Acute health effects of desktop 3D printing (fused deposition modeling) using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polylactic acid materials: An experimental exposure study in human volunteers.

3D printers are increasingly run at home. Nanoparticle emissions from those printers have been reported, which raises the question whether adverse health effects from ultrafine particles (UFP) can be elicited by 3D printers. We exposed 26 healthy adults in a single-blinded, randomized, cross-over design to emissions of a desktop 3D printer using fused deposition modeling (FDM) for 1 hour (high UFP-emitting acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS] vs low-emitting polylactic acid [PLA]). Before and after exposures, cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, INF-γ) and ECP in nasal secretions, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), urinary 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso PGF2α ), and self-reported symptoms were assessed. The exposures had no significant differential effect on 8-iso PGF2α and nasal biomarkers. However, there was a difference (P < .05) in the time course of FeNO, with higher levels after ABS exposure. Moreover, indisposition and odor nuisance were increased for ABS exposure. These data suggest that 1 hour of exposure to 3D printer emissions had no acute effect on inflammatory markers in nasal secretions and urine. The slight relative increase in FeNO after ABS printing compared to PLA might be due to eosinophilic inflammation from inhaled UFP particles. This possibility should be investigated in further studies using additional biomarkers and longer observation periods.

Psychological and cognitive effects of laser printer emissions: A controlled exposure study.

The possible impact of ultrafine particles from laser printers on human health is controversially discussed although there are persons reporting substantial symptoms in relation to these emissions. A randomized, single-blinded, cross-over experimental design with two exposure conditions (high-level and low-level exposure) was conducted with 23 healthy subjects, 14 subjects with mild asthma, and 15 persons reporting symptoms associated with laser printer emissions. To separate physiological and psychological effects, a secondary physiologically based categorization of susceptibility to particle effects was used. In line with results from physiological and biochemical assessments, we found no coherent, differential, or clinically relevant effects of different exposure conditions on subjective complaints and cognitive performance in terms of attention, short-term memory, and psychomotor performance. However, results regarding the psychological characteristics of participants and their situational perception confirm differences between the participants groups: Subjects reporting symptoms associated with laser printer emissions showed a higher psychological susceptibility for adverse reactions in line with previous results on persons with multiple chemical sensitivity or idiopathic environmental intolerance. In conclusion, acute psychological and cognitive effects of laser printer emissions were small and could be attributed only to different participant groups but not to differences in exposure conditions in terms of particle number concentrations.

Respiratory allergies among veterinarians: two cross-sectional surveys from 2006 to 2012.

PURPOSE: Animal-related allergy is known to be an occupational hazard among veterinarians; however, there is a lack of data showing to which extent these are affected. We aimed at describing the prevalence of respiratory allergies in this population. METHODS: In two repeated cross-sectional surveys in 2006 and 2012 in Bavaria, we examined the prevalence of wheezing, asthma and allergic rhinitis by questionnaires. We additionally performed multiple regression analysis to identify associated factors. RESULTS: Overall participation rate was above 60%, leading to sample sizes of 512 in 2006 and 596 in 2012, respectively. Prevalences of allergic symptoms ranged from 5.1 to 5.6% for asthma, 17.0 to 20.2% for rhinitis, and 11.4 to 14.3% for wheezing, as well as 7.2 to 11.3% for wheezing without having a cold. The percentage of women in this occupation grew between the first and second survey. There were gender differences in both surveys concerning age and practice type (p < 0.0001). Women had a lower mean age (42.1 vs. 53.0 years in 2012) and worked much more often exclusively with small animals (50.2 vs. 15.9% in 2012). There was a borderline significantly higher prevalence for allergic rhinitis in women than in men in 2012 (20.1 vs. 13.7, p = 0.052). Having allergic rhinitis was clearly associated with wheezing, wheezing without cold and asthma. CONCLUSIONS: In a repeated cross-sectional survey at an interval of 6 years among veterinarians, we found a relatively stable overall prevalence of wheeze, wheeze without having a cold, asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Health effects of laser printer emissions: a controlled exposure study.

