Nurse awarded $35,000 in HIV exposure suit against surgeon

Nurse Katherine Kenny was awarded $35,000 in a suit against a surgeon who exposed her to HIV. Dr. Alfred Gervin did a pre-operative examination of an HIV-positive patient without gloves, in spite of Kenny's warning. In response, and allegedly to show her she had nothing to fear, he then wiped his hands on her arms. She testified that his hands were moist, he had examined the patient's anal area, and that she had a rash on her arms at the time. An expert witness said Kenny should have realized that there is no need for a doctor to wear gloves to touch a patient's skin. However, she was awarded $10,000 in compensatory damages and $25,000 in punitive damages. Her attorney hailed it as a victory for nurses who are abused by doctors in operating rooms.     

Occupational exposure to organophosphorus insecticides and synthetic pyrethroid

Summary Dermal and respiratory exposure to pirimiphosmethyl, dimethoate and permethrin were determined for applicators and operators in greenhouse tomato spraying operations. Dermal exposure is several times higher than the degree of respiratory exposure. Dermal exposure in terms of different parts of the body shows significant differences. For applicators the exposure of hands, arms and legs is the greatest, and the operators are the most exposed on their hands and to a small extent on legs. This fact should be taken into account when providing the workers with suitable protective clothing. The carefully selected technology of spraying also has great significance in decreasing the degree of exposure. Because of the chronic toxicity of dimethoate, all possible methods should be taken to reduce exposure.     

Community-based intervention to reduce pesticide exposure to farmworkers and potential take-home exposure to their families

The US EPA Worker Protection Standard requires pesticide safety training for farmworkers. Combined with re-entry intervals, these regulations are designed to reduce pesticide exposure. Little research has been conducted on whether additional steps may reduce farmworker exposure and the potential for take-home exposure to their families. We conducted an intervention with 44 strawberry harvesters (15 control and 29 intervention group members) to determine whether education, encouragement of handwashing, and the use of gloves and removable coveralls reduced exposure. Post-intervention, we collected foliage and urine samples, as well as hand rinse, lower-leg skin patch, and clothing patch samples. Post-intervention loading of malathion on hands was lower among workers who wore gloves compared to those who did not (median=8.2 vs. 777.2 microg per pair, respectively (P<0.001)); similarly, median MDA levels in urine were lower among workers who wore gloves (45.3 vs. 131.2 microg/g creatinine, P<0.05). Malathion was detected on clothing (median=0.13 microg/cm(2)), but not on skin. Workers who ate strawberries had higher malathion dicarboxylic acid levels in urine (median=114.5 vs. 39.4 microg/g creatinine, P<0.01). These findings suggest that wearing gloves reduces pesticide exposure to workers contacting strawberry foliage containing dislodgeable residues. Additionally, wearing gloves and removing work clothes before returning home could reduce transport of pesticides to worker homes. Behavioral interventions are needed to reduce consumption of strawberries in the field.     

Dermal exposure to cyclophosphamide in hospitals during preparation, nursing and cleaning activities

Objectives: To determine levels of potential and actual dermal exposure to cyclophosphamide (CP) during performance of oncology-related tasks in hospitals and to investigate the relationship with potential sources and surface contamination levels of CP. Methods: Dermal exposure to CP was determined for tasks with potential exposure to CP: preparation of CP, decanting of patients urine, washing of the patient, removal of bed sheets of treated patients and cleaning of patients toilets on oncology wards. Exposure was assessed by the collection of nitrile and latex protective medical gloves (potential exposure), washing of hands (actual exposure), from cotton pads attached to (un)covered forearms (potential or actual exposure) and a wipe sample of the forehead (actual exposure). Bulk samples (i.e. application fluids and patients excreta) and possible contact surfaces were monitored to assess the amount of CP available for dermal exposure. Results: Pharmacy technicians, oncology nurses and cleaning personnel showed actual and potential dermal exposure to CP during performance of their daily duties. Exposure occurred predominantly on the hands and sporadically on the forehead and forearms. Although all nurses used gloves during handling of patients urine and sometimes during the other nursing tasks, skin underneath gloves was repeatedly contaminated. Results of tests on bulk and surface contamination samples confirmed that patients intravenously treated with CP excrete the unmetabolised drug, which could subsequently lead to dermal exposure of hospital personnel. A clear relationship was found between dermal exposure levels and direct sources of exposure for all tasks, except for handling patients urine. Conclusions: We demonstrated for the first time that actual dermal exposure to CP is common among oncology nurses working with patients treated with this anti-neoplastic drug. Pharmacy technicians and cleaning personnel, on the other hand, are potentially exposed to CP, and protection provided by gloves seemed to be sufficient.     

