Occupational exposure to dusts and risk of renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposures to dusts have generally been examined in relation to cancers of the respiratory system and have rarely been examined in relation to other cancers, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Although previous epidemiological studies, though few, have shown certain dusts, such as asbestos, to increase renal cancer risk, the potential for other occupational dust exposures to cause kidney damage and/or cancer may exist. We investigated whether asbestos, as well as 20 other occupational dust exposures, were associated with RCC risk in a large European, multi-center, hospital-based renal case-control study. METHODS: General occupational histories and job-specific questionnaires were reviewed by occupational hygienists for subject-specific information. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) between RCC risk and exposures were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Among participants ever exposed to dusts, significant associations were observed for glass fibres (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-3.9), mineral wool fibres (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2-5.1), and brick dust (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.4). Significant trends were also observed with exposure duration and cumulative exposure. No association between RCC risk and asbestos exposure was observed. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that increased RCC risk may be associated with occupational exposure to specific types of dusts. Additional studies are needed to replicate and extend findings.

Elaboration of a quantitative job-exposure matrix for historical exposure to airborne exposures in the Polish rubber industry.

BACKGROUND: A job-exposure matrix (JEM) for inhalable aerosols, aromatic amines, and cyclohexane soluble matter (CSM) was elaborated based on measurements collected routinely between 1981 and 1996. METHODS: The data were grouped based on similarities in exposure levels and time trends in different departments, and were analyzed using smoothing splines and mixed effects models. RESULTS: Although higher than in western European countries, inhalable aerosol exposure decreased after changes in production volume and implementation of exposure reduction measures in mid-1980s. Aromatic amines concentrations first increased following the factory's production volume, but subsequently decreased in more recent years. CSM concentrations were uniformly distributed between departments. CONCLUSIONS: This JEM provides an overview of historical exposure levels in a large Polish rubber factory and will enable estimation of lifetime exposure for individual workers in a Polish rubber workers cohort and further investigation of the associations between specific exposures and cancer risk.

Renal cell carcinoma, occupational pesticide exposure and modification by glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms.

This study investigated associations between occupational pesticide exposure and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk. To follow-up on a previous report by Buzio et al., we also considered whether this association could be modified by glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 (GSTM1 and GSTT1) genotypes. About 1097 RCC cases and 1476 controls from Central and Eastern Europe were interviewed to collect data on lifetime occupational histories. Occupational information for jobs held for at least 12 months duration was coded for pesticide exposures and assessed for frequency and intensity of exposure. GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions were analyzed using TaqMan assays. A significant increase in RCC risk was observed among subjects ever exposed to pesticides [odds ratio (OR): 1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-2.55]. After stratification by genotypes, increased risk was observed among exposed subjects with at least one GSTM1 active allele (OR: 4.00; 95% CI: 1.55-10.33) but not among exposed subjects with two GSTM1 inactive alleles compared with unexposed subjects with two inactive alleles (P-interaction: 0.04). Risk was highest among exposed subjects with both GSTM1 and GSTT1 active genotypes (OR: 6.47; 95% CI: 1.82-23.00; P-interaction: 0.02) compared with unexposed subjects with at least one GSTM1 or T1 inactive genotype. In the largest RCC case-control study with genotype information conducted to date, we observed that risk associated with pesticide exposure was exclusive to individuals with active GSTM1/T1 genotypes. These findings further support the hypothesis that glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms can modify RCC risk associated with occupational pesticide exposure.

[Occupational exposure to gases emitted in mild and stainless steel welding]. / Narazenie zawodowe na gazy wydzielajace sie w procesach spawania stali nisko- i wysokostopowych.

