Occupational exposure limits of methyl t-butyl ether in workplace air / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To establish the occupational exposure limits for methyl t-butyl ether(MTBE) in the air of workplace in China. METHODS: According to the GBZ/T 210.1-2008 Guide for Establishing Occupational Health Standards--Part 1: Occupational Exposure Limits for Airborne Chemicals in the Workplace, we collected and analyzed data on physical and chemical properties, toxicology, occupational epidemiology and foreign occupational exposure limits related to MTBE by literature search. A total of 180 occupational workers exposed to MTBE were selected as exposure group, and 155 workers and administrative logistics personnel without exposure to MTBE were selected as the control group. Occupational hygiene investigation and occupational physical examination were carried out. We deduced the occupational exposure limits for MTBE in workplace air in China by combining literature data. RESULTS: The time-weighted average(TWA) of MTBE in the workplace air developed by the United States of America and Britain is 180.00 mg/m~3. The short-term exposure limit(STEL) of MTBE in the workplace air developed by Australia and New Zealand is 270.00 mg/m~3. The concentration of TWA(C_(TWA)) of MTBE in the exposure group was less than 0.08-4.90 mg/m~3. The concentration of short term exposure was less than 0.10-14.28 mg/m~3, and the C_(TWA) was less than 0.02-83.66 mg/m~3, in parts of workplaces. There was no statistically significant difference on the self-conscious discomfort and the abnormality in physical examination between these two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: It's recommended that the permissible concentration-TWA of MTBE should be set at 180.00 mg/m~3, and the permissible concentration-STEL should be set at 270.00 mg/m~3 in China.

Usage Of Heavy Metals In Ayurvedic Formulations And Its Management: A Review

Ayurveda is a comprehensive and systematic medicinal system, originated in India. It takes into consideration all aspects of health, including mental, physical and social components. According to the principles of Ayurvedic medication, heavy metals possess considerable therapeutic properties and can be administered to the patients after being processed properly as mentioned within the Rasashastra, in prescribed quantities. However, improper manufacturing processes might lead to higher levels of heavy metals remaining in the final product which may be dangerous. They may also be present as impurity rather than being added willfully. Heavy metals possess tendency to accumulate in vital organs and hence, pose a particular health risk. The presence of impurities in drug samples, whether herbal or pharmaceutical, is of great concern, not only because some contaminants are inherently toxic, but also they may negatively affect the stability of the drug and the lifespan, or they can cause unwanted side effects. The quality assurance of herbal formulations is the main concern of current phytomedical era due to the increase in toxicity reports. As a consequence, both organic and inorganic (elemental) impurities must be monitored and controlled in final dosage form starting from the raw materials itself. This article deals with the various aspects of heavy metals in Ayurvedic medicines such as their sources, methods used for their determination, their therapeutic significance, their toxic effects and also summarizes various guidelines and limits for their regulation.

Research on the metrological calibration in the implementation of the new project of pharmaceutical enterprises / 中国医学装备

Objective:To ensure that the metrology calibration in pharmaceutical enterprises is in compliance with the requirements of GMP, the key issues in the metrology calibration that is in the process of the implementation of the new project of pharmaceutical enterprises are researched on. Methods: The six key issues in the metrology calibration process are identified and are researched on. The six key issues is collection of the metrology information, completion of metrology information, determination of operating range and maximum permissible error, determination of calibration interval, classification management of measuring equipment, formulation of internal calibration procedure, and practical methods for the above issues are presented.Results: the metrology calibration process is controllable, the measurement result is accurate and reliable, and the measurement data can be traced back. Conclusion:when the implementation of pharmaceutical enterprises new projects, that the key issues of the metrology calibration process are made good use of these solutions can lay a good foundation for future work, and ensure that the metrology calibration process is in compliance with the requirements of GMP.

Hacia un plan nacional para el control de los efectos del mercurio en la salud en Colombia / Toward a national plan to control health effects of mercury in Colombia

Introducción. La problemática del uso del mercurio es global y afecta tanto a los humanos como al ambiente. Los efectos del mercurio en la salud son diversos, por eso es necesario abordar el problema desde una perspectiva amplia, identificando las poblaciones en riesgo de exposición, sus efectos en la salud, los procesos productivos involucrados y las acciones para disminuir la exposición y mitigar el impacto. Objetivo. Diseñar un marco conceptual y operativo para desarrollar estrategias de prevención, control y mitigación de los efectos del mercurio sobre la salud y el ambiente en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio en dos fases: una revisión de la literatura científica siguiendo la metodología Cochrane, y foros con expertos nacionales e internacionales orientados a la planificación integral para identificar las acciones prioritarias y construir la agenda de investigación nacional . Resultados. Los resultados de la revisión se estructuraron en cuatro componentes: efectos del mercurio en la salud, marco legal en Colombia, inventario de emisiones en el país, y planes y programas existentes en el sector de la salud. Se presentaron recomendaciones para diseñar un plan de intervenciones considerando cinco líneas de acción: gestión tecnológica para la prevención de la exposición, fortalecimiento institucional para la prevención y el control de la exposición, fortalecimiento de estrategias de diagnóstico y atención, educación en salud sobre los riesgos del mercurio y generación de conocimiento . Conclusiones. Se visibilizaron vacíos de información, así como debilidades técnicas, administrativas y necesidad de recursos en Colombia, y se propusieron acciones prioritarias para disminuir el impacto económico, social y en salud de la exposición al mercurio.