Dermal exposure to styrene in the fibreglass reinforced plastics industry

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the potential dermal exposure to styrene in the fibreglass reinforced plastics industry. METHODS: Assessment was performed during spraying and rolling using a patch sampling technique. The patch was made of charcoal sandwiched between two layers of cotton fabric. Samplers were fastened at 12 different spots on a sampling overall, each spot representing a body area. One patch was fastened at the front of a cap. A patch fastened to a string worn around the neck assessed the exposure at chest level inside the clothing. Patches were fastened to cotton gloves at sites representing the dorsal side and the palm of the hand to evaluate exposure on these areas. Following sampling the patches were solvent desorbed and styrene was analysed by gas chromatography flame ionization detection. RESULTS: The potential body exposure for the participating individuals was between 544 and 17 100 mg/h with a geometric mean (GM) of 3780 mg/h. The legs, arms and outer chest in general had the highest exposures. The left and right hands had mean (GM) exposures of 344 and 433 mg/h, respectively. Styrene was determined for the patch at the inside of the clothing, indicating contamination of the dermal layer. CONCLUSIONS: The charcoal patch can be used to evaluate potential exposure to styrene. The results indicate that the dermal layer of the worker is exposed to styrene. Precautions should be performed to reduce dermal exposure.     

Occupational exposure to alkoxysilanes in a fibreglass manufacturing plant

Objective: To assess the exposure of workers to alkoxysilanes and to determine the main route of exposure during the manufacture of fibreglass. Methods: Occupational hygiene samples were taken from workers and their environment in a fibreglass factory during filament forming and the handling of coated fibres. The total exposure of workers to silanes was assessed by the collection of air samples into impinger flasks at stationary sampling sites, by the use of absorbent patch samples on workers' clothes or skin and from handwash samples. During the time of our field survey, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane were being used in different sizing mixtures. The samples were analysed by gas and liquid chromatography. Results: The silane concentrations in the air samples were below the detection limits of the analytical methods. The mean dermal exposure to 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, analysed from the patch samples, was 2,800 mg h⁻¹ in the forming room and 800 mg h⁻¹ in the winder room. The corresponding figures for 3-methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane were 3 and 9 mg h⁻¹. As determined in the handwash samples, the mean exposure to 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane through the hands was 1,500 mg h⁻¹ in the forming room and 1,800 mg h⁻¹ in the winder room, the respective values for 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane being 110 mg h⁻¹ and 90 mg h⁻¹. Only small quantities of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane were found in a few handwash samples. Conclusions: Our results showed that the workers in the fibreglass factory were clearly exposed to silanes. The main route of potential exposure was through the skin, especially the hands, which emphasised the importance of wearing appropriate protective gloves. According to the patch sampling, on average two thirds of the total dermal exposure was caused by exposure of the forearm, as indicated by the amounts of silanes analysed in the forearm patches. Since almost every worker was wearing protective gloves, the main occupational health finding concerning exposure to silanes was that short-sleeved T-shirts did not provide any protection to the arms. Received: 19 April 1999 / Accepted: 17 July 1999     

Methamphetamine Residue Dermal Transfer Efficiencies from Household Surfaces

Methamphetamine contamination from illegal production operations poses a potential health concern for emergency responders, child protective services, law enforcement, and children living in contaminated structures. The objective of this study was to evaluate dermal transfer efficiencies of methamphetamine from contaminated household surfaces. These transfer efficiencies are lacking for methamphetamine, and would be beneficial for use in exposure models. Surfaces were contaminated using a simulated smoking method in a stainless steel chamber. Household surfaces were carpet, painted drywall, and linoleum. Dermal transfer efficiencies were obtained using cotton gloves for two hand conditions, dry or saliva moistened (wet). In addition, three contact scenarios were evaluated for both hand conditions: one, two, or three contacts with contaminated surfaces. Dermal transfer efficiencies were calculated for both hand conditions and used as inputs in a Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation model (SHEDS-Multimedia, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, N.C.). Results of this study showed that average dermal transfer efficiencies of methamphetamine ranged from 11% for dry hands to 26% for wet hands. There was a significantly higher wet transfer as compared to dry transfer for all surfaces. For wet hands, dermal transfer depended on surface type with higher transfer from carpet and linoleum as compared to drywall. Based on our estimates of dermal transfer efficiency, a surface contamination clearance level of 1.5 μg/100 cm² may not ensure absorbed doses remain below the level associated with adverse health effects in all cases. Additional dermal transfer studies should be performed using skin surrogates that may better predict actual skin transfer.     