The objective of this work was to select optimal methods for determination of toxic gases (NOx, NO2, CO, CO2, O3) and to evaluate occupational exposure of welders to those gases. The survey covered workers employed in shipyards, and other metal product fabrication plants engaged in welding mild and stainless steel by different techniques (manual metal are, metal active gas, tungsten inert gas welding; gas, plasma, laser cutting and resistance welding). Personal and stationary air samples were collected to determine time weighted average (TWA) and short-term concentrations of gases. For determination of nitrogen oxides the following analytical techniques were employed: spectrophotometry with collection on liquid and solid sorbents and ion chromatography with collection on solid sorbents. All the gases were determined also by automatic or direct reading methods: flow or diffusion detector tubes and photometric and electrochemical analyzers. The determined TWA concentrations were below respective Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MAC) but exposure limits for short term exposure were exceeded in some cases. The average NO2 i NOx ratio was 1:4. According to Polish regulations regarding the MAC value for nitrogen oxides the analytical method should enable determination of total NOx by either direct or indirect simultaneous determination of both NO and NO2. The applicability of the spectrophotometric method of analysis of atmospheric NOx to determination of low NOx concentrations at welders working posts has been confirmed.

[Exposure assessment strategies for determination of compliance with ceiling occupational exposure limits]. / Problemy zwiazane z ocena zgodnosci warunków pracy z wartosciami dopuszczalnymi dla stezenia pulapowego.

The goal of the assessment of exposure to chemicals is to demonstrate the compliance with occupational exposure limit (OEL). There are numerous publications on recommended air sampling strategies for compliance measurements of time weighted average (TWA) concentrations of chemicals but no clear and unambiguous guidelines for measurements and interpretation of ceiling concentrations can be found. Furthermore, definitions and interpretation of ceiling values in different countries may differ considerably. Systems of establishing ceiling limit values, their definitions and interpretation in Germany, the USA (OSHA, ACGIH and NIOSH), the UK and Poland have been reviewed. In most countries of the European Union and in the USA, continuous monitoring using either self contained instruments, multipoint sampling systems or multiplexed sensors is considered as being the most appropriate approach. Based on the literature review the following air sampling strategies have been proposed:--for substances with both OEL--Ceiling and OEL-TWA values dual sampling: 8-hour samples for time weighted average concentrations, and in parallel short (5-10 min) samples during the expected highest exposure for ceiling concentrations measurements; for substances with OEL--Ceiling as the only exposure limit (which is preferable); continuous monitoring using direct reading instruments, possibly with an alarm device. If such instruments are not available, short time measurements may be performed at regular (30 min) intervals using direct reading gas analysers or detector tubes.

[Problems faced in hygiene evaluation of Welders' working conditions--analysis of chemical hazards]. / Problemy zwiazane z higieniczna ocena warunków pracy spawaczy--analiza szkodliwosci chemicznych.

Dissemination of individual welding methods, as well as assessment of welding fume and gas emissions and their physical properties, chemical composition and related difficulties in hygiene evaluation of working conditions are discussed.

Occupational exposure in Polish paint and lacquer industry.

Evaluation of occupational exposure to solvent vapours in the production of paints and lacquers is presented. The measurements were carried out in 5 paint and lacquer producing plants of the varied level of technical and technological advancement. Evaluation of exposure was based on determination of all substances identified in the work environment. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography with MSD and FID. Standard mixtures composed of 40 substances were used for calibration. The determined levels of exposure were directly dependent on technical conditions and modernisation status in factories investigated. Measurements were carried out in the uniform analytical system, which assures comparability of the data from all the factories under study.

[Reliability of routine measurements of the atmospheric air pollutant nitrogen dioxide]. / Wiarygodnosc analiz podstawowych zanieczyszczen powietrza atmosferycznego dwutlenek azotu.

On the basis of an external quality control of nitrogen dioxide measurements in the atmospheric air (emmission), the preparation of control material, its evaluation and durability are presented. The results of the control test carried out in the spring 1995 is also discussed.

[Prognosis after exposure to engine fuel vapours]. / Prognozowanie narazenia na pary paliw silnikowych.

Exposure of workers employed in the distribution and transportation of liquid fuels is a very complex problem. As a preliminary stage, an analytical procedure for the identification and quantitative determination of liquid fuel components is presented. The composition of different types of gasoline was also analysed. Knowledge about the fuel composition is essential for predicting exposure to hydrocarbons and other unburned compounds amitted from tanks and car engines.