Introduction: The problem of mercury effects on humans and the environment is global, and it has different impacts on health. It is necessary, therefore, to address this issue from a broad overview to identify populations at risk of exposure, health effects, the production processes involved and the actions aimed at reducing exposure and mitigating the impact. Objective: To design a conceptual and operational framework to develop strategies for prevention, control and mitigation of mercury effects on health and on the environment in Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a two-phase study: a literature review following the Cochrane methodology and forums with national and international experts using a comprehensive planning methodology to identify priority actions and establish a national research agenda. Results: The results of the review were structured into four components: mercury effects on health, legal framework in Colombia, emission inventory for the country and health plans and programs. We made recommendations for the design of an intervention plan considering five lines of action: technologies for exposure management, institutional strengthening for exposure prevention and control, strategies for strengthening diagnosis and care, health education on mercury risks, and knowledge generation. Conclusion: We detected information gaps, technical weaknesses, and the need of administrative and other resources in this field in Colombia. We proposed priority actions to reduce the economic, social and health impact from exposure to mercury.

Discussion on occupational exposure limits of Type F uranium compounds in workplaces / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective Derived air concentration of Type F uranium compounds are calculated respectively in order to provide reference for the management and evaluation of occupational hazard factors in workplace.Methods The air concentrations in the workplace of Type F uranium compounds were derived respectively through numerical simulationn,from individual dose limits,acute poisoning and chronic chemical damage threshold.Results Under normal operation conditions,the concentration of 5 μg /m3 for Type F uranium compounds in air of workplace can meet the requirements of radiation and chemical hazard control.Open inhalation of 1.1 mg/m3 is acceptable in a short time.Conclusions It is feasible to establish a permissible concentration limit in workplace for Type F uranium compounds.

Determinación de plomo en lápices labiales de diferentes marcas comercializados en Lima / Determination of plumb in lip pencils of different commercial marks in Lima

Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de plomo en los lápices labiales de diferentes marcas que se expenden en la ciudad de Lima. Material y Método: Se utilizó 24 lápices labiales de cinco marcas comerciales operantes en Perú, procedentes del centro comercial Capón en Lima. La presencia de plomo se determinó por el método de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica con horno de grafito. Para la validación estadística, se determinó la media y la desviación estándar. Resultados: Se encontró mayor contenido de plomo en las marcas LAL-04-YHBC (3,02 ppm), LAL-05-BALOE (2,10 ppm), LAL- 02-RW (1,55 ppm) y LAL-03-VCYH (1,22 ppm); contrastada con una marca poco conocida,de código LAL-01-CHOCO PLUSII en la que no se detectó plomo. Conclusiones: De los lápices labiales estudiados, cuatro de ellos superaron los valores permisibles de plomo (0,1 ppm), que es un valor referencial para caramelos.

Objective: To determine the presence of lead in lipsticks from different brands that are sold in the city of Lima. Material and Methods: 24 lipsticks of five different trademarks were used, from the shopping center in Lima Capon. The presence of lead was determined by the method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry with graphite furnace. For statistical validation, the mean and standard deviation was determined. Results: The highest lead content was found in the LAL -04 - YHBC (3.02 ppm) , LAL -05 - BALOE (2.10 ppm) , LAL -02 -RW (1.55 ppm) and LAL -03 marks - VCYH (1.22 ppm ) ; contrasted with a little known brand , LAL -01- CHOCO PLUSII code where no lead was detected. Conclusions: Of the studied lipsticks, four exceeded the permissible values of lead (0.1 ppm), which is a reference value for candy.