Ultrafine particles emitted from laser printers are suspected to elicit adverse health effects. We performed 75-minute exposures to emissions of laser printing devices (LPDs) in a standardized, randomized, cross-over manner in 23 healthy subjects, 14 mild, stable asthmatics, and 15 persons reporting symptoms associated with LPD emissions. Low-level exposures (LLE) ranged at the particle background (3000 cm-3 ) and high-level exposures (HLE) at 100 000 cm-3 . Examinations before and after exposures included spirometry, body plethysmography, transfer factors for CO and NO (TLCO, TLNO), bronchial and alveolar NO, cytokines in serum and nasal secretions (IL-1ß, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, IFNγ, TNFα), serum ECP, and IgE. Across all participants, no statistically significant changes occurred for lung mechanics and NO. There was a decrease in volume-related TLNO that was more pronounced in HLE, but the difference to LLE was not significant. ECP and IgE increased in the same way after exposures. Nasal IL-6 showed a higher increase after LLE. There was no coherent pattern regarding the responses in the participant subgroups or single sets of variables. In conclusion, the experimental acute responses to short but very high-level LPD exposures were small and did not indicate clinically relevant effects compared to low particle number concentrations.

Cisplatin and oxaliplatin surface contamination in intensive care units (ICUs) and hospital wards during attendance of HIPEC patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate surface contamination by platinum drugs in the environment of patients in ICUs and wards treated by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: The monitoring included 12 HIPEC treatments from four hospitals during the following 3 days after perfusion. A total of 33 urine and 33 drainage fluids from HIPEC patients and 160 wipe samples from several surfaces (urine/drainage bags, floors, gloves) were taken during the study period. RESULTS: In urine, the highest platinum concentrations were measured on the first day after perfusion. Median platinum concentrations were 1260 ng/ml for patients after cisplatin perfusion and 11,000 ng/ml for oxaliplatin treatment. Concentrations decreased until day three to 413 ng/ml cisplatin and 529 ng/ml oxaliplatin, respectively. In drainage liquids, platinum concentrations were generally lower. Platinum concentrations from surfaces of bags and floors ranged from 0.01 to 439 pg/cm(2) (median: urine bag 2.77 pg/cm(2), drainage bag 0.22 pg/cm(2), floor left 0.14 pg/cm(2), floor right 0.24 pg/cm(2)), with the highest contamination found on the outer surface of the urine bags. Samples from nurses' protective gloves ranged between 0.03 and 12 pg/cm(2) (median: 0.2 pg/cm(2)). CONCLUSIONS: High platinum-drug concentrations in urine and drainage liquids are the main source of contamination. Therefore, safe handling of these liquids is the best way to avoid cross-contamination on surfaces in wards and ICUs. Our results show that it is possible to take care of HIPEC patients without high contaminations during the first 3 days.

Cow hair allergen concentrations in dairy farms with automatic and conventional milking systems: From stable to bedroom.

