking water and in certain occupational
settings. In this study, the authors used the Comet assay to evaluate DNA
damage in the somatic cells of workers from 3 Polish Cu smelters who were
occupationally exposed to i-As. The mean concentration of arsenic metabolites
in urine [the sum of arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsenate
(MMA) and dimethylarsenate (DMA)] and the concentrations of DMA (the
main metabolite in urine) were higher in workers than in controls, but the
differences were not statistically significant. By contrast, the level of DNA
damage, expressed as the median tail moment, was significantly higher in
the leukocytes of workers than in the controls. Comet assays conducted
with formamidopyrimidine glycosylase (FPG) digestion to detect oxidative
DNA damage indicated that oxidative lesions were present in leukocytes
from both the exposed and control groups, but the levels of damage were
significantly higher among the workers. Incubation of the cells in culture
resulted in a significant reduction in the levels of DNA damage, especially
among leukocytes from the workers, suggesting that the DNA damage
was subject to repair. The findings indicate that Cu smelter workers have
increased levels of DNA damage in somatic cells, suggesting a potential
health risk for the workers. Although i-As was present in air samples from
the smelters and in urine samples from workers, no clear assocn. could be
made between i-As exposure and the DNA damage.
Authors: Palus, Jadwiga; Lewinska, Dobroslawa; Dziubaltowska, Elzbieta;
Stepnik, Maciej; Beck, Jens; Rydzynski, Konrad; Nilsson, Robert
Full source: Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 2005, 46(2), 81-87
(Eng)
Exposure to metals, metalloids and their compounds in
heavy metals refining processes
2005-11-22
In the process of heavy metal refining, workers are first of all exposed
to metals, metalloids (As, Se), and their compounds. Moreover, they are
exposed to sulfuric acid and dusts (about 2% SiO2). High concentrations of
lead were found in the workplace air in both plants. Occupational exposure
indicators for lead were much higher than the Polish MAC value. Exposure
to arsenic and its compounds was a serious problem in one of the plants.
Concentrations of the other chemical agents were generally below the Polish
MAC values. Even though in many cases no risk is posed by individual
metals and metalloids, total exposure is another matter. The total exposure
indicator for present metals and metalloids at most workstations in both
plants was higher than 1. In general, the risk posed by metals and metalloids
is high or even very high in the heavy metal refining industry.
Authors: Gaweda, Ewa
Full source: Medycyna Pracy 2004, 55(4), 307-312 (Pol)
Congenital Malformations Related to Maternal Exposure
to Specific Agents in Biomedical Research Laboratories
2005-11-22
Major congenital and neural crest malformations (NCM; craniofacial and
conotruncal defects) were examined in laboratory employee offspring. No
significant risk for laboratory work in general was observed, but there was
an increased ratio for NCM relative to solvents, especially benzene. Results
were based on small numbers and should be interpreted cautiously.
Authors: Wennborg, Helena; Magnusson, Linda L.; Bonde, Jens Peter;
Olsen, Jorn
Full source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005,
47(1), 11-19 (Eng)
Dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
among road pavers
2005-11-22
Dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the role
of an industrial byproduct, coal fly ash, on workers’ PAH exposure were
investigated during stone mastic asphalt (SMA) paving and remixing.
The PAH results obtained using the pad and hand-washing methods
(concentrations after the work shift) were equivalent and showed a strong
correlation. There was a statistically significant difference between pre- and
post-shift samples as measured by hand washing. The skin contamination
by PAHs was significantly higher during remixing than during SMA paving.
The variation in PAH contamination on the skin explained more of the
variation in the excretion of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and phenanthrols than
the variation in the respiratory PAH concentrations. The industrial byproduct
investigated in asphalt, coal fly ash, had no statistically significant effect on
the workers’ dermal PAH exposure. The dermal exposure of paving workers
to PAHs was higher during remixing than during SMA paving.
