Investigation of non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in 16 medical institutions / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions and to explore feasible control measures for occupational diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>On-site measurement and assessment of ultra-high-frequency radiation, high-frequency electromagnetic field, microwave radiation, and laser radiation were carried out in 16 medical institutions using the methods in the Measurement of Physical Agents in Workplace (GBZ/T189-2007).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the investigated medical institutions failed to take effective protective measures against non-ionizing radiation. Of the 17 ultra-short wave therapy apparatus, 70.6%, 47.1%, and 17.64% had a safe intensity of ultra-high-frequency radiation on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. Of the 4 external high-frequency thermotherapy apparatus, 100%, 75%, and 75%had a safe intensity of high-frequency electromagnetic field on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. In addition, the intensities of microwave radiation and laser radiation produced by the 18 microwave therapy apparatus and 12 laser therapeutic apparatus met national health standards.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions, and effective prevention and control measures are necessary.</p>

Effects on serum myelin proteins of n-hexane exposure / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Exploring the effects of n-hexane on expression of serum myelin proteins in occupational exposure workers, and finding the early biomarker of n-hexane exposure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In the study, 373 subjects were recruited, 269 exposure workers (work experience of more than1 year) and 104 non-exposure workers were selected. Firstly examined the level of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the two groups, based on urinary 2,5-hexanedione biological limit value (4 mg/L), the exposed group was divided into high-exposed group and low-exposed group. And then collected blood samples and extracted serum. Human peripheral myelin protein zero (P0) antibody (IgG, IgM) and human peripheral myelin protein two (P2) antibody (IgG, IgM) analysis was performed according to ELISA kit.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The concentration of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the exposed group was (3.10 ± 1.35) mg/L. The level of P0 antibody (IgG, IgM) and P2 antibody (IgG, IgM) in the high-exposed group and low-exposed group were both higher than that in the controls (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>P0 antibody and P2 antibody could be used as the early biomarkers of n-hexane exposure, which not only evaluate the occupational hazards in the early, but also provide the policy maker with scientific evidence.</p>

Effects of n-hexane exposure on human serum myelin basic proteins / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of n-hexane on expression of serum myelin proteins (MBP) in workers occupationally exposed to n-hexane.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this study, 269 workers exposed to n-hexane for more than one year and 104 subjects not exposed to n-hexane served as the exposure group and the control group, respectively. The urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels in all subjects were detected. On the basis of urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels, the exposure group was divided into the high exposure sub-group and low exposure sub-group. The serum myelin basic protein (MBP) levels were measured by ELISA kit.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean concentration of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the exposed group was (3.10 +/- 1.35) mg/L. The concentration of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the control group was undetectable. The levels of serum MBP in the high exposure sub-group and low exposure sub-group were (2.43 +/- 0.24) and (1.62 +/- 0.23) microg/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than that (0.78 +/- 0.12) microg/L in the controls (P < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis showed the positive correlation between serum MBP levels and urinary 2,5-hexanedione levels (r = 0.781, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of present study showed that the serum MBP levels of workers occupationally exposed to n-hexane significantly elevated, and the serum MBP can serve as the effective biomarker of n-hexane exposure.</p>