Bovine hair and dander are considered to be a notable risk factor for sensitization and allergic symptoms in occupationally exposed cattle farmers due to various IgE binding proteins. Farmers are suspected not only to be exposed during their work inside the stables but also inside their homes as allergens could be transferred via hair and clothes resulting in continued bovine allergen exposure in private areas. In recent years a new sensitive sandwich ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) test has been developed to measure the cow hair allergen (CHA) concentration in dust. The aim of the present study was to determine the CHA concentration in airborne and settled dust samples in stables and private rooms of dairy cattle farms with automatic milking systems (AM) and conventional milking systems (CM), also with respect to questionnaire data on farming characteristics. For this purpose different sampling techniques were applied, and results and practicability of the techniques were compared. Dust sampling was performed in the stable, computer room (only AM), changing room, living room and bedroom (mattress) of 12 dairy farms with automatic milking systems (AM group) and eight dairy farms with conventional milking systems (CM group). Altogether, 90 samples were taken by ALK filter dust collectors from all locations, while 32 samples were collected by an ion charging device (ICD) and 24 samples by an electronic dust fall collector (EDC) in computer rooms (AM) and/or changing and living rooms (not stables). The dust samples were extracted and analyzed for CHA content with a sandwich ELISA. At all investigated locations, CHA concentrations were above the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 ng/ml dust extract. The median CHA concentrations in dust collected by ALK filters ranged from 63 to 7154 µg/g dust in AM farms and from 121 to 5627 µg/g dust in CM farms with a steep concentration gradient from stables to bedrooms. ICD sampling revealed median CHA contents of 112 µg/g airborne dust in the computer rooms of the AM farms and median CHA loads of 5.6 µg/g (AM farms) and 19.8 µg/g (CM farms) in the living rooms. Passive dust sampling by EDC was performed only at two locations in the AM group resulting in median CHA values of 116 µg/m(2) (computer room) and 55.0 µg/m(2) (changing room). Except for the stable samples the median CHA load was lower in AM farms compared to CM farms. The CHA contents of ALK filter samples were significantly correlated in most locations. Differences between the farming types were not significant. Although allergen transfer to the private area of the farmers has been found and results from several locations were correlated, differences in CHA concentrations were not significant with respect to questionnaire data such as the wearing of stable clothes in living room, free access of pets to stable and home, frequency of hair washing. All sampling techniques seem to being practicable for simple and effective CHA measurement.

Levels of Cr, Co, Ni and Mo in erythrocytes, serum and urine after hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is known to increase the metal ion concentration in the serum, urine and whole blood, with potentially adverse effects on the organism. However, only few data are available about the metal ion concentrations in erythrocytes, although they are directly exposed to the higher concentrations of the serum. METHODS: The ion levels of chromium, cobalt, nickel and molybdenum in erythrocytes of 25 patients with a hip resurfacing implant were analysed with high resolution ICP-sf-MS (inductively-coupled-plasma-sector-field-mass-spectrometry). The results were compared to the ion levels in the serum and urine of the patients, and also to the ion levels of 27 control persons without an implant. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, ion levels in the erythrocytes of the hip resurfacing group were markedly increased for cobalt (0.10 vs. 3.26 microg/kg) and slightly for chromium (6.04 vs. 7.38 microg/kg). In contrast, ion levels in the serum of the hip resurfacing group were increased for cobalt (0.21 vs. 1.92 microg/l), chromium (1.48 vs. 5.64 microg/l), nickel (1.53 vs. 4.25 microg/l) and molybdenum (2.17 vs. 3.78 microg/l). CONCLUSION: Ion concentrations of cobalt and chromium are also increased in erythrocytes after hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Further research is required to evaluate the impact of the elevated ion levels on the erythrocytes, and to evaluate if metal ions also accumulate in other tissues of the body.

Toxicity and elemental composition of particulate matter from outdoor and indoor air of elementary schools in Munich, Germany.

UNLABELLED: Outdoor particulate matter (PM(10)) is associated with detrimental health effects. However, individual PM(10) exposure occurs mostly indoors. We therefore compared the toxic effects of classroom, outdoor, and residential PM(10). Indoor and outdoor PM(10) was collected from six schools in Munich during teaching hours and in six homes. Particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Toxicity was evaluated in human primary keratinocytes, lung epithelial cells and after metabolic activation by several human cytochromes P450. We found that PM(10) concentrations during teaching hours were 5.6-times higher than outdoors (117 ± 48 µg/m(3) vs. 21 ± 15 µg/m(3), P < 0.001). Compared to outdoors, indoor PM contained more silicate (36% of particle number), organic (29%, probably originating from human skin), and Ca-carbonate particles (12%, probably originating from paper). Outdoor PM contained more Ca-sulfate particles (38%). Indoor PM at 6 µg/cm(2) (10 µg/ml) caused toxicity in keratinocytes and in cells expressing CYP2B6 and CYP3A4. Toxicity by CYP2B6 was abolished with the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine. We concluded that outdoor PM(10) and indoor PM(10) from homes were devoid of toxicity. Indoor PM(10) was elevated, chemically different and toxicologically more active than outdoor PM(10). Whether the effects translate into a significant health risk needs to be determined. Until then, we suggest better ventilation as a sensible option. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Indoor air PM(10) on an equal weight base is toxicologically more active than outdoor PM(10). In addition, indoor PM(10) concentrations are about six times higher than outdoor air. Thus, ventilation of classrooms with outdoor air will improve air quality and is likely to provide a health benefit. It is also easier than cleaning PM(10) from indoor air, which has proven to be tedious.

