Symptoms, lung and liver function, blood counts, and genotoxic effects in coastal tanker crews

 Objective The deck crew on tankers can be exposed to high concentrations of benzene and other chemicals during loading, unloading and tank-cleaning operations. The objective of this study was to investigate whether genotoxic or other early health effects of cargo vapour exposure could be detected in coastal tanker crews. Methods The association between exposure to cargo vapours and clinical symptoms and signs, spirometry, blood cell count, blood tests for liver function, and the frequency of micronuclei and sister chromatid exchanges in peripheral lymphocytes was studied in a cross-sectional investigation of 107 male crew members (66 deck crew and 41 others) on ten coastal tankers. Results Seven of the tankers had automatic cargo level gauging systems but some of the ships still had open hatches during loading and unloading operations. Acute symptoms such as headache, nausea, vertigo, fatigue and dizziness after loading or tank-cleaning operations were reported by 56 of the 66 deck crew members (85%). Irritation of the mucous membrane in eyes and upper respiratory tract by cargo vapours were also common in this group. Obstructive symptoms were more common in the group with the highest exposure to cargo vapours but persistent effects on lung function (vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in l s), nervous system, liver enzymes or blood counts were not found. The frequency of micronuclei after mitotic stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin was higher among the deck crew (mean 4.2, SEM 0.40) than in other crew members (mean 3.6, SEM 0.35), although the difference was not statistically significant. We found no association between exposure and the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges or micronuclei after stimulation with pokeweed mitogen. Conclusion This study indicates that exposure to cargo vapours in coastal tanker crews may cause symptoms in the respiratory and nervous systems. Received: 24 July 1996/Accepted: 20 September 1996     

637名官兵幽门螺杆菌感染情况调查分析

目的了解海峡西岸沿海地区某部官兵幽门螺杆菌(Hp)感染情况,为防治慢性胃炎和胃癌提供基础资料。方法随机抽查海防部队与特种部队官兵共637人,调查其年龄、职别、部别、疾病史及生活饮食习惯,并采用金标法检测受检者血清Hp抗体。结果 Hp抗体总的阳性率为29.0%,其中干部阳性率为39.9%,明显高于战士阳性率(25.3%),差异有显著性(P0.05)。海防部队官兵Hp抗体阳性率26.2%,其中干部阳性率40.7%,战士阳性率20.5%,差异有显著性(P0.05);≤20、21~30、≥31岁组Hp抗体阳性率分别为20.7%、22.2%、57.1%,后组的阳性率明显高于前2组,差异有显著性(P0.05)。特种部队官兵Hp抗体阳性率32.1%,低于往年沿海特种部队(55.7%),其中干部和高年龄组Hp抗体阳性率也分别有高于战士和低年龄组的趋势。特种部队与海防部队官兵Hp抗体阳性率比较差异无显著性(P0.05)。近几年来部队注意饮食卫生并基本采用分餐制。结论该驻地官兵Hp抗体阳性率低于往年沿海特种部队的阳性率。Hp感染与职务、年龄及饮食卫生有一定关系。     

Cancer incidence among Danish seafarers: a population based cohort study

Aims: Seafarers aboard oil and chemical tankers may be exposed to many chemicals, including substances like benzene that are known to be carcinogenic. Other seafarers are exposed to engine exhaust, different oil products, and chemicals used aboard and some years ago asbestos was also used extensively in ships. The aim of this study was to study cancer morbidity among Danish seafarers in relation to type of ship and job title. Methods: A cohort of all Danish seafarers during 1986–1999 (33 340 men; 11 291 women) registered by the Danish Maritime Authority with an employment history was linked with the nationwide Danish Cancer Registry and followed up for cancer until the end of 2002. The number of person years at risk was 517 518. Standardised incidence ratios (SIR) were estimated by use of the corresponding national rates. Results: The SIR of all cancers combined was higher than expected: 1.26 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.32) for men and 1.07 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.20) for women. This was mainly due to an excess of cancer of the larynx, lung, tongue, mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, pancreas, kidney, urinary bladder, colon, and bone as well as skin melanomas among men (the three latter borderline significantly increased), and an excess of cancer of the lung, rectum, and cervix uteri among women. The differences in risk pattern for lung cancer between the different job categories among men ranged in terms of SIR from 1.2 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.7) (engine officers) to 2.3 (1.6 to 3.3) (engine room crew), and 4.1 (2.1 to 7.4) among maintenance crew. Non-officers had a 1.5 times higher lung cancer risk than officers. No increased occurrence of all lymphatic and haematopoietic malignancies combined was found for employees on tankers, but the number of cases was limited to a total of 7. Conclusions: Danish seafarers, especially men, face an increased overall cancer risk, in particular a risk for lung cancer and other tobacco associated cancers.     