检验人员佩戴手套对乙型肝炎病毒经手感染的防护效果

目的调查检验科人员双手污染乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）的状况,评价佩戴手套阻止HBV经手感染的防护效果。方法采用前瞻性的调查方法,根据《消毒技术规范》规定的方法,对我院检验科人员佩戴的手套及脱手套后的手进行采样,按佩戴1、3h的手套及脱手套后的手分为3组,每组202只,用微粒子酶免疫化学发光法（MEIA）检测HBsAg,荧光定量PCR法（FQ-PCR）检测HBV DNA。结果各检验专业组人员佩戴1、3h的手套及脱手套后的手HBsAg污染率分别为22.77%、34.65%及2.48%;佩戴1、3h的手套及脱手套后的手HBV DNA污染率分别为27.72%、41.58%及2.48%;佩戴3h的手套HBsAg及HBV DNA污染率显著〉1h,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;脱手套后的手HBsAg及HBV DNA污染率显著低于佩戴1、3h的手套,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论提示检验科人员双手HBV污染严重,佩戴手套能有效阻止HBV经手感染。     

Quantified activity pattern data from 6 to 27-month-old farmworker children for use in exposure assessment

This study was conducted to describe exposure prone behaviors of infants and toddlers in the farmworker community. Analysis of hand and mouth contact frequencies and durations aids understanding of how children interact with their environment and are exposed via contact with surfaces. All 23 participating children (8 female infants, 5 male infants, 5 female toddlers and 5 male toddlers) lived with at least one farmworker. Children were videotaped at home for 2-6 h. Video footage was translated into micro-level activity time series (MLATS) for both hands and the mouth. MLATS were processed to calculate hourly duration in microenvironments, contact frequency, hourly contact duration and median contact duration. The median hourly duration spent indoors was 53 min/h. The median hand-to-mouth frequency was 15.2 events/h and the median object-to-mouth frequency was 27.2 events/h. The hourly mouthing duration was 1.2 and 2.2 min/h with the hands and objects, respectively. The median mouthing duration with hands and objects was 2 s. The median contact frequency for both hands combined was 689.4 events/h with an hourly contact duration of 100.5 min/h and a median contact duration of 3 s. Infants had higher mouthing frequencies with non-dietary objects while toddlers had higher mouthing frequencies with objects associated with pica (i.e., paper). Boys had higher contact frequencies while girls had longer contact durations. These sub-group differences indicate factors such as age and gender should be accounted for when conducting exposure assessments. Contact frequencies in this study are higher than current US EPA recommendations, questioning their protective value for infants and toddlers.     

The effect of disinfectants on perforated gloves.

Three types of gloves, 'Biogel', 'Regent Dispo Surgical' gloves and Ansell gammex were perforated, and contaminated with Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa as test organisms applied either to the hand or the glove surface. The glove surface was decontaminated with alcoholic chlorhexidine ('Hibisol'), methylated spirit, or soap and water. The experiments were performed in triplicate on three separate days. The experiments were designed to study the ability of the three disinfection methods to reduce the bacterial count of 10(6) colony forming units (cfu) ml-1 (applied to perforated gloves or hands) sufficiently to permit the re-use of such gloves for non-sterile ward procedures. The best method of disinfection was using alcoholic chlorhexidine which not only reduced glove surface carriage but also reduced transfer of bacteria to the hands through the perforation in the gloves. Soap and water was the least effective. Escherichia coli was more easily removed than P. aeruginosa. We recommend that non-sterile ward procedures may be carried out even after gloves have been perforated provided alcoholic chlorhexidine is used between each procedure to reduce cross-infection between patients.     

