[Short-term absenteeism in Norwegian industry]. / Korttidsfravaer i norsk industri.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons for short-term absence from work on medical grounds, and because of headache in particular, for periods of 1 to 3 days. The causes of short-term absence from work, both self-reported or as stated on a doctor's certificate, were studied prospectively among 2,600 employees in five Norwegian factories. It was found that the main reason for short-term absence was intercurrent self-limiting disease, such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal upsets, musculoskeletal pain and headache. Among this particular group, injuries or the need to care for a sick child were seldom the cause of the absence.

Regional cerebral blood flow after long-term exposure to carbon disulfide.

Sixteen former rayon viscose workers were investigated four years after the exposure to carbon disulfide was discontinued. Median age was 58 years (range 43-65 years), median exposure time was 17 years (range 10-35 years). Encephalopathy was diagnosed in altogether 14 workers. To further explore pathophysiological mechanisms, cerebrovascular investigations were employed. Doppler ultrasound examination of the precerebral vessels in 15 workers showed a slight stenosis of the left internal carotid artery in one. Regional cerebral blood flow investigation (rCBF) with single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) with Xenon-133 gas was performed in 14. There was no significant difference from a control group. Regional side-to-side asymmetries beyond reference limits were demonstrated in eight workers. The abnormalities were modest, but may indicate a tendency toward focal blood flow disturbances in workers with long-term exposure to carbon disulfide.

[A comparative study of absorption of 2 organic selenium preparations and a placebo]. / En sammenliknende absorpsjonsstudie av to organisk bundne selenpreparater og placebo.

In a double blind study three groups of healthy men 20-49 years of age were given 200 micrograms of l-selenium-methionine, peaselenium or placebo daily. L-selen-methionine was absorbed much better than peaselenium. The different was significant. There was no difference between absorption of peaselenium and of the placebo.

[Occupational physicians' roles and ethics]. / Bedriftslegers roller og etikk.

Occupational physicians work in close contact with individuals and groups within an organization. Professional secrecy is best taken care of by defining the different tasks as physician/patient relationship, adviser and expert. The occupational physician is independent in medical issues. When necessary he should influence the process of decision in the organization, but be loyal when a decision is final. In the event of conflicts between an individual and the organization concerning medical issues, he should consider the interests of the individual. Knowledge and awareness of social legislation is essential.

Carbon disulfide exposure and neurotoxic sequelae among viscose rayon workers.

In Norway's only viscose rayon plant, carbon disulfide (CS2) concentrations in ambient air usually were between 30 and 50 mg/m3 during the first 23 years of production. From 1970/1971 until the factory was closed in 1982, corresponding values were 10-25 mg/m3. Through all of these years, high peak exposures of CS2 and H2S occurred. In 1986, 16 of the 24 men still at work in 1982 and with at least 10 years' experience in the spinning room agreed to participate in this study. Clinical neurological examination demonstrated abnormalities in 15; neuropsychological tests showed impairments of probable organic origin in 14. Thirteen had cerebral atrophy demonstrated by cerebral computed tomography (CT). Electromyography (EMG) was abnormal in six, neurography in 11. Regional cerebral blood flow measurements indicated flow asymmetries in eight, whereas Doppler investigation of the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries, electroencephalography (EEG), and evoked response investigations were mostly normal. Based on these results and the exposure data, a diagnosis of CS2-induced encephalopathy was reached in eight workers; another six had an encephalopathy in which CS2 exposure was regarded as a partial cause. Correspondingly, seven had a neuropathy probably caused by CS2 exposure alone; in three others, CS2 was found to be the partial cause of a neuropathy. This indicates that long-term, relatively moderate exposure to CS2 in association with high peak exposures to CS2 and H2S involves a substantial risk of developing neurotoxic disease.

Neurological examination, computerized tomography, cerebral blood flow and neuropsychological examination in workers with long-term exposure to carbon disulfide.

Sixteen males, formerly exposed to carbon disulfide (CS2) for at least 10 years (mean 20 years), were administered a neurological examination, cerebral computerized tomography (CT), regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) examination and neuropsychological examination. The clinical neurological examination revealed abnormalities in 15; cerebral CT showed signs of atrophy in 13; and neuropsychological examination indicated brain organic changes in 13. With the rCBF examination, slight abnormalities were found in 8. The findings indicate that long-term exposure to CS2 involves a risk of developing toxic encephalopathy, demonstrable on both neurological and neuropsychological examination. Furthermore, structural changes in the brain may be demonstrable by cerebral CT.