Low surface contamination by cis/oxaliplatin during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate contamination by platinum drugs in the operating room during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: Environmental sampling of 151 wipe samples from surfaces on the HIPEC devices and operating room floors was performed for platinum in six German hospitals during 19 HIPEC procedures. Additionally, 45 wipe samples from surgeons' and perfusionists' protective gloves were analyzed. RESULTS: Platinum concentrations from the HIPEC devices and operating room floors ranged from 0.07 to 110,000 pg/cm(2) (Median: 1.5 pg/cm(2)) with high contamination on the regulation knob and reservoir after HIPEC procedure, particularly when injecting the cytostatic drug into the reservoir via syringe. Samples from perfusionists' and surgeons' protective gloves ranged between 0.01 and 729 ng/pair. CONCLUSIONS: Although sporadically high platinum concentrations on surfaces on the HIPEC device and operating room floor were detected, our study revealed that low surface loads are definitely possible and can be documented by wipe samples. Important factors for achieving low surface contamination are the use of infusion bags instead of syringes for injection of the cytostatic solution, careful cleaning of the device after HIPEC and wearing of two pairs of gloves.

Serum leptin and adiponectin levels and their association with allergic sensitization.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and respiratory allergies have increased in parallel in industrialized countries. We have recently shown an association between obesity and allergic sensitization whereby obesity diminished the protective effect of childhood farm contact. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether taking obesity into account allergic sensitization is associated with adipokine levels in blood and whether this effect is modified by childhood farm contact. METHODS: Serum samples of 231 adult participants (age 18-45 years) of the Lower Saxony Lung Study were analysed for leptin and adiponectin by ELISA. Subjects were elected to represent equal-sized groups with respect to obesity (<30 vs> or =30 kg/m(2)), childhood farm contact, specific IgE to ubiquitous allergens and sex. Multiple logistic regression models were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Leptin levels were positively related to the prevalence of sensitization (highest vs lowest quartile odds ratio 6.7, 95% confidence interval 2.0-22.4). For adiponectin levels, a weak, not statistically significant inverse association with sensitization was shown (highest vs lowest quartile 0.4, 0.2-1.1). The association between leptin and sensitization appeared to be more pronounced in subjects with farm contact; however, the effect modification was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that adipokines might be involved in the causal pathway between obesity and allergic sensitization.

[Air quality in schools - classroom levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC), aldehydes, endotoxins and cat allergen]. / Raumluftqualität in Schulen - Belastung von Klassenräumen mit Kohlendioxid (CO2), flüchtigen organischen Verbindungen (VOC), Aldehyden, Endotoxinen und Katzenallergenen.