Occupational exposure of deck crews to carcinogenic agents on crude oil tankers

Occupational exposure to carcinogenic agents on the decks on six Norwegian crude oil tankers was examined in five harbors. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the need for improving the working environment on deck on these tankers. Technical arrangments and the work itself on the deck were observed during loading or unloading. Occupational monitoring was performed by active sampling of benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and some aldehydes. The crew answered a questionnaire concerning their work, use of protective equipment, and occurrence of acute symptoms. The levels of air-borne carcinogenic agents were low, probably due to closed loading systems on all tankers. However, the seamen reported discomfort during the work that may be related to other chemical agents in the cargo. The seamen were frequently painting with lead chromate paint without using personal protective equipment. This type of chemical exposure should be evaluated.     

Leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma in seamen on tankers

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk of lymphatic and haematopoietic malignancies in deck crew on tankers exposed to cargo vapours. METHODS: The study design was as a nested case-referent study in two cohorts of male Swedish seamen 20-64 years of age at the national census 1960 (n 13,449) and 1970 (n 11,290), respectively. Cases were detected by record linkage with the Swedish Cancer Register 1961-79 and 1971-87, respectively. For each case, three to five age matched referents from the population were selected. Exposure was assessed from data in the Swedish Registry of Seamen and from a register of Swedish ships. RESULTS: Seamen in the 1970 cohort, who had been exposed to cargo vapours for at least one month on chemical or product tankers, had an increased risk of lymphatic and haematopoietic malignancies (Mantel- Haenszel odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1 to 5.9)) with a significant exposure-response relation (conditional logistic regression analysis, p = 0.04). The ORs were increased for both lymphoma (3.2), multiple myeloma (4.0), and leukaemia (1.6), but the increase was only significant for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 10.6). There were no significantly increased risks for the 1960 cohort or for seamen exposed only on crude oil tankers, but these groups had few exposed cases and low cumulative exposure to benzene and other light petroleum products. CONCLUSIONS: Seamen exposed to cargo vapours from gasoline and other light petroleum products on chemical or product tankers had an increased incidence of lymphatic and haematopoietic malignancies. One possible cause is exposure to benzene during loading, unloading, and tank cleaning operations.

 

     

东南沿海边防官兵常见疾病谱分析

目的 探讨东南沿海边防某部官兵近年来常见疾病的分布特点和规律,为边防部队官兵制订科学的疾病预防策略。方法 回顾性分析我院健康管理中心2020年福建沿海边防官兵的体检资料,分析目前常见疾病的分布情况和规律。结果 2020年受检者体检亚健康状态异常发生率由高到低前依次为:慢性咽炎（30.21%）、窦性心动过缓（20.71%）、超重（16.54%）、泌尿系结石（15.50%）、高尿酸血症（12.89%）。分析不同性别,男性受检者体检亚健康状态异常发生率由高到低前依次为:慢性咽炎（30.77%）、窦性心动过缓（21.12%）、高尿酸血症（13.57%）、泌尿系结石（13.57%）和前列腺钙化或结石（12.67%）;女性则为:泌尿系结石（27.62%）、慢性咽炎（26.67%）,窦性心动过缓（18.10%）,甲状腺结节（15.24%）和宫颈糜烂（14.29%）。慢性咽炎、泌尿系结石和窦性心动过缓阳性率在中年组最高,且中年组泌尿系结石与少年组和青年组间对比差异有统计学意义（χ2 = 15.02,P＜0.001）。结论 2020年福建边防部队官兵常见病有特定的规律,应针对不同年龄、性别边防官兵的疾病特点,通过饮食治疗、改善生活方式和改进军事训练方法等干预措施,减少慢性病和亚健康状态的发生,提高部队战斗力。     

Exposure of the deck crew to carcinogenic agents on oil product tankers

Work on deck on eight oil product tankers was examined. The purpose was to evaluate the need for improvement of the working environment to reduce the risk of occupational cancer. Benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic lead compounds were sampled, and the crew answered a questionnaire on acute health effects. By area monitoring, benzene was generally found to be in the range from the detection limit, of 0.01 ppm, up to 1.15 ppm, but one tanker which loaded gasoline with the hatches open had levels up to 55 ppm. Personal monitoring showed exposure levels in the range 0.01–1.15 ppm. The PAH-levels and the levels of organic lead were low. No seamen were observed using respiratory protective equipment. Central nervous system symptoms were reported by the crew with the highest exposures to benzene although benzene may not be the only cause. The exposure to benzene and other hydrocarbons on the deck of oil product tankers ought to be reduced.     

