Ultraviolet and volatility loss of herbicides

Herbicide 2,4-D formulated as a urea-type polymer was readily destroyed by long-wave uv (356-nm) irradiation, whereas conventional 2,4-D was more resistant. The opposite relationship was noted for polymeric and conventional formulations of dicamba. Polymerized 2,4-D was more resistant to thermal degradation (60°C) than non-polymerized formulations. Ultraviolet degradation of polymerized 2,4-D was eliminated by the incorporation of RYLEX-H and UVINUL D-50, industrial uv absorbers. Exposure of polymeric dicamba to 60°C heat, followed by trapping of the volatile component, indicated that 21 percent was lost by thermal degradation and 46.6 percent by volatilization. Comparable values for non-polymerized dicamba were 37.9 and 60.1 percent.     

Untersuchungen zur neurotoxizität von arbeitsstoffen

Summary A longitudinal study was performed on eleven persons, who had been chronically exposed to mercury (Hg) (3 to 31 years, median 5 years) in 1977, 1980 resp., and 1982. During their work in a chemical plant they had had contact to elemental Hg and various inorganic as well as organic mercury compounds. The main purpose of the investigation was the evaluation of possible adverse effects to the nervous system caused by mercury. The internal Hg-exposure was measured by mercury analysis in blood (Hg-B) and in urine (Hg-U). Furthermore ldtime-weighted average levels were calculated on the basis of former Hg-determinations from 1974 to 1982. For Hg-B these values ranged between 26 and 104 g/dl (median 42 g/l) and for Hg-U between 73 and 434 g/g creatinine (median 233 g/g creatinine) (upper normal levels: Hg-B: 5 g/l; Hg-U: 5 g/g creatinine). The determination of the peripheral nerve conduction velocities (NLG) of motor and sensory fibers as well as the registration of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP) revealed no pathological results, except one borderline case. The NLG- and SEP-values did not significantly differ from those of non exposed persons or from those of former NLG-determinations. No correlations were found between indicators of Hg-exposure and neurophysiological parameters regarding dose-effect-relationship. Statistical differences resulted in the time-dependent test of the psychological test battery performed in comparison to age-matched control persons of equal socio-economous status. In additional, significant relationships were calculated between Hg-exposure and these tests. Considering the inter- and intraindividual variations of the psychological test results, there were no substantial alterations in the total findings over the observed period except for one case. Workers with Hg-exposure below the current BAT-values (Hg-B 50 g/l, Hg-U 200 g/l) showed no pathological findings in the neurological, neurophysiological and neuropsychological examinations.Mit finanzieller Unterstfitzung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bonn-Bad Godesberg [Projekt Va 23/19-2]     

Blood toluene as a biological index of environmental toluene exposure in the “normal” population and in occupationally exposed workers immediately after exposure and 16 hours later

Blood toluene was measured in a group of 100 workers occupationally exposed to a mean 8-h environmental toluene concentration of 128 g/l (34 ppm), and in a group of 269 normal subjects without occupational exposure to toluene. The mean blood toluene of the workers at the end of the shift and the following morning, after 16 h, was 457 and 38 g/l, respectively. The normal subjects had a blood toluene level of 1.1 g/l. On the basis of the highly significant correlation between blood toluene and occupational exposure, it can be calculated that environmental toluene exposure of 188 and 377 g/l (50 and 100 ppm) gives end-of-shift blood toluene levels of 690 and 1390 g/l, respectively. The corresponding blood toluene levels on the following morning are 50 and 100 /l, respectively.     

Biological and environmental monitoring of occupational exposure of pharmaceutical plant workers to methotrexate

Summary The exposure of 11 pharmaceutical plant workers to methotrexate (MTX) was studied. Personal air samples were taken during the different manufacturing processes: drug compounding, vial filling, and tablet preparation. The uptake of MTX was established by the determination of MTX in urine. MTX was analyzed using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), a method that is frequently used for monitoring serum levels in patients treated with MTX. The FPIA method was modified in such a way that MTX could be measured quickly and efficiently in air and urine samples. MTX was detected in air samples of all workers except for those involved in the vial filling process (range: 0.8–182 g/m³; median: 10 g/m³). The highest concentrations were observed for workers weighing MTX (118 and 182 g/m³). MTX was detected in urine samples of all workers. The mean cumulative MTX excretion over 72–96 h was 13.4 g MTX-equivalents (range: 6.1–24 g MTX-equiva g MTX-equivalents (range: 6.1–24 g MTX-equivalents). lents). A significantly lower background level of 10.2 g A significantly lower background level of 10.2 g MTX-equivalents was measured in urine of 30 control persons (range: 4.9–21 g MTX-equivalents).     