Children are assumed to be more vulnerable to health hazards and spend a large part of their time in schools. To assess the exposure situation in this microenvironment, we evaluated the indoor air quality in winter 2004/5 in 92 classrooms, and in 75 classrooms in summer 2005 in south Bavaria, Germany. Indoor air climate parameters (temperature, relative humidity), carbon dioxide (CO2) and various volatile organic compounds, aldehydes and ketones were measured. Additionally, cat allergen (Fel d1) and endotoxin (LAL-test) were analysed in the settled dust of school rooms. Data on room and building characteristics were collected by use of a standardised form. Only data collected during teaching hours were considered in analysis. The median indoor CO2 concentration in the classrooms ranged in the winter and summer period from 598 to 4 172 ppm and 480 to 1 875 ppm, respectively. While during the winter period in 92% of the classrooms the CO2 daily medians went above 1 000 ppm, the percentage of classrooms with increased CO2 concentration fell to 28% in summer. In winter, in 60% of classes the daily median CO2 concentration exceeded 1 500 ppm, while in summer this threshold was reached by only 9%. A high concentration of CO2 was associated with a high number of pupils, a low room surface area and a low room volume. The levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in classrooms ranged between 110 and 1 000 microg/m3 (median in winter 345 microg/m3, in summer 260 microg/m3). Acetone, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were measured in concentrations from 14.0 to 911 microg/m3, from 3.1 to 46.1 microg/m3, and from 2.9 to 78 microg/m3, respectively. The other aldehydes were detected in minor amounts only. The median Fel d1 level in winter was 485 ng/g dust (20 to 45 160 ng/g) and in summer it was 417 ng/g (40-7 470 ng/g). We observed no marked differences between the two sampling periods and between smooth floors and rooms with carpeted floors. No differences were found according to room surface area and room volume. The median endotoxin contents in winter and summer were 19.7 EU/mg dust (6.6 to 154 EU/mg) and 32.2 EU/mg (9.6 to 219 EU/mg), respectively. The levels varied significantly between the sampling periods, but were independent of room surface area, room volume and surface floorings. Overall the results of VOC, aldehydes, ketones and endotoxin indicate, in general, a low exposure level in classrooms. The observed concentrations of cat allergens should be considered as a meaningful exposure route and thus could be tackled within preventive programs.

Effects of particulate matter on cytokine production in vitro: a comparative analysis of published studies.

In recent years evidence has accumulated indicating that airborne particles cause adverse health effects. To understand the underlying mechanisms, a multitude of in vitro studies have been performed focusing on inflammatory responses, especially cytokine production. However, the diversity of studies renders it difficult to determine which results are consistent and which exposures most effective. The present review thus aimed to perform a comparative analysis of the available data. Forty-nine studies dealing with in vitro effects of particles on cytokine production in bronchial epithelial or related cells and monocytes/macrophages were included. Twenty-eight studies investigated epithelial cells and could be categorized according to specific combinations of exposure level and time, and 27 dealt with monocytes/macrophages. Eight studies provided further data using non-compatible exposure modes. The most common finding was that particles significantly induced cytokine production in both epithelial cells and monocytes/macrophages at concentrations of 50-100 microg/mL and exposure times of 9-24 h. The effects did not appear to be significantly different between cell or particle types. There were virtually no effects reported below 10 microg/mL, but these levels were used in only a few studies. Thus, the available data demonstrate that cytokine measurements are sensitive enough to assess cell activation after particle exposure in vitro, yielding relatively consistent results across cell types. However, since the majority of data refers to high particle load compared to in vivo conditions, future studies should consider more sensitive assays, multivariate panels describing the cell's regulatory state, interactions between cell types, and second-line outcome measures that are close to clinically observed effects.

Heart rate variability, hemostatic and acute inflammatory blood parameters in healthy adults after short-term exposure to welding fume.

The present study aimed to investigate, whether short-term experimental exposure to high levels of welding fumes would be capable of exerting acute effects in healthy subjects. Specifically, we assessed cardiovascular function in terms of heart rate variability (HRV) as well as the concentrations of inflammatory mediators and hemostatic proteins in blood as outcome measures. Twenty subjects without a history of airway and cardiovascular diseases were exposed to either control air or welding fume for 1 h on 2 separate days under standardized conditions. The median concentration of the alveolar particle fraction during welding was 3.5 mg/m(3 )(quartiles: 1.4-6.3 mg/m(3); range 1.0-25.3 mg/m(3)). Five hours later a panel of clinical assessments was performed, including HRV measurement and drawing of blood samples. There were no changes in symptom ratings or lung function after welding fume exposure. Exposures did also not differ regarding effects on time- and frequency-domain parameters of HRV. Similarly, blood leukocyte numbers, cell differentials and the blood levels of fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, antithrombin III, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, ristocetin cofactor, sICAM-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, interleukin 8 and epithelial neutrophil activating peptide 78 were not altered by welding fume inhalation. However, there was a significant fall in the level of endothelin-1 (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the data did not indicate effects of clinical significance of a short-term high-level exposure to welding fumes on HRV or a set of blood hemostatic and acute inflammatory parameters in healthy subjects. The small but statistically significant effect on endothelin levels demonstrated that measurable effects could be elicited even in these individuals. Overall, welding fumes are not likely to exert acute cardiovascular effects in healthy individuals.