Variation of Heavy Metal Content of Market Variants of Ayurvedic Formulation - Lack of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Aim: The present study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal content in samples of Kutazghan Vati (a pill), from three different manufacturers to know about the quality control measures being followed by manufacturers for GMP. The study will also provide a platform for regulatory authorities to tighten the noose and upgrade the industry about high heavy metal levels in relation to international regulations. Methodology: Three variants of Kutajghan Vati coded as A, B, and C manufactured by different leading manufacturers was procured from local market. Heavy metals analysis was done according to AOAC (1995) for non volatile heavy metals. Results: Cadmium content of two variants A and C was within permissible limits where as cadmium content of variant B was 2.98 ppm about ten times higher than the permissible limits of 0.3 ppm set up by WHO and the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The lead content of variant A was 36.33 ppm that was about four times against the permissible value set up by WHO. Despite very low detection limits, mercury and arsenic were not detectable in all the three variants depicting that the formulation were free from these heavy metals. Conclusions: Despite same guidelines issued by same regulatory authorities fo production of ayurvedic formulations for permissible limits of heavy metal content, three different manufacturers marketed the same formulation with different heavy metal content which reflects that industry seems to be negligent for maintaining proper quality control. This study suggests that periodic estimation of heavy metals is highly essential for single drugs, raw drugs as well as finished products for quality assurance and safer use of herbal drugs.

Study on the Relationship between Gender-Role Stereotypes, Sexual Assault Awareness and Permissible limit in the College Students

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify the relationship between gender-role stereotypes, sexual assault awareness and permissible limits in the college students. METHODS: With a structured survey, a sample of 756 college students who agreed to participate in the study completed a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The result showed that gender-role stereotypes differed significantly depending on gender and age, while awareness of sexual assault differed significantly depending on gender, age, and location of residence. The permissible limits in sexual assault differed significantly according to gender, relationship with parents, and location of residence. There were significant relationships among awareness of sexual assault, gender-role stereotypes, and permissible limits of sexual assault. CONCLUSION: The result will provide preliminary data and strategies to develop sexual assault prevention programs.

Mudança significativa do limiar auditivo em trabalhadores expostos a diferentes níveis de ruído / Significant auditory threshold shift among workers exposed to different noise levels

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a audição e a ocorrência de mudança significativa do limiar auditivo em trabalhadores de frigoríficos expostos a níveis de ruído abaixo das Normas e Regulamentações nacionais e internacionais e compará-los com trabalhadores expostos a níveis de ruído considerados excessivos. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se um banco de dados contendo informações longitudinais de 266 trabalhadores. Foram selecionados trabalhadores com um mínimo de três exames audiométricos e os que continham dados de exposição ao ruído. Foram mantidos 63 exames, classificados de acordo com sua exposição ao ruído em três níveis: 79 a 84,9 dB(A), 85 a 89,9 dB(A) e 90 a 98,8 dB(A). Foi avaliada a ocorrência de perdas auditivas e de mudança significativa de limiar auditivo dos participantes de cada subgrupo. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se diferenças em todas as frequências nos testes de comparação entre a média dos limiares auditivos para cada frequência em função do nível de exposição ao ruído. A correlação entre a ocorrência de Perda Auditiva Induzida por Níveis de Pressão Sonora Elevados (PAINPSE) e os anos de exposição ao ruído dentro da empresa atual foi significativa (R=0,373; p=0,079). Foram encontradas mudanças permanentes de limiar auditivo nos três níveis de exposição ao ruído. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados do presente estudo sugerem a existência de uma associação entre mudança significativa do limiar auditivo dos trabalhadores e os anos de exposição ao ruído considerado de baixo risco.

PURPOSE: To assess the hearing status and signs of significant auditory threshold shifts in meat-processing facility workers who are exposed to noise levels below nationally and internationally recommended exposure limits, and to compare these results with data from workers exposed to excessive noise levels. METHODS: Longitudinal audiometric data from 266 workers were evaluated, and only workers with a minimum of three audiometric test results and noise exposure records were selected for this study. The 63 assessments selected were classified according to subjects' noise exposure into three levels: 79 to 84.9 dB(A), 85 to 89.9 dB(A), and 90 to 98.9 dB(A). Occurrences of hearing loss and significant auditory threshold shifts were assessed, in each group. RESULTS: Differences in the mean thresholds were observed in all test frequencies among the different groups. A significant correlation was found between occurrence of noise-induced hearing loss and duration of noise exposure (in years) at the present industrial facility (R=0.373; p=0.079). Significant auditory threshold shifts were found in all three levels of noise exposure. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest the existence of an association between significant auditory threshold shifts in workers and the years of exposure to low risk noise levels.