Cytogenetic studies of herbicide interactions in vitro and in vivo using atrazine and linuron

The herbicides atrazine and linuron, found in Wisconsin's groundwater, were tested alone and in combination, both in vivo and in vitro, to determine their individual and combined genotoxic effects. Human lymphocytes exposed in vitro to either 1 g/ml linuron or 0.001 g/ml atrazine showed little chromosome damage, whereas significant chromosome damage was observed in lymphocytes simultaneously exposed to 0.5 g/ml linuron and 0.0005 g/ml atrazine, suggesting at least an additive model. In another experiment, mice were fed 20 g/ml atrazine, 10 g/ml linuron, or a combination of 10 g/ml atrazine and 5 g/ml linuron in their drinking water for 90 days, after which bone marrow cells and cultured splenocytes were examined for chromosomal damage. None of the treatment groups showed chromosome damage in bone marrow, whereas the cultured splenocytes demonstrated damage in all treatment groups. These experiments suggest that, prior to assessing the risk of a herbicide, it may be necessary to test it in combinations which mimic the mixtures which would occur under field conditions, such as in contaminated groundwater.     

Contaminant residues in fish and sediments from lakes in the Atchafalaya River Basin (Louisiana)

Conversion of bottomland hardwood forests agricultural land has reduced habitat and water quality in many lakes in the floodplain of the lower Mississippi River. The objectives of this study were to ascertain current contaminant residue concentrations in fish and sediment from lakes in the Atchafalaya River Basin and to determine the influence of overflow and agricultural land use on contaminant levels. Fish and sediment samples were collected from eight lakes that differed in overflow (no overflow, headwater overflow, backwater overflow) and land-use characteristics (presence or absence of agricultural land). Residue analysis of 24 sediment and 82 fish samples collected from the study lakes showed that contaminant residues were uniformly low. Total DDT concentrations, consisting mainly of DDE, were found in 98% of the fish samples and generally were the highest residues though they rarely exceeded 0.50 g/g. Dieldrin, -BHC and -BHC, in concentrations rarely exceeding 0.05 g/g, were detected in about 50% of the fish samples. Total organochlorine pesticide and PCB residues were less than 2.00 g/g in all fish from all lakes, except for a 3.46 g/g total in spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) from one lake. Sediments were free from pesticide residues except for occasional traces (0.01 g/g) of -BHC. Metal residue concentrations in fish and sediment samples were typical of uncontaminated areas. Lake systems in the Atchafalaya River Basin appeared to be relatively uncontaminated by agricultural pesticides, but metal and organic residues in fish were similar from lakes with the same land-use and overflow characteristics.     

Assertive/leveling communication and empathy in adolescent drug abuse prevention

This paper presents the feelings reported by 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders when role playing situations in which they wanted to say no to alcohol/drugs or to talk to a friend who was using. These role plays were part of SAY IT STRAIGHT (SIS) training, which was described in the preceding paper. Youngsters described themselves as feeling good and having high self-respect/esteem only when they said no in an assertive/leveling way. Only youngsters toward whom an assertive/leveling no was addressed described themselves as surprised/shocked and respectful of the person who was saying no. Finally, youngsters reported that the most effective way to convince a friend to quit using and/or get help was to express caring and friendship, and to touch the friend rather than being aggressive/blaming, irrelevant or super-reasonable. This feedback from youngsters opens conceptual issues relevant to some assertiveness training and drug abuse prevention programs.The authors thank Kevin Miller and Antoinette Bradley for their help on the project.This research was supported in part by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health, Contract # N200073.     