Exposure to pets, and the association with hay fever, asthma, and atopic sensitization in rural children.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of studies report pet exposure to be associated with lower risk of asthma and allergies. This 'protective pet effect' has been suggested to result from a modified T-helper (Th)2-cell response, or because of increased microbial load in homes where pets are kept. We examined the associations between pet contact and the occurrence of asthma and allergies in children of the rural Allergy and Endotoxin (ALEX) population, taking farm animal contact, endotoxin and cat allergen levels in mattress dust into account. METHODS: Information about contact with pets and farm animals, asthma and allergy were collected for 812 children by a standardized parents' questionnaire and an interview. Mattress dust endotoxin and cat allergen levels as well as specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies to Fel d1 were determined. RESULTS: Current contact with dogs was inversely associated with diagnosed hay fever (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.57), diagnosed asthma (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.71), sensitization to cat allergen (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23-0.99) and to grass pollen (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33-0.94), but not with increased IgG4 levels. Early and current contact with cats were associated with reduced risk of wheezing (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23-1.00, and OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.92, respectively) and grass pollen sensitization. Adjustment for farm animal contact but not for endotoxin and cat allergen exposure attenuated these associations and the effect of pet was stronger among farmers' children. CONCLUSION: Although pet exposure was very frequent in this rural population, the inverse relation between current dog contact, asthma and allergy was mostly explained by simultaneously occurring exposure to stable animals or was restricted to farm children. In addition, a subtle form of pet avoidance may contribute to the protective effect of pet.

Determinants of endotoxin levels in living environments of farmers' children and their peers from rural areas.

BACKGROUND: Lower frequencies of asthma and hayfever have been observed in children with contact to livestock. At school age, the amount of endotoxin measured in the dust of children's mattresses is inversely related to the occurrence of atopic asthma, hayfever and atopic sensitization both in children from farming and non-farming households. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate which home and lifestyle characteristics of farm and non-farm families contribute to endotoxin levels measured in different indoor home environments. METHODS: In the framework of the Allergy and Endotoxin (ALEX) Study, endotoxin was measured in dust samples from the living room floor and the child's mattress of 319 farmers' families and 493 non-farming families, and in settled dust from stables. Endotoxin content of all dust samples was determined by a kinetic Limulus assay (Limulus-Amebocyte-Lysate test). Information about the child's activities on farms, home characteristics and cleaning behaviours was obtained from parental questionnaires. RESULTS: Endotoxin levels in stables did not predict the amount of endotoxin measured in floors or mattresses. However, a dose-dependent association between the child's activity on the farm and indoor home endotoxin levels was observed, both in farm and non-farm children. In non-farm children pet keeping and the frequency of floor cleaning were additionally associated with endotoxin levels, whereas in farm children parental farm activities, study area, time since last cleaning, the mattress type as well as younger age of the children contributed to increased microbial exposure. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that regular contact to farm animals increases indoor home endotoxin concentrations, both in farm and non-farm children, and might thus explain the protective effect of contact to livestock on atopic outcomes. To assess children's individual exposure to a microbial environment, measures of mattress dust exposure are needed as stable endotoxin concentrations were not associated with indoor home levels.

