Genotoxic effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

101 publications are exploited which have studied genotoxicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in vivo and in vitro. Of these 49 report a genotoxic effect and 42 do not. In addition, 8 studies failed to detect an influence on the genetic material, but showed that RF-EMF enhanced the genotoxic action of other chemical or physical agents. The controversial results may in part be explained by the different cellular systems. Moreover, inconsistencies may depend from the variety of analytical methods being used, which differ considerably with respect to sensitivity and specificity. Taking altogether there is ample evidence that RF-EMF can alter the genetic material of exposed cells in vivo and in vitro and in more than one way. This genotoxic action may be mediated by microthermal effects in cellular structures, formation of free radicals, or an interaction with DNA-repair mechanisms.

Antagonistic combinations of occupational carcinogens.

Several epidemiological and experimental studies demonstrate that combinations of carcinogens may interact in a synergistic way. This has prompted speculations that modulating interactions of individual chemical carcinogens are synergistic as a rule. However, various combinations of chemical carcinogens have been described which interact not even additively but in an antagonistic way. The aim of this review is to collect information of antagonistic interactions of occupational carcinogens obtained by epidemiologic and animal studies. In addition, appropriate in vitro studies with the genotoxic endpoints DNA-adducts and micronuclei are included. The toxicological mechanisms of antagonistic interactions, although speculative in some cases, are discussed.

Effects of short- and long-term unemployment on physical work capacity and on serum cortisol.

AIM: To investigate whether a decrease in physical working capacity occurs during the first year of unemployment and if this is accompanied by a deterioration in mental health. METHODS: In a longitudinal study, 71 unemployed individuals were investigated for 1, 6 months and 1 year after becoming unemployed. An additional 102 individuals who have been unemployed for more than 1 year were included in the cross-sectional part of the study. Possible decrease of physical working capacity was tested by bicycle ergometry. Psycho-emotional stress was tested by serum cortisol concentrations and by the Giessen symptom questionnaire. RESULTS: In short-term unemployed (STU) individuals, a significant decrease (P=0.001) of physical working capacity (16.3%) and a significant increase (P=0.004) of cortisol levels (17.6 microg/dl) was found. The Giessen symptom questionnaire score showed an increased emotional disturbance (P=0.035) during unemployment. The comparison of long-term unemployed and STU revealed a significant decrease (P=0.012) in physical working capacity (18.2%), a significant increase in cortisol levels (P=0.001) and a significant worsening of the Giessen symptom questionnaire score (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Unemployment has a negative effect on physical working capacity and mental health, depending on the duration of unemployment. Factors that facilitate or impede physical and mental health during unemployment should be identified in future studies.

Welder's maculopathy?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify or to disprove whether the term 'Welder's maculopathy' or 'Welding arc maculopathy' has to be considered being a justifiable occupational hazard and is to be annexed to the list of occupational diseases. METHODS: Multifocal electroretinography (MERG) and thorough ophthalmologic examinations were performed in a group of 89 welders. The matched control group comprised 81 subjects who had never been exposed to welding. All participants of this study were examined by a specialist of occupational medicine prior to the MERG. RESULTS: Multifocal electroretinography as well as ophthalmological tests did not reveal a significant morphological or functional differences between the welders and the control group. On an average, the welders' visual acuity appeared to be better than that of the control group. This phenomenon could be attributed to the so-called healthy worker effect. CONCLUSION: Welding arc maculopathy seems to be rather a sequel of occupational accidents and negligence of safety regulations. The results of this study indicate that the usual protective measures in professional welding appears to be sufficient in order to prevent an occupational risk of welding arc maculopathy.