The relationship of physical activity and cardiovascular fitness to absenteeism and medical care claims among law enforcement officers

BACKGROUND. Previous research has shown an inverse relationship between cardiovascular fitness and both absenteeism and health care costs. The documentation of these relationships with law enforcement officers will support the usefulness of providing health promotion programs for this population. METHODS. Data were collected over a one-year period to examine the relationship of physical activity and cardiovascular fitness to absenteeism and medical care claims among law enforcement officers (N = 734). RESULTS. Analysis of covariance indicated that sedentary officers were absent significantly more often than active officers; also, female officers were absent significantly more than male officers. Although proportionally more female officers than males scored above the 50th percentile on fitness (based on Cooper's norms), increased fitness for females was not related to decreased absenteeism. Increased fitness for male officers was related to decreased absenteeism. Medical care claims for a sub-sample of male officers (N = 363) were lower for more fit and more active officers, although this relationship was nonsignificant. DISCUSSION. These observational data strengthen the hypothesis that absenteeism levels of physically active officers are lower than those of sedentary officers. For females, the relationship of absenteeism to family issues associated with child care and pregnancy leave in the workplace appears worthy of examination.     

2009年某部队各类军人住院疾病构成分析

目的了解各类军队人员的疾病构成,并分析其规律,为合理配置卫生资源,制定科学的防病措施提供依据。方法对住院军队人员按战士、团以下干部、师职干部、军以上干部、离退休干部(18～97岁)分别统计住院疾病谱及构成比。结果师、军职干部和离退休干部的住院疾病谱类似,排在前列的主要是慢性非传染性疾病;而战士人群住院疾病谱与干部特别是师、军职及离退休干部明显不同,排位比较靠前的疾病大多是一些常见病、多发病;团以下干部与战士接近,但胆石症和胆囊炎、心血管疾病、高血压以及支气管炎、糖尿病和脑血管疾病排位明显提前。战士和团以下干部疾病谱比较分散,而师、军职干部和离退休干部疾病谱相对比较集中。结论各类军队人员住院疾病构成各有其特点,应针对不同人群制定防病措施和健康干预措施。     

Bacteriologic potability of the drinking water in a diarrhea hyperendemic area in southwestern Saudi Arabia

High prevalence of diarrhea was reported among people living in a semiurban community in Shebaa area in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. This was in comparison to prevalence in a nearby urban community in Abha, the capital city of The Southwestern Region of Saudi Arabia. Contamination of the desalinated water, commonly used for drinking, was one possible hypothesis for occurrence of this diarrhea problem. The objective of the present study was to test bacteriological potability of desalinated water in both Shebaa and Abha areas and to determine whether any contamination occurred during transportation from water distribution stations to houses or during storage in house reservoirs. Water samples were collected and analyzed by the Presumptive Coliform Test from a sample of water tankers transporting water and from tap water originating from house reservoirs in a sample of houses in the two areas. Source of drinking water was recorded for each of such houses. Of 117 water samples from 39 tankers transporting water, only one sample was positive bacteriologically and non-potable (potability = 99%). Whereas among 201 tap water samples from a random sample of houses, 26.4% showed contamination. Bacteriological non-potability was found in a significantly higher proportion of houses in Shebaa area (38.4%) than in Abha city (7.9%), (p<0.001). Also, desalinated water was used for drinking significantly more in Shebaa than in Abha (p<0.001). It is concluded that transportation of the desalinated water by water tankers has not significantly contributed to its contamination. Such contamination rather obviously occurred during storage in house reservoirs, and was possibly implicated, at least partly, in the increased prevalence of diarrhea in Shebaa.     

