Assessment of health implications related to processing and use of natural wool insulation products.

This paper discusses possible health implications related to dust particles released during the manufacture of sheep's wool-based non-woven insulation material. Such insulation may replace traditional synthetic insulation products used in roofs, wall cavities, etc. A review of the literature concerning organic dusts in general and sheep's wool fiber summarizes dust exposure patterns, toxicological pathways and the hazards imposed by inhalation and explosion risk. This paper highlights a need for more research in order to refrain from overgeneralizing potential pulmonary and carcinogenic risks across the industries. Variables existing between industries such as the use of different wool types, processes, and additives are shown to have varying health effects. Within the final section of the paper, the health issues raised are compared with those that have been extensively documented for the rock and glass wool industries.

Improved iodine-125 plaque design in the treatment of choroidal malignant melanoma.

The use and development of iodine-125 plaque therapy for choroidal malignant melanoma are described. Since 1975 experience has led to changes in plaque design and insertion techniques. Twenty-one patients were irradiated with local episcleral iodine-125 plaques. Three patients required a second plaque for tumour recurrence. Four eyes were enucleated because of continued tumour growth and a further eye was removed because of glaucoma secondary to radiation retinopathy. Two patients (9.5%) died of metastases. The remaining 19 patients are alive and clinically clear of metastases, with a mean follow up time of 73.1 months (range 43-142 months).