Exposure of Ground-Rig Applicators to the Herbicide Bromoxynil Applied as a 1:1 Mixture of Butyrate and Octanoate

Bromoxynil is a herbicide used extensively on the Canadian prairies for weed control in cereal production. This is a report on exposure to and absorption of bromoxynil by farmers during handling, transferring, mixing, and then applying the herbicide to cereal crops using tractor-drawn ground-rigs. The 14 individual spray operations, in which farmers applied 9 kg of bromoxynil (phenol equivalent, p.e.) to 32 ha, lasted from 113 to 549 min and involved one to five tank fills. In five of the spray operations, the farmers wore neoprene gauntlet-style protective gloves. Tractors, equipped with cabs, were used in nine spray operations. Air sampling, hand washes, and dermal patch dosimeters served as the basis to calculate the amount of bromoxynil (p.e.) available for inhalation, deposition on the hands, and deposition under a standardized set of protective clothing. Tractors, equipped with cabs, decreased inhalation exposure by a factor of ∼ 10. Use of gauntlet-style neoprene protective gloves decreased dermal exposure to the hands region of the body by 25 times, whereas two layers of laundered cotton provided a protective effect of > 15 in the chest region. The median value for the amount of bromoxynil (p.e.) inhaled was 0.018 μg kg BW⁻¹ kg (p.e.)⁻¹ for the 14 spray operations. The hands region of the body was the area most exposed to bromoxynil (p.e.), the median value of dermal deposition to the hands being 808 μg (p.e.) compared to 1,600 μg (p.e.) for the whole body, when protective gloves were not worn. The urinary excretion pattern of bromoxynil (p.e.) did not demonstrate an obvious maximum followed by a continuous decline to background concentrations. Instead, the amounts excreted increased over the first few days after application and then tended to remain relatively constant during the remainder of the 10-day sampling period. The median value for urinary excretion was 2.22 ng g creat⁻¹ kg BW⁻¹ kg (p.e.)⁻¹. Received: 17 January 2001/Accepted: 2 November 2001     

Dosing and monitoring of trace elements in long-term home parenteral nutrition patients

Background: Trace elements (TEs) dosing and monitoring in home parenteral nutrition (PN) patients vary with their underlying conditions. Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated parenteral TE dosing, serum TE concentrations and monitoring, and dose‐concentration relationships between TE doses and serum TE concentrations in 26 adult and adolescent home PN patients. Results: There was a total of 40,493 PN days. Average parenteral zinc doses of 9.1 mg/d and 7.6 mg/d resulted in the majority of serum zinc concentrations (90%) within normal range in patients with and without short bowel syndrome (SBS), respectively. Selenium at about 70 mcg/d resulted in about 60% of serum selenium concentrations within normal range, with 38% of values below normal in patients with and without SBS alike. Copper at 1 mg/d resulted in 22.5% of serum copper concentrations above the normal range. The majority of serum manganese (94.6%) and chromium (96%) concentrations were elevated. Serum TE concentrations were infrequently monitored. Significant relationships existed between doses and serum concentrations for zinc (P < .0001), manganese (P = .012), and chromium (P < .0001) but not for selenium or copper. Conclusions: TE doses in home PN should be individualized and adjusted based on regular monitoring of TE status. In long‐term home PN patients, higher zinc and selenium doses may be necessary to maintain their normal serum concentrations. Lower copper doses and restrictions of manganese and chromium supplementation may be needed to avoid their accumulation. Relationships between TE doses and serum TE concentrations vary for each TE and underlying clinical conditions.     

Exposure of farmers to phosmet, a swine insecticide

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to measure dermal and inhalation exposures to phosmet during application to animals and to identify what determinants of exposure influence the exposure levels. METHODS: Ten farmers were monitored using dermal patches, gloves, and air sampling media during normal activities of applying phosmet to pigs for insect control. Exposures were measured on the clothing (outer), under the clothing (inner), on the hands, and in the air. Possible exposure determinants were identified, and a questionnaire on work practices was administered. RESULTS: The geometric mean of the outer exposure measurements was 79 microg/h, whereas the geometric mean of the inner exposure measurements was 6 microg/h. The geometric mean for hand exposure was 534 microg/h, and the mean air concentration was 0.2 microg/m3. Glove use was associated with the hand and total dermal exposure levels, but no other determinant was associated with any of the exposure measures. The average penetration through the clothing was 54%, which dropped to 8% when the farmers wearing short sleeves were excluded. The farmers reported an average of 40 hours a year performing insecticide-related tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Farmers who applied phosmet to animals had measurable exposures, but the levels were lower than what has been seen in other pesticide applications. Inhalation exposures were insignificant when compared with dermal exposures, which came primarily from the hands. Clothing, particularly gloves, provided substantial protection from exposures. No other exposure determinant was identified.     