Authors: Vaananen, Virpi; Hameila, Mervi; Kalliokoski, Pentti; Nykyri, Elina;
Heikkila, Pirjo
Full source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2005, 49(2), 167-178 (Eng)
Plasma Protein Level Changes in Waste Incineration
Workers Exposed to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
2005-11-22
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a chemical compound
known to induce severe reproductive and developmental problems, immune
system damage, and interfere with regulatory hormones. To characterize
changes in the expression of plasma proteins caused by TCDD exposure,
plasma from municipal incinerator workers were analyzed by 2-dimensional
gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Results showed TCDD exposure may induce
liver disease or cancer; proteins identified in this study could help reveal
mechanisms underlying TCDD toxicity.
Authors: Kang, Mee Jeong; Lee, Do-Youn; Joo, Won-A.; Kim, Chan-Wha
Full source: Journal of Proteome Research 2005, 4(4), 1248-1255 (Eng)
Determination of serum glutathione-S-transferase (GST)
and lipid-associated sialic acid (LSA) of workers exposure
to bitumen and coke oven
2005-11-22
The activity of GST and the content of LSA in serum of bitumen workers,
coke oven workers and healthy volunteers were determined. The serum
GST and LSA in workers were significantly higher than those in the normal
controls. The serum GST in bitumen workers was higher than that in coke
oven workers. Probably biological membrane injury and detoxification
function enhance were induced in workers exposure to bitumen and coke
oven.
Authors Liu, Wei; Feng, Wende; Xiao, Wen; Li, Shien; Chen, Chen
Full source: Weisheng Dulixue Zazhi 2004, 18(1), 62 (Ch)
Increase of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) after methylene
diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) exposure in isocyanate
workers with bronchial hyperresponsiveness
2005-11-22
Isocyanates have become one of the most important causes of occupational
asthma in industrialized countries. Increased exhaled nitric oxide (eNO)
levels have been shown to be associated with allergic airway inflammation.
This study investigates the influence of isocyanate on eNO levels and to
elucidate whether the latter are associated with specific sensitization
and/or unspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Fourteen of
22 symptomatic isocyanate workers showed BHR and five of these 14
developed an asthmatic response upon challenge with methylene di-Ph
diisocyanate (MDI). In comparison with the group without BHR, subjects
with BHR had higher basal eNO and a significant increase in eNO 22 h after
MDI challenge. Four of the asthmatic responders and six of the nine MDI
non-responders with BHR revealed an eNO increase of >30%. There was
also a positive association between the eNO change and the increase in
airway resistance in isocyanate workers with BHR. Isocyanate workers with
BHR show increased MDI responses both of airway resistance and of the
inflammatory marker eNO. eNO measurement is obviously a new suitable
tool for monitoring isocyanate workers under respiratory risk.
Authors: Baur, Xaver; Barbinova, Luba
Full source: Allergology International 2005, 54(1), 151-158 (Eng)
Risk of breast cancer among enlisted army women
occupationally exposed to volatile organic compounds
2005-11-22
A cohort to investigate the risk of breast cancer among active duty Army
women occupationally exposed to volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) was
constructed. The incidence of breast cancer in the cohort was significantly
elevated in women younger than 35 years of age, especially among black
women, when compared to the age-specific rates in the general population.
Women who worked in occupations with a moderate to high exposure
potential to at least one VOC had a 48% increased risk of breast cancer while
on active duty between 1980-1996 when compared to those women with
low to no exposure potential. This study provides preliminary evidence that
exposure to one or more of the study VOCs is associated with an increased
risk of breast cancer. Further substance-specific, quantitative analyses are
warranted.
Authors: Rennix, Christopher P.; Quinn, Margaret M.; Amoroso, Paul J.;
Eisen, Ellen A.; Wegman, David H.