Development and Assessment Individual Maximum Permissible Dose Method of I-131 Therapy in High Risk Patients with Differentiated Papillary Thyroid Cancer / 대한핵의학회잡지

PURPOSE: Radioiodine (I-131) therapy is an effective modality to reduce both recurrence and mortality rates in differentiated thyroid cancer. Whether higher doses shows higher therapeutic responses was still debatable. The purpose of this study was to validate curve-fitting (CF) method measuring maximum permissible dose (MPD) by a biological dosimetry using metaphase analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Therapeutic effects of MPD was evaluated in 58 patients (49 females and 9 males, mean age 50+/-11 years) of papillary thyroid cancer. Among them 43 patients were treated with or =9.25 GBq. The former was defined as low-dose group, and the latter high-dose group. Therapeutic response was defined as complete response when complete disappearance of lesions on follow-up I-131 scan and undetectable serum thyroglobulin levels were found. Statistical comparison between groups were done using chi-square test. P value less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: MPD measured by CF method using tracer and therapeutic doses were 13.3+/-1.9 and 13.8+/-2.1 GBq, respectively (p=0.20). They showed a significant correlation (r=0.8, p< 0.0001). Exposed doses to blood measured by CF and biological methods were 1.54+/-0.03 and 1.78+/-0.03 Gy (p=0.01). They also showed a significant correlation (r=0.86, p=0.01). High-dose group showed a significantly higher rate of complete response (12/15, 80%) as compared to the low-dose group (22/43, 51.2%) (p=0.05). While occurrence of side effects was not different between two groups (40% vs. 30.2%, p=0.46). CONCLUSION: Measurement of MPD using CF method is reliable, and the high-dose I-131 therapy using MPD gains significantly higher therapeutic effects as compared with low-dose therapy.

Verification of Measurement Methods and Therapeutic Efficacy of Maximum Permissible Dose of I-131 in High Risk Patients with Differentiated Papillary Thyroid Cancer / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Radioiodine (I-131) therapy is an effective modality to reduce both recurrence and mortality rates in differentiated thyroid cancer. Whether higher doses shows higher therapeutic responses was still debatable. The purpose of this study was to validate curve-fitting (CF) method measuring maximum permissible dose (MPD) by a biological dosimetry using metaphase analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes. METHODS: Therapeutic effects of MPD was also evaluated in 58 patients (49 females and 9 males, mean age 50±11 years) of papillary thyroid cancer. Among them 43 patients were treated with ≤7.4 GBq, while 15 patients with ≥9.25 GBq. The former was defined as low-dose group, and the latter high-dose group. Therapeutic response was defined as complete response when complete disappearance of lesions on follow-up I-131 scan and undetectable serum thyroglobulin levels were found. Statistical comparison between groups were done using chi-square test. P value less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: MPD measured by CF method using tracer and therapeutic doses were 13.3±1.9 and 13.8±2.1 GBq, respectively (P=0.20). They showed a significant correlation (r=0.8, P<0.0001). Exposed doses to blood measured by CF and biological methods were 1.54±0.03 and 1.78±0.03 Gy (P=0.01). They also showed a significant correlation (r=0.86, P=0.01). High-dose group showed a significantly higher rate of complete response (12/15, 80%) as compared to the low-dose group (22/43, 51.2%) (P=0.05). While occurrence of side effects was not different between two groups (40% vs. 30.2%, P=0.46). CONCLUSIONS: measurement of MPD using CF method is reliable, and the high-dose I-131 therapy using MPD gains significantly higher therapeutic effects as compared with low-dose therapy.

Study on the Relationsnlp of Collecting Volume, Time to Analytic Error and Indoor TSP to Outdoor During Determination of Inhalable Particles / 环境与健康杂志

Weighing collected samPles to determine the IPS' content of indoor air and adopting the length of collecting time as 4 , 6and8 hours, the experimental accuracy and analytic errors were seParatdy analysed in different length of collecting time, as a result, when the IPS' content is less than 0.300mg.m-3, the smallest co-fficient of variation came from the statistic result of which its length of collecting time was 8 hours and in anaylsis its Permissible relative errors were not more than 10%, so it could be determined that the apporiate length of ccollecting time was 8 hours ( CIP

A study on the status of working environment control and health management of workers in a manufacturing industries / 예방의학회지

To obtain the useful information for the status of working environment and health management of workers in manufacturing industries, comparision of results on the status of working environmental and health management of workers for 32 manufacturing industries in Chunam area from 1988 to 1989 was carried out. The results were as follows: 1. The rate of over-PEL(Permissible Exposure Limit) to for hazardous factors decreased significantly 23.5% in 1988, 18.3% in 1989 (p<0.05) and, the highest rate of over-PEL was the stone and sand handling industry, the highest rate of over-PEL was the dusty worplace as 38.5% in 1988, 35.2% in 1989. 2. The rate of workers exposed to hazardous factors in 1988 and in 1989 was 22.4% respectively, the rate of workers checked up special health examination was 40.1% in 1988, 75.3% in 1989. In stone and sand handling an dmedicochemical industries, none of workers exposed to hazardous factors was subjected to special health examination in 1988, but 75% of workers exposed to hazardous factors had checked up in 1989. 3. The 6 industries appointed as part-time factory physician among 17 industries which were supposed to have factory physician according to the Safety and Healthy Act of Korea, 6 out of 24 industries only appointed industrial hygienist, furthermore 4 out of 6 hygienists had another duty in addition to occupational hygiene itself.