Influence of waterproof covering on finger skin temperature and hand pain during immersion test for diagnosing hand-arm vibration syndrome

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of waterproof covering on finger skin temperature (FST) and hand pain during immersion test for diagnosing hand-arm vibration syndrome complying with the proposal of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO/ CD14835-1, 2001) for measurement procedure. Six healthy male subjects took part in the immersion tests and immersed their both hands into water at 12 degrees C for 5 min, repeatedly with two types of waterproof covering (polyethylene and natural rubber gloves) or without hand covering (bare hands) during immersion. The FST data from middle fingers and subjective pain scores for hand pain were analyzed. Statistically significant differences in FST among three conditions were observed showing the highest FST with natural rubber gloves, followed by the FST with polyethylene gloves and the lowest with bare hands. Significant differences in pain score among three conditions were observed during immersion showing the lowest pain score with natural rubber gloves, followed by the pain score with polyethylene gloves and the highest with bare hands. Immersion test with polyethylene gloves instead of bare hands during immersion seems to be suitable for reducing subject suffering.     

Unrecognized abrasions and occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens among health care workers in Turkey

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of exposures to potentially infective biological material, the use of gloves and the presence and awareness of skin abrasions amongst health care workers (HCWs). METHODS: Analysis of reported exposures during a 12 month period, questionnaire and skin examination by a dermatologist on HCWs at the University Hospital in Duzce, Turkey. RESULTS: Out of 415 HCWs, 278 responded to the questionnaire giving a response rate of 67%. There were 152 potentially infectious exposures reported on the questionnaire. Only 14% (21) of exposures were recorded between October 2001 and October 2002 at the time of the incident. Sharps injuries (57%) were reported most frequently in nurses, while splashes to mucous membranes occurred most frequently in physicians (36%). The operating theatre was the major location of incidents (56%). The frequency of abrasions on the hands was higher in female HCWs (60%) (P < 0.05). Wearing gloves for all procedures was most common in laboratory workers (60%). Abrasions were found on the hands of 142 (51%) of 278 HCWs. Sixteen per cent of the HCWs were unaware of abrasions on their hands. CONCLUSION: There appears to be under-reporting of potentially infectious exposures by HCWs. HCWs are not always aware of abrasions on their hands. This study reinforces the need to report exposures and to use personal protective equipment.     

How important is inadvertent ingestion of hazardous substances at work?

Much is known about human exposure to workplace hazardous substances by inhalation and from skin contact, but there has been little systematic research into ingestion of hazardous substances used at work. This review attempts to identify whether inadvertent ingestion of hazardous substances is an important route of exposure in the workplace and examines possible methods that could be used to quantify ingestion exposure. A number of papers highlight jobs and substances where inadvertent ingestion may be important, typically through case reports or from a theoretical analysis. These scenarios involve exposure to some metals or metal compounds, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, some infectious agents, unsealed radioactive sources and some high molecular weight allergens. In total we estimate that about 4.5 million workers in the UK could have some regular non-trivial intake of hazardous substances by inadvertent ingestion. A conceptual analysis of inadvertent ingestion exposure highlights the role of hand-to-mouth and object-to-mouth events as the primary exposure processes. Two exposure 'compartments' are defined: the peri-oral area (i.e. the area of skin around the outside of the mouth) and the oral cavity. Several options are highlighted for exposure-related measurements, including peri-oral wipes, saliva samples, mouth-rinse samples, hand-wipes and under-nail scrapings. Further research is necessary to define which measurements may be most informative. Human behaviour has a key role in determining inadvertent ingestion exposure. For example, some people are habitual nail biters or repeatedly touch their mouth, both of which will increase the chance of ingesting contaminants on their hands. The frequency that people touch their face is dependant on the circumstances of their work and probably the degree of psychological stress they are under. A proper understanding of the importance of these factors will help in designing interventions to reduce the risks from ingesting hazardous substances at work. When making inhalation or dermal exposure measurements we recommend that details of personal behaviours should be recorded so that some estimate of ingestion risks can be inferred. It is possible that inadvertent ingestion of hazardous substances at work may become more important as employers put more emphasis on controlling inhalation and dermal exposures. Further research is necessary to ensure that risk reduction strategies for inadvertent ingestion of hazardous substances are appropriate and effective.     