Full source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2005, 48(3), 157-167
(Eng)
Determination of formaldehyde levels in 100 furniture
workshops in Ankara
2005-11-22
One of the airborne pollutants in wood products industry is formaldehyde,
which may pose some health effects. Therefore this study is conducted to
determine formaldehyde levels in 100 furniture-manufacturing workshops
in Ankara and also to determine the symptoms, which may be related with
formaldehyde exposure among the workers. Formaldehyde levels were
higher in workplaces located at basement than in workplaces located at or
above ground level. An association was found between indoor formaldehyde
levels and the types of fuel used. The levels were higher in workplaces where
only sawdust was used for heating, than in workplaces where wood, coal,
and sawdust are used. An association was found between runny nose and
indoor formaldehyde levels. Formaldehyde levels were lower in workplaces
where employees had no symptoms than in those where employees had
4 or more symptoms. Of 229 employees 57 subjects (24.9%) work under
the formaldehyde levels of 0.75 ppm and above. Thus, approximately one
fourth of the employees in workplaces are working in environments with
formaldehyde levels exceeding those permitted by Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA). The employees working in small-scale
furniture workshops are at risk of formaldehyde exposure. Measures, such
as improved ventilation, have to be taken in these workplaces, in order to
decrease the formaldehyde levels.
Authors: Vaizoglu, Songul Acar; Aycan, Sefer; Akin, Levent; Kocdor, Pelin;
Pamukcu, Gul; Muhsinoglu, Orkun; Ozer, Feyza; Evci, E. Didem; Guler,
Cagatay
Full source: Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 2005, 207(2), 157163 (Eng)
Public Health
Complete blood cell counts and blood chemistry in Yusho
2005-11-22
The authors analyzed blood samples of Yusho patients from 1986 to 2002,
and studied changes in blood cell counts, blood chemistry, and tumor
markers. Blood analyses, blood chemistry, and urine values in Yusho
patients were not significantly different from those in the control group 34
years after the Yusho incident. PCBs, PCQs, or PCDFs may, however, affect
hematogenesis, serum potassium, serum phosphorus, protein metabolism,
and creatine kinase metabolism because these parameters had slight but
significant correlations with the levels of PCBs, PCQs, or PCDFs. Exposure
to PCBs and the related organochlorine compounds should be avoided.
Authors: Yoshimura, Toshiro; Nakano, Jiro; Okita, Minoru; Kikuchi, Yasuki;
Kitamura, Takashi; Ishikawa, Takehiko
Full source: Journal of Dermatological Science, Supplement 2005, 1(1),
S45-S55 (Eng)
Excess tearing is not the only response of human eye to
air pollutants!
2005-11-22
Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, ammonia and nitric oxide present
in a polluted weather could act as strong risk factor for coronary heart
disease, increased white blood cell count, higher levels of Hb, higher level
of cholesterol, lower levels of high density lipoprotein, lower blood pressures
and less body mass. Air pollutants may also increase the risk of several eye
diseases, including macula degeneration, dry-eye syndrome, glaucoma and
cataract. The toxic effect of carbon monoxide is the most important factor
in damaging ocular tissue. In this research authors investigated the change
in tear protein electrophoretic pattern in a group of representative people
who lived in a highly polluted weather due to excess traffic and industrial
activities and compared to a similar group who lived in a clean weather part
of the city. The results showed some alternations in tear protein pattern of
Tehran citizens (Group I) as compared to the village people (Group II). The
number of electrophoretic bands in tears of group I was about 25% more
than those of group II. The changes observed in tear proteins of group I, i.e.
highly polluted air citizens can explain more incidences of dry-eye syndrome
observed in this part of the country.
Authors: Sariri, R.; Sanei, Z.
Full source: International Journal of Chemical Sciences 2005, 3(2), 215-220
(Eng)
Reversal of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD)
inhibition and reduction of erythrocyte protoporphyrin
levels by Vitamin C in occupational lead exposure in
Abeokuta, Nigeria
2005-11-22
In order to investigate the toxic effects of lead during occupational exposure
to this metal, the activity of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and
the concentrations of erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EPP) were determined
in blood of various artisans in Abeokuta, Nigeria and these were related
to blood lead levels. ALAD activity in the artisans was inhibited to varying
extents. ALAD activity was inhibited to the tune of 77% in petrol station
attendants while the lowest inhibition of 36% was obtained in the welders.
EPP was also significantly increased in the artisans. The highest EPP level of
241.57 ± 89.27 mug/100 mL of red blood cell was observed in upholsterers.