DDT Residues in samples of human milk,and in mothers' and cord blood serum,in a continental town in Croatia (Yugoslavia)*

Summary Concentrations of p,p'-DDE, p,p-DDD, and p,p-DDT were determined in 34 samples of human milk obtained 3–5 days after delivery and in 37 samples obtained at later times of lactation (up to 55 weeks). All samples contained p,p-DDE, but only several contained p,p-DDD and p,p-DDT. The concentrations of p,p-DDE were 31 g/l in the beginning of lactation and 53 g/l at later time intervals. The concentration ranges in both groups overlap almost completely and the difference in the mean values is not significant.Serum samples from 35 mothers and cord blood were also analyzed. All samples contained p,p-DDE, the concentrations being 18 g/l and 6.8 g/l in the mothers' and cord blood serum, respectively. Serum samples of 24 nonpregnant women contained the same amount of p,p-DDE (20 pg/1) as mothers' sera.All samples were collected in a continental town of Croatia (Yugoslavia) between 1977 and 1979. The concentrations of DDT residues were determined by gas chromatography, and two methods for extraction from milk were used and compared.This work was supported in part by the Environmental Protection Agency (USA) and the World Health Organization (Geneva)     

Assessment of thyroid,testes, kidney and autonomic nervous system function in lead-exposed workers

Summary The objective of the study was to assess whether moderate occupational exposure to lead may be associated with early changes in potential target organs (thyroid, testes, kidney, autonomic nervous system). Workers exposed to lead in a lead acid battery factory (n = 98; mean blood lead 51 g/dl, range 40–75 g/dl) and 85 control workers were examined. None of the indicators of kidney function (in urine: retinol-binding protein, ₂-microglobulin, albumin,N-acetyl--d-glucosaminidase; in serum: creatinine, ₂-microglobulin), endocrine function (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine) and autonomic nervous system (R-R interval variations on the electrocardiogram) were correlated with lead exposure (blood lead or duration of exposure) or showed significantly different mean values between the exposed group and controls. These results and an assessment of the published data suggest that compliance with the Directive of the Council of the European Communities on lead exposure (health surveillance in workers whose lead in blood exceeds 40 g/dl and removal from exposure when blood lead exceeds 70–80 g/dl) would prevent the occurrence of significant biological changes in the majority of lead-exposed workers.     

Air-borne B. subtilis enzymes in the detergent industry

Summary Air-borne dust was collected on stationary and portable filters in two factories producing biological detergents. In one factory (Factory A) the detergent base was mixed with enzyme (subtilisin) powder, and the handling of the enzyme was done without effective protection. In the other factory (Factory B) the enzyme was encapsulated in granules before mixing the with detergent base, and the production line was shielded to prevent the spread of dust.Both the amount of air-borne dust and the relative enzyme activity of the dust were greater in Factory A than in Factory B in spite of the considerably larger production of enzyme detergents in the latter factory. The workers studied in Factory A were, on the average, exposed to 5.4 GU (glycine units) per cubic millimetre in their breathing zones, and those studied in Factory B were exposed to enzyme activities about and below 1 GU/m³.Based on exposure measurements and medical examination of the exposed workers, a time-weighted hygienic limit value for subtilisins of 1 GU/m³ is proposed.     

Residual organochlorine pesticides in the fat of mutton birds of New Zealand

Summary The organochlorine insecticides pp-DDT, its metabolites pp-DDE and pp-DDD, -HCCH, HEOD and PCBs were identified in the fat of mutton birds of New Zealand. The mean levels for six adult birds were: total DDT 17.30 ppm (78% pp-DDE), pp-DDT 1.54 ppm, pp-DDE 13.50 ppm, pp-DDD 0,64 ppm, -HCCH 5.17 ppm, HEOD 0.93 ppm, PCBs 1.83 ppm. All the compounds found in the adult birds except -HCCH, were also present in a chick bird but in considerably smaller amounts.     