Incidence of self-reported occupational injuries in seafaring--an international study

AIMS: Seafaring is known as a high-risk industry. The aims were to describe the incidence of non-fatal injuries among seafarers, including testing the hypothesis that long working hours might result in higher injury rates. METHODS: A questionnaire study of injury on the latest tour of duty was carried out among seafarers in 11 countries with 6461 participants. The seafarers were asked if they were injured during the latest tour of duty and what was the number of hours worked. RESULTS: During the latest tour of duty, 9.1% of all seafarers were injured and 4.3% had an injury with at least 1 day of incapacity. The injury incidence rates for cargo ships and tankers: 39.5 per 1 million work hours and 37.6 per 100,000 days. Multivariate analyses: incidence rate ratios (IRR) for >70 working hours per week compared with <57 h: 0.90 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.61-1.32]; non-officers compared with officers: IRR = 1.57 (95% CI = 1.14-2.15); seafarers <35 years compared with > or =35 years of age: IRR = 2.11 (1.57-2.86); tour lengths > or =117 days compared with <117 days: IRR = 0.27 (0.19-0.39). Main work area on the deck and in the service area compared with work in the engine room: IRR = 0.37 (0.27-0.52) and IRR = 0.49 (0.26-0.91), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that long working hours alone resulted in higher injury rates. Low self-perceived health, lack of use of personal protection and lack of occupational safety on board were significantly related to an increase in the injury risk.     

Work with chemicals on deck of Norwegian chemical tankers

Summary The chemical environment on deck of Norwegian chemical tankers in 1985/1986 is described using information obtained from an interview of 85 seamen. The seamen are exposed to vapours from volatile chemicals during several working operations, such as loading, unloading and cleaning of the tanks. The major exposure is probably to organic solvents and other hydrocarbon compounds, both in the cargo and in the chemicals used in the cleaning processes. Captains experience almost no chemical exposure. Mates, pumpmen and able seaman may receive exposure of a similar kind and magnitude, but there are individual differences within each group of seamen. The eldest seamen seem to be more exposed to chemicals than the younger. Symptoms of acute intoxication occur in 35% of the seamen, related to work with organic solvents, to tank cleaning work and to insufficient use of protective respiratory equipment. Improvements of the chemical environment on board are recommended, to prevent acute and chronic effects of volatile chemical compounds. Better information concerning chemical hazards and prevention of these on chemical tankers seem to be of major importance:     

Cultural differences in emotional intelligence among top officers on board merchant ships

The current research investigated cultural differences in emotional intelligence among top officers on board vessels of multicultural maritime companies. We found that Southeast Asian officers scored higher than European officers on the total Emotional Intelligence scale. When separating the EQ scale in its facets, higher scores for Asian officers were found on "Utilization of emotions", "Handling relationships", and on "Self-control". Another finding was that Chief officers/Second engineers scored higher than Masters/Chief Officers on "Self-control". Finally, we found a negative correlation between age and scores on the facet of "Self-control". These crosscultural differences may have implications for interpersonal relations and ship management.〈/p〉     

Practice preferences of primary medical care and traditional internal medicine house officers

In an academic medical centre between 1980 and 1985, the attitudes, preferences and career goals of house officers in a primary medical care residency training programme were assessed at entry and at the end of each house officer year. Primary care trainees who went on to practise in a general medicine setting were compared to primary care trainees who subsequently received subspecialty training and also to traditional internal medicine trainees. House officers in the primary care programme generally maintained attitudes and preferences central to the practice of primary care, and scored significantly higher than traditional track house officers on attitudes and preferences compatible with the practice of medicine in a primary care setting. However, primary care house officers who later went into subspecialty training received scores similar to those of traditional track house officers on practice preferences relating to specialty care. There were no significant differences between primary care and traditional track house officers on standard measures of knowledge and clinical skill.     

海训官兵心理健康调查及医院服务保障对策

目的：了解海训官兵不同人员和不同训练阶段的心理健康状况。探讨医院应如何保障海训官兵的心理健康。方法;应用焦虑自评量表(SAS)和抑郁自评量表(SDS),通过问卷调查方法对843名海训官兵进行测试。结果：海训官兵焦虑、抑郁症状现患率较高;医疗兵站官兵SAS、SDS平均分值低于同期训练的野战军官兵评分;海上训练两个月的官兵SDS平均分值低于一个月海训的官兵。结论：海训应激对官兵心理状态影响较大,但随着训练时间的延长。海训官兵的适应能力不断增强。医护人员心理调适能力较野战部队官兵强。应利用自身优势,协助部队做好官兵心理健康维护。医院应积极开展高技术武器和渡海登陆作战复杂性对参战官兵心理影响的研究,不断完善海训官兵心理健康的教育、训练和管理内容。     