A significant negative correlation was observed between ALAD activity
and blood lead levels on one hand and between ALAD activity and EPP
on the other hand. Administration of a daily dose of 500 mg ascorbic acid
for 2 weeks reversed the lead-induced inhibition of ALAD. Increased EPP
levels observed in the artisans also responded positive to the ascorbic acid
supplementation. A significant reduction in blood lead was also observed in
the artisans at the end of the 2-weeks ascorbic acid therapy. The findings
indicate that ascorbic acid may offer more advantages over the conventional
agents for the treatment of lead poisoning, especially in cases where the
subjects cannot be removed from the source of lead exposure.
Authors: Ademuyiwa, O.; Ugbaja, R. N.; Ojo, D. A.; Owoigbe, A. O.; Adeokun,
S. E.
Full source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 2005, 20(3), 404411 (Eng)
Safety
Cause of flash-explosion inside central waste gas station
of the LDPE plant and countermeasures
2005-11-22
The cause and development of the flash-explosion that occurred in the
central waste gas purification station (F-636) of the low-density polyethylene
(LDPE) manufacturing plant are described, and the consequences of this
flash-explosion are discussed. A countermeasures to prevent such problem
were developed, including additional setting up of a flammable gas detector
on the upper position of the 2 analysis bins and on the inlet line of F-635,
respectively; equipping a flow meter and a flow control valve on the nitrogen
gas branch line of the bins; additional mounting of a rotary valve and a hand
hole at the lower position of the electric exhaust fan; raising the negative
pressure of F-635, and improving the filter bag. These improvement
measures ensured the safe and stable operation of the LDPE plant.
Authors: Zhang, Tieling; Zhao, Jifeng; Wang, Xiaofeng; Sun, Guifang
Full source: Hecheng Shuzhi Ji Suliao 2004, 21(6), 40-42 (Ch)
Residential upholstered furniture in the United States and
fire hazard
2005-11-22
Full scale fire tests were performed on three items of upholstered furniture
used in US residential applications. The items were virtually identical, except
that two of them contained foam padding that complied with the California
TB 117 requirements and one did not. In all three cases, the furniture was
easily ignited by the effect of a small open flame in the middle of the seat
and released heat sufficiently fast (well over 2 MW) to cause flashover in
the fire test room. The major fire performance difference between the CA TB
117 foam products and the standard foam product was the fact that a slightly
more intense igniting flame was needed for the former. For comparison
purposes, an alternative commercial item of upholstered furniture, which
used well fire-retarded foam, was also tested; it easily resisted ignition by
small open flames.
Authors: Hirschler, Marcelo M.
Full source: Proceedings of the Conference on Recent Advances in Flame
Retardancy of Polymeric Materials 2004, 15, 300-315 (Eng)
Review of the toxicology of carbonyl sulfide, a new grain
fumigant
2005-11-22
Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is a new grain fumigant which has been developed to
replace Me bromide, being phased out due to its ozone depletion properties,
and to supplement phosphine gas which is experiencing increased insect
resistance. Treatment of commodities with COS, a highly effective fumigant,
results in residues that are near or indistinguishable to natural background
levels of this compound. COS is a naturally occurring gas, being the
predominant sulfur moiety in the atmosphere, occurs naturally in food and is
a normal byproduct of mammalian aerobic metabolism. COS has low acute
inhalational toxicity but with a steep dose response curve; COS is neither
genotoxic nor a developmental toxicant but does reversibly impair male
fertility. Prolonged, repeated exposure to COS is likely to present similar
neurotoxicity hazards to that of the structurally and toxicologically related
compound carbon disulfide. Although the occupational risks presented by
COS as a fumigant of bulk grain are significant, these are, as they have
been for a considerable time for phosphine and Me bromide, manageable
by good occupational safety practices. Consideration may need to be given
to scrubbing of ventilated COS and its breakdown product hydrogen sulfide,
at the completion of fumigation to minimise worker and bystander exposure.
In terms of classical regulatory toxicological studies, the available database
for COS is deficient in many aspects and registration in most jurisdictions
will depend on sound scientific argument built upon the totality of the existing
scientific data as there are strong arguments supporting the registration of
this compound.
Authors: Bartholomaeus, Andrew R.; Haritos, Victoria S.
Full source: Food and Chemical Toxicology 2005, 43(12), 1687-1701 (Eng)