Fluoride accumulation and bone strength in wild black-crowned night-herons

Fluoride was measured in femurs of black-crowned night-herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) living adjacent to a phosphate processing complex near Pocatello, Idaho. Fluoride (ash wt.) in femurs ranged from 540 g/g to 11,000 g/g and increased (P=0.0001) with age, but with no difference (P=0.80) between sexes. Adult males (4 years) contained 5,409 g/g compared to 6,042 g/g for adult females. The tibiotarsus (=tibiae in text) increased in diameter with age (P=0.015) in this study; fluoride was nearly related (P=0.065) to the increase. As the diameter increased with age, wall thickness decreased (P=0.011) suggesting excessive internal bone resorption, but fluoride concentrations were not implicated in the relationship (p= 0.64). The apparent increase in diameter and decrease in wall thickness may have partially neutralized each other's effects on strength. Although significantly higher concentrations of fluoride were present in adults than in Third Year herons, no significant change in bone strength (maximum load or modulus of rupture) was detected between the two age classes, but three of the four comparisons showed adults with less strength (i.e., a hint of diminished strength with age). The tibiae of Hatch Year birds were significantly weaker than documented in older age classes, but incomplete growth was thought responsible. The strong relationship between age and fluroide concentrations reduced our ability to separate a fluoride effect from an age effect. Other authors believed fluoride was responsible for an increase in bone diameter and the fluoride residues encountered in adults were within the range indicative of poisoning in cattle. In addition, the adult night-herons had about 1.6 times higher fluoride concentrations than owls which showed reduced reproductive success under laboratory conditions.     

Susceptibility of clinical isolates of campylobacter pylori to 24 antimicrobial and anti-ulcer agents

Forty-nine isolates of Campylobacter pylori were tested for their susceptibility to twenty antibiotics and four anti-ulcer agents by an agar dilution technique. Penicillin and amoxycillin were the most active drugs (MIC₉₀, 0.06 /ml); erythromycin, cefazolin, minocycline, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and gentamicin were sligthtly less active (MIC₉₀, 1 g/ml). Moderate activity was found for doxycyclin, rifampin, nitrofurantoin, norfloxacin, pefloxacin, enoxacin, paromomycin, metronidazole and tinidazole. All strains were resistant to trimethoprim (MIC > 512 g/ml). Nalidixic acid (MIC₉₀, > 256 g/ml) and colistin (MIC₉₀, > 64 gg/m1) had little to no activity. Of four anti-ulcer drugs, only bismuth subcitrate showed activity (MIC₉₀, 64 g./ml).Strains resistant to all 4-quinolones were found in patients who had previously received ofloxacin as part of a clinical trial aimed at eradication of C. pylori. These isolates remained susceptible to amoxycillin, tetracyclines and to other classes of antibiotics.Corresponding author.     

m-Dinitrobenzene intoxication due to skin absorption

Summary A case of m-dinitrobenzene intoxication is described. Clinical picture of the patient who was exposed to an industrial material containing m-dinitrobenzene, methaemoglobinemia and excretion of urinary metabolites observed in a volunteer who experimentally worked with the same material, absence of m-dinitrobenzene in the ambient air during the exposure, and penetration of m-dinitrobenzene through the protective gloves which were used by the patient indicate that m-dinitrobenzene was the toxic agent and that the main route of the invasion was skin absorption.     

The toxicity of selenium in experimental freshwater ponds

Flue Gas Desulphurization equipment installed in coal-fired power stations to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions produces effluent containing several contaminants, including selenium. To assess the effects that this might have on fish reproduction and biological community richness, selenate and selenite were added to freshwater pond systems to achieve duplicated nominal concentrations of 0 (control), 2, 10 and 25 g Se/L. Perch (Perca fluviatilis), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) and stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) were placed in each pond in the early summer and left relatively undisturbed until the following spring. A spawning tray was then placed in each pond and monitored regularly for the appearance of perch egg ropes. When ropes were found, they were removed to the laboratory and either placed in uncontaminated well water or exposed to selenium. Almost half the perch exposed to 25 g Se/L died during the pond experiment, but there were no observed deaths at the lower concentrations. No grass carp were recovered from the 25 g Se/L ponds but all were recovered from the other ponds. Stickleback were missing from all treatments, presumably due to predation by the perch. Perch egg ropes were found in seven of the eight ponds, and all but one rope showed signs of successful fertilisation. Hatching success in the laboratory was highly variable for eggs obtained from the 0, 2, and 10 g Se/L ponds, but was always above zero. No eggs hatched from ropes obtained from the 25 g Se/L ponds. Effects of selenium on plants, macroinvertebrates and zooplankton in the ponds were generally limited. Accumulation of selenium in fish was dose-related and comparable with results reported from other contaminated systems. The results from this experiment suggest that mean environmental concentrations of approximately 25 g Se/L may seriously affect the reproductive capacity of perch, but no clear effects on reproduction are evident at mean concentrations of 10 g Se/L and below. Selenium-induced effects occur during gametogenesis, but only become evident between fertilization and hatching.     