Exposure to farming in early life and development of asthma and allergy: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: A farming environment protects against development of asthma, hay fever, and atopic sensitisation in children. We aimed to establish whether increased exposure to microbial compounds has to occur early in life to affect maturation of the immune system and thereby reduces risk for development of allergic diseases. METHODS: We did a cross-sectional survey in rural areas of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. 2618 (75%) of 3504 parents of 6-13-year-old children completed a standardised questionnaire on asthma, hay fever, and atopic eczema. Children from farming families, and a random sample of non-farmers' children, who gave consent for blood samples to be obtained for measurements of specific serum IgE antibodies to common allergens were invited to participate (n=901). FINDINGS: Exposure of children younger than 1 year, compared with those aged 1-5 years, to stables and consumption of farm milk was associated with lower frequencies of asthma (1% [3/218] vs 11% [15/138]), hay fever (3% [7] vs 13% [18]), and atopic sensitisation (12% [27] vs 29% [40]). Protection against development of asthma was independent from effect on atopic sensitisation. Continual long-term exposure to stables until age 5 years was associated with the lowest frequencies of asthma (0.8% [1/122]), hay fever (0.8% [1]), and atopic sensitisation (8.2% [10]). INTERPRETATION: Long-term and early-life exposure to stables and farm milk induces a strong protective effect against development of asthma, hay fever, and atopic sensitisation.

Urinary platinum levels associated with dental gold alloys.

Platinum concentrations were determined in 50 urine and 20 saliva samples obtained from 50 subjects who had gold dental restorations. In addition, 42 urine and 35 saliva samples were collected from subjects who did not have gold dental restorations. Subjects with gold alloys had significantly (p < .001) higher urinary platinum excretion (mean = 11.9 +/- 8.5 ng/gm creatinine, range = 1.9-45.8 ng/gm creatinine) than controls (mean = 6.2 +/- 3.2 ng/gm, range = 1.9-14.4 ng/gm creatinine). Mean saliva concentrations were significantly higher in subjects with dental gold alloys (526 pg/gm vs. 8.5 pg/gm; p < .001). A laboratory test with 5 commercially available dental gold/platinum alloys showed that 0.1% sodium chloride mobilized platinum within 1 hr (i.e., 1-18 pg/ml) of its introduction. In conclusion, dental gold/platinum alloys appear to be the main source for urinary platinum excretion from the occupationally unexposed population.

Urinary excretion of platinum in chemotherapy-treated long-term survivors of testicular cancer.

As the majority of patients with metastatic testicular cancer are cured by cisplatin-based chemotherapy and can expect an additional life span of around 50 years, late toxicity is of particular relevance. Urine and serum concentrations of platinum were determined by voltammetry in 37 patients at 5.3 to 16.8 years after cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Urinary excretion and serum levels of platinum were 100 to 1000 times higher in patients than in unexposed controls. There may be an association between platinum storage and endocrinologic and metabolic late sequelae, as well as a risk of second cancer. However, further research is necessary to clarify the biological relevance of long-term storage of platinum.

Exposure to endotoxin or other bacterial components might protect against the development of atopy.

BACKGROUND: Several recent studies have shown that growing up on a farm confers significant protection against the development of atopy. These findings point particularly towards the importance of exposure to stable dust and farm animals. It has furthermore been reported that endotoxin, an intrinsic part of the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria, is abundant in environments where livestock and poultry is kept. The aim of this study was therefore to measure the level of environmental endotoxin exposure in homes of farmers' children, children with regular contact to livestock and control children with no contact to farm animals. METHODS: Eighty-four farming and nonfarming families were identified in rural areas in Southern Germany and Switzerland. Samples of settled and airborne dust were collected in stables, and of settled dust indoors from kitchen floors and the children's mattresses. Endotoxin concentrations were determined by a kinetic Limulus assay. RESULTS: Endotoxin concentrations were highest in stables of farming families, but were also significantly higher indoors in dust from kitchen floors (143 EU/mg vs 39 EU/mg, P < 0.001) and children's mattresses (49479 EU/m2 vs 9383 EU/m2, P < 0.001) as compared to control children from nonfarming families. In addition, endotoxin levels were also significantly higher in mattresses and dust from kitchen floors in households where children had regular contact to farm animals (38.6 EU/mg and 23340 EU/m2, respectively) as compared to control subjects. CONCLUSION: We propose that the level of environmental exposure to endotoxin and other bacterial wall components is an important protective determinant for the development of atopic diseases in childhood.