ABSTRACT
The auditory and nonauditory effects of noise can be quite profound, affecting approximately 15 to 20 million Americans. As with most occupational toxins, recognition and careful assessment of noise exposure are the foundation on which preventive measures and treatment are based. Dosimeters can measure noise exposure over specific time periods. Pure tone air conduction audiometric monitoring should be performed on an annual basis in workers at risk for significant noise exposure. Occupational infectious disease involves far more than hepatitis and tuberculosis. Periodic fever, dermatologic manifestations and other symptoms peculiar to a specific disease may be important clues to an occupationally related exposure. Whereas strict attention to hand washing and isolation are cornerstones of prevention, use of protective gear is mandated in certain situations. Zoonotic disease, agriculture exposure, water transmission, and biologic contaminants in buildings can be important but subtle exposures sources. Recognition of these infections often depends on the alertness of the primary care giver.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Communicable Diseases/etiology , Dermatitis, Occupational/etiology , Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced/etiology , Liver Diseases/etiology , Occupational Diseases/etiology , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Communicable Disease Control/methods , Dermatitis, Occupational/prevention & control , Disability Evaluation , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Epidemiological Monitoring , Hazardous Substances/adverse effects , Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced/prevention & control , Humans , Liver Diseases/prevention & control , Mass Screening/methods , Maximum Allowable Concentration , Noise, Occupational/adverse effects , Noise, Occupational/prevention & control , Occupational Diseases/diagnosis , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Occupational Exposure/prevention & control , Occupational Health , Population Surveillance/methods , Risk Factors , United States/epidemiology , United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration , Workers' CompensationABSTRACT
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of lethal poisonings in the United States. A growing number of recent reports indicate it is likely underdiagnosed as a cause of headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and other neurologic complaints. The mechanisms by which carbon monoxide exerts toxicity, especially delayed toxicity, are poorly understood. A recent case with a 5 year delay in diagnosis illustrates many of the unique and puzzling aspects of carbon monoxide toxicity.
Subject(s)
Automobile Driving , Brain Diseases/etiology , Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/complications , Fossil Fuels/adverse effects , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/etiology , Propane/adverse effects , Diagnosis, Differential , Dizziness/etiology , Fatigue/etiology , Follow-Up Studies , Headache/etiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Reflex, Abnormal , Sensation Disorders/etiology , Tremor/chemically inducedABSTRACT
Twenty-eight workers with long-term repetitive high exposures to 1,1,1-trichloroethane were evaluated for complaints of short-term memory loss, disequilibrium, moodiness, irritability, and decreased ability to concentrate. As a group, they had significant deficits in memory, intermediate memory, rhythm, and speed as measured by the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery. Platform posturography demonstrated deficits in vestibular, somatosensory, and ocular components of balance. The encephalopathic picture in these patients is similar to what has been described after exposure to other solvents.
Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/chemically induced , Occupational Diseases/chemically induced , Solvents/adverse effects , Trichloroethanes/adverse effects , Adult , Humans , Memory/drug effects , Postural Balance/drug effects , PostureABSTRACT
A recent case of chronic arsenic intoxication due to prolonged accidental ingestion of a commercially available crabgrass killer illustrates one of the more common etiologies of present day arsenic poisoning. A review of 20 years of arsenic poisoning at the University of Kentucky (21 cases) revealed no cases attributable to an industrial source. A tabulation of the 21 most recent cases is included.