A pilot study of lead and cadmium exposure in young children in Stockholm,Sweden: Methodological considerations using capillary blood microsampling

A capillary blood microsampling technique was tested among urban young children in Stockholm. Blood lead (BPb) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were determined in capillary blood obtained by fingerstick from 41 children, 13–20 months old, and the accompanying parent. The quality control included control for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination of material and equipment used for blood sampling, washing procedures for the hands and fingers to be punctured, comparisons of Pb and Cd concentrations in blood obtained by fingerstick and by brachial vein puncture from the same individuals, analysis of external quality control samples for Pb and Cd in blood together with the collected samples, and evaluation of the analytical performance using linear regression analysis.The results showed that blood sampling material may contaminate the blood samples with amounts of Pb and Cd that would seriously influence the monitoring results in the low concentration range (<100 g Pb/L and <1 g Cd/L). However, it is possible to obtain reliable BPb concentrations (>10 g Pb/L), but not BCd concentrations (<1 g Cd/L), with the capillary blood microsampling technique tested provided that a strict quality control is applied. The sampling procedure tested was well accepted by the children and their parents. The children's median BPb concentration (27 g/L; range 9–73 g/L) was similar to the median BPb concentration of their parents (27 g/L; range 7–74 g/L). However, the correlation between child and parent BPb concentrations was poor (R²=0.20), which may indicate different sources to Pb exposure in children and parents.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B infection among hospital personnel in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

Hepatitis B serological markers (HBsAG, anti-HBc and anti-HBs) were determined in 432 (60%) hospital employees by the Hepanostika microenzyme linked immunoassay method.The overall prevalence rate was 9.02% for HBsAg, 46.25% for anti-HBs, 73.6% for anti-HBc and 76.38% for at least one marker positive. Marker positivity as well as HBsAg carrier rate is higher for males than for females. (82.0 Vs 69.9%; 11.4 Vs 6.75% respectively). The majority of the infections occur early in life, 75% being positive for at least one marker by age twenty. The distribution of markers is somewath different from previous observations with non-hospital personnel.Departments most exposed to blood and certain job categories seem to be an increased risk of acquiring the infection.We conclude that hospital exposure is associated with an additional risk of hepatitis B infection.     

Muscle Learning Therapy—Efficacy of a Biofeedback Based Protocol in Treating Work-Related Upper Extremity Disorders

Work-related upper extremity disorders (WRUEDs) continue to present significant treatment and financial challenges to providers, employers, and insurers. This retrospective study reviews outcomes for 309 subjects who, between 1995 and 1999, were referred through the workers' compensation system for treatment of computer keyboard- and mouse-related WRUED injuries. The mean length of time from the recorded date of injury to the date of intake was 12.9 months. Subjects were offered a 12-visit course in muscle learning therapy (MLT). MLT is an operant conditioning program which uses surface electromyography (sEMG) to train injured workers to control their muscles during work activities. Patient response to therapy was obtained by a therapist-administered questionnaire during Visit 8 of 12. A group of 309 subjects, who had failed to respond to a previous course of therapy (typically physical therapy), reported significant improvements of pain in the neck, thorax, and upper extremities. Ninety six percent reported that they felt more in control, 86% reported feeling better overall, and 81% reported either working the same and feeling better or working and accomplishing more. This study provides preliminary support for this approach and provides justification for controlled clinical trials in the future.     