驻穗部队老干部吸烟情况调查分析

[目的]为了解驻穗部队离退休老干部吸烟状况,分析部队干部吸烟的主要原因并提出控烟建议。[方法]采用整群抽样的方法对驻穗部队950名离退休老干部进行问卷调查,并对有效问卷进行统计分析。[结果]既往吸烟率为48.4%,目前吸烟率为17.1%,总吸烟率达65.5%,男性占63.1%,女性占2.4%,男性显著多于女性(P﹤0.001)。大部分吸烟者青中年时期长时间重度吸烟,老年时吸烟减少。陆军干部与海、空军干部相比、技术干部与军事、政工干部相比,吸烟率高、吸烟时间长、吸烟程度重。说明部队是一个高吸烟人群,吸烟状况不容乐观。[结论]应通过开展积极的健康教育、营造良好的戒烟环境等,努力降低广大干部的吸烟率。     

Blood lead levels among police officers in Lima and Callao, 2004

Lead contamination is a public health problem of world-wide scope that negatively affects the health of especially women and children. Nevertheless, studies on lead contamination and its impact on health in Peru are limited. The objective of the present study was to determine blood lead levels (BLL) of traffic police officers in Lima and Callao compared with values in police officers working indoors and with data obtained in 1992. The study was performed in May-June 2004 and included 52 traffic officers and 50 officers working in police stations in the north, center and east of Lima and Callao, Peru. Both groups were of similar age. The dependent variables were arterial blood pressure and BLL obtained in each officer. In addition a questionnaire was applied to evaluate risk factors for lead exposure. In 2004, the average BLL in traffic police officers was higher (44.7+/-6.1microg/l) than that of indoor police officers (39.3+/-8.2microg/l) (p=0.0001). However, none of the police officers had BLL of over 100microg/l. No differences were observed in the location of the residences of the participants and the respective traffic density. Those over 30 years of age had a higher risk of having a BLL over 42microg/l than younger officers (odds ratio (OR)=4.45). Traffic police officers had a higher risk of BLL >42microg/l (OR=4.80). Compared with data from 1992 obtained from the literature, an important reduction has been observed in 2004. This may be a consequence of the policy to eliminate leaded gasoline in Peru. However, it is still necessary to monitor this policy to ensure the elimination of lead in gasoline.     

Use of health care and drugs by police officers 8.5 years after the air disaster in Amsterdam

This study examined the use of health care by police officers after the air disaster in Amsterdam. On average 8.5 years post-disaster, involved police officers (n = 834, who reported disaster-related tasks), and their non-involved colleagues (n = 634) completed questionnaires on disaster involvement and health care in the preceding 12 months. Logistic regression showed that involved police officers more often used drugs on their own initiative, sleeping pills or tranquillisers, and consulted a general practitioner or medical specialist, a paramedical specialist, and a privately practicing psychologist or psychiatrist. Thus, even after years, police officers involved in disaster work may use more self-initiated health care.     

广西某市公安干警艾滋病知识、态度及相关需求调查

目的了解公安干警艾滋病知识、态度及相关需求的情况，为有针对性的开展公安干警的艾滋病相关知识培训工作提供依据。方法采取整群随机抽样的方法抽取被调查对象，自行设计调查问卷，以不记名方式对某市公安干警进行艾滋病知识、态度及相关需求情况调查。结果公安干警对艾滋病三条传播途径知晓率较高，均达到90％以上，而对“蚊虫叮咬”和“从表面能否判断一个人是否患艾滋病”等知识知晓率较低，为51．7％和39．3％；对于“职业防护”和“日常生活如何预防艾滋病”等相关知识需求较高，达到90％以上。结论公安干警对艾滋病核心知识知晓率较高，对部分相关知识知晓率较低，最需求的是职业防护知识，应该根据上述结果选择培训内容。     

Health risks of diving among U.S. Navy officers

The objectives were to compare hospitalization, medical board, and mortality rates of diving-related disorders and stress-induced diseases between U.S. Navy male diving officers (n = 1977) and a matched sample of nondiving officers (n = 1973). Less experienced diving officers had significantly higher hospitalization rates than more experienced diving officers for total admissions, stress-related disorders (primarily alcoholism), and cardiovascular disease. Diving officers had significantly higher hospitalization rates than controls for nervous system diseases and joint disorders; none of these hospitalized diving officers had a recorded incident of decompression sickness. To ensure the safety and overall excellent health status of diving officers, it is necessary to promote and continue adherence to the procedures developed for safe diving in the U.S. Navy diving community.