Bacterial contamination of surgical gloves by water droplets spilt after scrubbing

Wound infection and deep sepsis can have disastrous consequences, particularly in orthopaedic surgery. Strict protocols, ultra-clean air, prophylactic antibiotics, and impervious gowns and drapes, have all been shown to diminish wound infection. However it remains a common and significant problem. The water droplets spilt from the surgeons hands after meticulous scrubbing with povidone iodine were cultured. The permeability of the surgical glove packaging to Gram-positive bacteria was also investigated. The water droplets from the surgeon's arms contained environmental and potentially pathogenic bacteria including a micrococcus, a coliform and coagulase-negative staphylococci. The paper packaging for the range of sterile surgical gloves tested was discovered to be permeable to Gram-positive bacteria. In conclusion accidental water droplet contamination of surgical gloves is a potential source of infection. Alternative recommendations are made.     

The Effects of Protective Equipment on Styrene Exposure in Workers in the Reinforced Plastics Industry

This study was designed to determine whether styrene absorption through the skin results in measurable changes in biologic indicators of styrene exposure using a group of workers engaged in hand lay-up operations during which extensive styrene skin contact occurs. Serial measurements of expired breath and blood styrene and urinary excretion o f mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acid were made in eight female workers during 4 consecutive days using d ifferent experimental conditions including either (1) gloves/protective clothing alone, (2) respirator alone, (3) both gloves/protective clothing and respirator, or (4) neither respirator nor gloves/protective clothing, A two-by-two factorial design imbedded in a Latin square design allowed estimation of the effects of the two types of protection (i.e., gloves/clothing and respiratory) and any interaction. Levels of styrene in venous blood and expired breath and urine mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acid excretion were no different when gloves/clothes were used as protection compared to no protection at all. Significant reduction in all biologic indices occurred when respiratory protection was used. The results of the study suggest that percutaneous absorption o f styrene is not a significant exposure source and does not significantly contribute to the body burden of styrene of workers in the reinforced plastic industry engaged in hand lay-up operations. Respiratory protective devices were the most effective means for reducing styrene absorption. Even though skin absorption of styrene is limited, skin protection is necessary because of the risk of dermatitis.     

Skin contamination,airborne concentrations,and urinary metabolite excretion of propoxur during harvesting of flowers in greenhouses

In eight greenhouses used for carnation culture, workers engaged in harvesting (n = 16), were monitored for dermal and respiratory exposure and urinary excretion of propoxur. Dermal exposure of hands and forearms was estimated from dislodgeable foliar residue, using a transfer factor (a measure of transfer of pesticides from leaves to the skin) and the total number of working hours. Total estimated dermal and respiratory exposure during harvesting ranged from 0.2 to 46 mg and from 3 to 278 μg, respectively. To study the relationship between external and internal exposure to propoxur, respiratory and dermal exposure levels were compared with the total amount of 2-isopropoxyphenol (IPP), the major metabolite of propoxur, excreted in urine in 24 hr. The Pearson correlation coefficient between dermal exposure and the total amount of excreted IPP was 0.95. A correlation coefficient of 0.84 was found between respiratory exposure and the amount of IPP excreted. The latter association was probably caused by the covariation of respiratory and dermal exposure levels (r = 0.85). Assuming negligible oral absorption, calculations indicated that dermal exposure could account for >80% of the amount of excreted IPP. On the basis of the amount of IPP excreted, there was no reason to suspect increased health risks for workers from exposure to propoxur during harvesting. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Circadian rhythm of rectal temperature in man with two different types of clothing

Summary We compared the circadian rhythm of human rectal temperature with two different types of clothing at an ambient temperature of 27.5° ± 0.5°C and a relative humidity of 40 ± 10%. One clothing covered the whole body area except for the head, hands and feet (Type A, weight 475g, 0.98 clo), the other covered the trunk, upper arms and thighs (Type B, weight 366 g, 0.93 clo). Major findings are summarized as follows: (1) Late evening fall after retiring and a morning rise after rising in the rectal temperature rhythm were significanty quicker in Type B than in Type A. (2) Late evening rise after retiring and a morning fall after rising in the skin temperatures of the extremities were quicker in Type B than in Type A. (3) A range of oscillation in the circadian rectal temperature rhythm was significantly larger in Type B than in Type A. It was suggested that the quicker late evening rise and morning fall of the skin temperatures in the extremities after retiring and rising, respectively, might be responsible for the quicker late evening fall and morning rise of the circadian rectal temperature.