Number-Between g-Type Statistical Quality Control Charts for Monitoring Adverse Events

Alternate Shewhart-type statistical control charts, called g and h charts, are developed and evaluated for monitoring the number of cases between hospital-acquired infections and other adverse events, such as heart surgery complications, catheter-related infections, surgical site infections, contaminated needle sticks, and other iatrically induced outcomes. These new charts, based on inverse sampling from geometric and negative binomial distributions, are simple to use and can exhibit significantly greater detection power over conventional binomial-based approaches, particularly for infrequent events and low defect rates. A companion article illustrates several interesting properties of these charts and design modifications that significantly can improve their statistical properties, operating characteristics, and sensitivity.     

Pedalo-ein gemeindenahes Projekt für Mütter von Kleinkindern in St. Gallen-Rotmonten

Zusammenfassung Das Pilotprojekt Pedalo, steht seit eineinhalb Jahren im St. Galler Quartier Rotmonten in der Erprobungsphase. Entwickelt von einer Gruppe von Quartierfrauen und fachlich begleitet von der Gesamtleitung ZEPRA will es Mütter mit einem Kleinkind oder mehreren kleinen Kindern zusammenführen und ihnen in Alltags-und Krisensituationen Begleitung und Unterstützung bieten. Der ansatz versteht sich als niederschwelliges Projekt mit Präventionscharakter, das quartiernah mit Halblaien arbeiten und im Bedarfsfall mit anderen Unterstützungsangeboten der Stadt St. Gallen zusammenarbeitet (Triagefunktion). Vorbild für den Treffpunkt Pedalo war der holländische Interventionsansatz Moeders informeren moeders (MIM). Diese Projektidee wurde von einer Gruppe von Müttern aufgenommen, die bereits zu einem früheren Zeitpunkt in ihrem Quartier aktiv geworden waren. Heute beinhaltet Pedalo im wesentlichen das Angebot des Treffs sowie ad hoc-Veranstaltungen oder Aktionen im Quartier. In der Pilotphase konnte das Projekt mit angemessenen öffentlichen Mitteln und privaten Spenden arbeiten.

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Pedalo in a nutshell

Summary The Pedalo pilot project has been in the trial phase in St. Gallen's Rotmonten Quarter for a year and a half now. It was developed by a group of women residents of the quarter. Having the backing and support of the ZEPRA executive committee, the objective of the project is to reunite mothers with one or several small children and offer them support and guidance in everyday and crisis situations. The project is designed as a grassroots effort with a preventative character, working hand in hand with trained laypersons within Rotmonten and joining forces with other support organizations and agencies of the City of St. Gallen as needed (catalyst and coordination function). The model for the Pedalo meeting place was the Dutch intervention project Moeders informeren moeders (MIM, Mothers Inform Mothers). This project idea was adopted by a group of mothers who had previously taken the initiative in their own neighborhood. Today, Pedalo essentially provides for a meeting place, in addition to organizing ad-hoc events or campaigns in the neighborhood. Since the beginning of the trial phase the project has been supported by public funding and private donations.

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du prject Pedalo

Résumé Pedalo est un projet-pilote qui fonctionne depuis un an et demi dans le quartier Rotmonten à St-Gall. Mis sur pieds par un groupe de femmes du quartier et bénéficiant du soutien professionnel de ZEPRA, ce projet vise à réunir des mères qui ont un ou plusieurs enfants en bas âge. Il leur propose un accompagnement et un soutien dans leur vie quotidienne ou dans les situations de crise auxquelles elles sont confrontées. Il a été conçu comme un projet à visée préventive facilement accessible, avec des personnes semi-bénévoles et, au besoin, en collaboration avec des dispositifs d'aide existant déjà dans la commune de St-Gall (fonction de triage). L'intervention hollandaise Moeders informeren moeders (MIM) a servi de référence. Un groupe de mères avait repris cette idée et avait déjà commencé à la réaliser. Aujourd'hui, le projet Pedalo consiste essentiellement à offrir un lieu de rencontre et à organiser des manifestations ou des actions de quartier dans ce domaine. Durant sa phasepilote, il a pu fonctionner grâce à des moyens publics et privés suffisants.

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Aus dem Evaluationsbericht, entstanden im Auftrag der ZEPRA-Gesamtleitung des kantonalen Gesundheitsdepartementes SG, publizieren wir die Zusammenfassung und die Empfehlungen.