[Chloroform concentration in drinking water of the Lódz municipal area]. / Stezenie chloroformu w wodzie do picia w aglomeracji lódzkiej.

Chloroform is one the most important pollutants, formed in the process of chlorination of water from surface intakes. The city of lódz is supplied with water mainly from surface intakes containing considerable amounts of organic material and from deep water intakes. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of selected organic compounds including chloroform in raw water, water after chlorination and on different stages of purification as well as in water introduced to the municipal water supply system. Chloroform was analysed in n-pentane extracts by gas chromatography with ECD. The detection limit of the analytical method was 1 microgram/l. Concentrations of chloroform in raw water were very low, in most cases below the limit of detection. As a result of chlorination level of chloroform in water increased reaching as high as 120 micrograms/l. It has been shown that activated charcoal was not efficient in removing chloroform from water. Concentrations of chloroform were much lower in water from the municipal water supply system serving the northern part of town, where water from surface intakes was mixed with water from deep intakes. Concentrations exceeding 30 micrograms/l were determined only in the summer season. In both investigated parts of municipal water supply systems seasonal changes of chloroform concentration were observed with maximum values in June-August. The concentration of chloroform in water samples collected in different quarters of town were strictly correlated with its concentration in treated water from the municipal water supply system serving the quarter.

[Reliability of routine measurements of atmospheric air pollution using sulfur dioxide as an example]. / Wiarygodnosc analiz podstawowych zanieczyszen powietrza atmosferycznego na przykladzie dwutlenku siarki.

On the basis of an external quality control of sulfur dioxide measurements in the atmospheric air (emission), the preparation of control material, its evaluation and a two-week durability of the material are presented. The results of the control test carried out in autumn 1994 is also discussed.

[Exposure to chromium compounds during processing of chromium iron ore]. / Narazenie na zwiazki chromu przy przetwórstwie rudy chromitowej w Polsce.

The work verifies data gathered by Occupational Hygiene departments of Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations about workers exposure to chromium compounds in the processing of chrome iron ore. Research showed that 7 plants were involved in the processing of chrome iron ore and that the number of workers directly employed in the process amounted to 215-230. About 150 workers were exposed to high concentrations of chromium compounds which exceeded hygienic standards. All of them were employed only in metallurgical plants. The remaining 80-100 workers subjected to the study exposed to relatively low chromium concentrations were employed in chemical plants and refractory materials plants.

Construction and calibration of a personal passive dosimeter for sampling organic gases and vapours in breathing zone air.

A personal passive dosimeter of the permeation type has been constructed for sampling organic gases and vapours in breathing zone air. In the dosimeter, paper coated with silicone rubber serves as a permeation membrane. The device has been calibrated for 14 organic substances. The experimentally determined sampling rate values for investigated compounds were independent of face air velocity and in almost all cases of compounds' concentration in the air. No difference between sampling rates for single compounds and their mixtures has been observed.

[Exposure to vinyl chloride in the Polish industry]. / Narazenie na chlorek winylu w polskim przemysle.

Information concerning exposure to vinyl chloride collected in Occupational Hygiene Departments of Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations were verified. On the basis of the studies performed it was found that about 3700-4000 persons in Poland are occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride; 400 of these workers are employed at the synthesis and polymeryzation of vinyl chloride, and the others at plasticination and processing of polyvinyl chloride. About 200 workers employed in 3 plants of vinyl chloride polymerization and synthesis and about 30 employees of one of the plants processing this compound are exposed to vinyl chloride whose concentration exceeds the hygienic standard accepted in Poland (30 mg/m3).

[Principles of air sampling and interpretation of its results in evaluating occupational exposure to toxic substances in the work area. I. Individual dosimetry]. / Zasady pobierania próbek powietrza i interpretacji wyników w ocenie narazenia zawodowego na substancje toksyczne w srodowisku pracy.

