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Bulletin Board December 9, 2005 Contact us: [email protected] tel +61 3 9572 4700 fax +61 3 9572 4777 Emergency +61 3 9573 3112 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)