The authors discuss methods for applying individual dosimetry in the assessment of occupational exposure to toxic substances. Methods for air sampling using individual pumps and individual passive dosimeters in order to estimate weighted average concentration and momentary concentration for the whole working shifts are presented. Also, the principles of interpreting measuring results are indicated.

[Principles of air sampling and interpretation of its results in evaluating occupational exposure to toxic substances in the work area. II. Stationary measurements]. / Zasady pobierania próbek powietrza i interpretacji wyników w ocenie narazenia zawodowego na substancje toksyczne w srodowisku pracy. II. Pomiary stacjonarne.

The paper presents the principles of performing stationary measurements for the assessment of occupational exposure to toxic substances. A classification of work-stands was introduced according to the length of time spent at them. The strategy of measurements was adapted to the type of a given work-stand. The interpretation of measurement results was based on the exposure factors, relevant for a specific work-stand. Also, the principles of air sampling and of the interpretation of the results of the evaluation of instantaneous and threshold concentrations are discussed.

[Exposure to beta-naphthylamine in the Polish industry]. / Narazenie na beta-naftyloamine w polskim przemysle.

Data on occupational exposure to beta-naphthylamine obtained from Departments of Occupational Hygiene in Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations have been verified. The verification implied that this compound may occur in air only at the production of phenyl-beta-naphthylamine and in few research laboratories where exposure bears no industrial nature. The exposure to beta-naphthylamine at the production of phenyl-beta-naphthylamine was evaluated. The studies demonstrated that beta-naphthylamine occurs in air only at scaling of phenyl-beta-naphthylamine and its concentration does not exceed 0.0024 mg/m3.

[Usefulness of passive dosimeters of carbon disulfide made in the East Germany for evaluating individual occupational exposure to this compound]. / Ocena przydatnosci pasywnych dozymetrów dwusiarczku wegla produkcji NRD do oceny indywidualnego narazenia zawodowego na ten zwiazek.

To evaluate the usefulness of passive reactive dosimeters for the determination of individual exposure to carbon disulphide, field studies in viscose plants in Poland and East Germany have been carried out. Totally, 43 workers have been examined, using active charcoal pipes joined with personal samplers as a reference air sampling method. The results of measurements point to a statistically significant difference between passive dosimeters findings and exposure evaluation by the reference method. The 1.5-2.2 times lower results indicate too little usefulness of passive dosimeters made in East Germany as a quantitative method of evaluating occupational exposure to carbon disulphide in Polish viscose plants.

Urinary mandelic acid as an exposure test for ethylbenzene.

Absorption of ethylbenzene and excretion of mandelic acid were investigated under controlled conditions in six volunteers, exposed at concentrations of 18, 34, 80, and 200 mg/m3. Retention of ethylbenzene vapours in the lungs was 49 +/- 5%. Elimination of mandelic acid was found to be biphasic, with biological half-life values of 3.1 and 24.5 h. Total excreted mandelic acid accounts for 55 +/- 2% of retained ethylbenzene. The results obtained were applied to devise an exposure test for ethylbenzene, which would enable the precise evaluation of exposure at low ethylbenzene, vapour concentrations (+/- 13%). Exposures, carried out dermally, gave a rationale for the exclusion of the skin as a route of entry of ethylbenzene vapours into the body.

[Occupational exposure to oil mist resulting from the use of cutting fluids]. / Problemy ekspozycji zawodowej na mgle olejowa przy stosowaniu plynów obróbkowych.

Basing on literature data on toxic effects of oil mist as well as on the results of epidemiological studies, an airborne concentration of 5 mg/m3 of oil mist was suggested as a safe value and 10 mg/m3--as a limit value MAC. Analytical methods used to determine oil mist in the air were surveyed. The fluorescence method was regarded as the best one for evaluation of occupational exposure within low concentrations. Also the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons seems to be advisable at the workstations where cutting fluids are used. A number of recommendations wee given aimed at a decrease in occupational risk at work with oils and oil emulsions used as a cooler.