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Posted by blogposter at 11:28 AM | Permalink

Too much of a good thing? Update on fish consumption and mercury exposure.

Nutr Rev. 2006 Mar;64(3):139-45

Authors: Levenson CW, Axelrad DM

While there is a significant amount of data showing health benefits of increased fish consumption, there are conflicting reports about the cardiovascular risks of mercury in seafood. A recent long-term study attempted to resolve this controversy, providing an opportunity to balance recommendations from the US Environmental Protection Agency for mercury with those from the American Heart Association for fish consumption.

PMID: 16572601 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 11:28 AM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 11:28 AM | Permalink

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Final rule.

Fed Regist. 2006 Feb 28;71(39):10099-385

Authors:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is amending the existing standard which limits occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). OSHA has determined based upon the best evidence currently available that at the current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Cr(VI), workers face a significant risk to material impairment of their health. The evidence in the record for this rulemaking indicates that workers exposed to Cr(VI) are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The record also indicates that occupational exposure to Cr(VI) may result in asthma, and damage to the nasal epithelia and skin. The final rule establishes an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 5 micrograms of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air (5 [mu]g/cu m). This is a considerable reduction from the previous PEL of 1 milligram per 10 cubic meters of air (1 mg/10 cu m, or 100 [mu]g/cu m) reported as CrO3, which is equivalent to a limit of 52 [mu]g/cu m as Cr(VI). The final rule also contains ancillary provisions for worker protection such as requirements for exposure determination, preferred exposure control methods, including a compliance alternative for a small sector for which the new PEL is infeasible, respiratory protection, protective clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, recordkeeping, and start-up dates that include four years for the implementation of engineering controls to meet the PEL. The final standard separately regulates general industry, construction, and shipyards in order to tailor requirements to the unique circumstances found in each of these sectors. The PEL established by this rule reduces the significant risk posed to workers by occupational exposure to Cr(VI) to the maximum extent that is technologically and economically feasible.

PMID: 16528853 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 11:27 AM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 11:27 AM | Permalink

Related Articles

Possible impact of phthalates on infant reproductive health.

Int J Androl. 2006 Feb;29(1):172-80; discussion 181-5

Authors: Lottrup G, Andersson AM, Leffers H, Mortensen GK, Toppari J, Skakkebaek NE, Main KM

Phthalates adversely affect the male reproductive system in animals, inducing hypospadias, cryptorchidism, reduced testosterone production and decreased sperm counts. Phthalate effects are much more severe after in utero than adult exposure. Little is known about human health effects. This study discusses two recent studies on perinatal phthalate exposure, which indicated that human testicular development might be susceptible to phthalates. One study analysed phthalate monoesters in breast milk and reproductive hormone levels in infants. Five of six phthalates [monoethyl-(MEP), monobutyl- (MBP), monomethyl- (MMP), mono-2-ethylhexyl- (MEHP) and mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP)] showed correlation with hormone levels in healthy boys, which were indicative of lower androgen activity and reduced Leydig cell function. MEP and MBP were positively correlated with serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. MMP, MEP, MBP, MEHP and MiNP were positively correlated with the LH/testosterone ratio. Another study found a reduction of the anogenital index (AGI) in infant boys with increasing levels of MBP, MEP, monobenzyl- and mono-isobutyl phthalate in maternal urine samples during late-pregnancy. Boys with small AGI showed a high prevalence of cryptorchidism and small genital size. Taken together these studies suggest an antivirilizing effect of phthalates in infants. Most of these findings are in line with animal observations. However, the possible effects of MEP appear to be limited to humans. This may be due to differences in exposure routes (inhalation and dermal absorption which circumvents liver detoxification in addition to oral) and metabolism, or this association could be spurious. As phthalates are produced as bulk chemicals worldwide, these new findings raise concern about the safety of phthalate exposure for pregnant women and infants.

PMID: 16466537 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 06:24 PM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 06:23 PM | Permalink

Related Articles

Remediation of soil contaminated with 2,4-dichlorophenol by treatment of minced shepherd's purse roots.

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2006 Feb;50(2):191-5

Authors: Park JW, Park BK, Kim JE

This study investigated the applicability of minced shepherd's purse root containing high peroxidase activity as a catalytic agent instead of purified and immobilized peroxidase for the remediation of soil contaminated with phenolic pollutants, using 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) as a model pollutant. The removal of 2,4-DCP in the soil was extremely fast when treated with peroxide and minced shepherd's purse root, and maximal removal was achieved within 10 min. Increasing the reaction temperature did not significantly influence removal of 2,4-DCP incubated with shepherd's purse. The removal of 2,4-DCP was dependent on the amount of shepherd's purse and the soil moisture content. Increasing the amount of shepherd's purse and moisture mixed with soil caused an increased removal of 2,4-DCP. Calcium peroxide was more effective than hydrogen peroxide, and maximal removal was achieved in 20 mM of both peroxides. The efficiency of 2,4-DCP removal decreased with increasing 2,4-DCP concentration but was greater than 60% at 500 to 1000 mg kg(-1). Our results provide strong evidence that shepherd's purse can be used to remediate soil contaminated with phenolic pollutants.

PMID: 16392021 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 06:23 PM | Permalink

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Final rule.

Fed Regist. 2006 Feb 28;71(39):10099-385

Authors:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is amending the existing standard which limits occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). OSHA has determined based upon the best evidence currently available that at the current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Cr(VI), workers face a significant risk to material impairment of their health. The evidence in the record for this rulemaking indicates that workers exposed to Cr(VI) are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The record also indicates that occupational exposure to Cr(VI) may result in asthma, and damage to the nasal epithelia and skin. The final rule establishes an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 5 micrograms of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air (5 [mu]g/cu m). This is a considerable reduction from the previous PEL of 1 milligram per 10 cubic meters of air (1 mg/10 cu m, or 100 [mu]g/cu m) reported as CrO3, which is equivalent to a limit of 52 [mu]g/cu m as Cr(VI). The final rule also contains ancillary provisions for worker protection such as requirements for exposure determination, preferred exposure control methods, including a compliance alternative for a small sector for which the new PEL is infeasible, respiratory protection, protective clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, recordkeeping, and start-up dates that include four years for the implementation of engineering controls to meet the PEL. The final standard separately regulates general industry, construction, and shipyards in order to tailor requirements to the unique circumstances found in each of these sectors. The PEL established by this rule reduces the significant risk posed to workers by occupational exposure to Cr(VI) to the maximum extent that is technologically and economically feasible.

PMID: 16528853 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 06:23 PM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 06:23 PM | Permalink

Related Articles

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to metal working fluids: Sporadic or under reported?

Am J Ind Med. 2006 Apr 3;

Authors: Gupta A, Rosenman KD

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to metal working fluids (MWF) is common with over 1.2 million workers in the United States involved in machine finishing, machine tooling, and other metalworking operations. MWF is a known cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Recent reports of outbreaks of hypersensitivity HP secondary to exposure to MWF are reported. DESIGN: Cases were identified through the Occupational Disease surveillance system in the State of Michigan and from referrals for evaluation to the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Michigan State University (MSU). Each patient underwent a clinical examination including an occupational history, lung function studies, radiographic imaging, and in some cases lung biopsies. Following the diagnosis of definite HP, an industrial hygiene investigation was carried out, which included a plant walk-through, and review of the "Injury and Illness" log. Air monitoring and microbial sampling results were reviewed. RESULTS: As part of Michigan's mandatory surveillance system for occupational illnesses, seven cases of suspected HP were identified in 2003-2004 from three facilities manufacturing automobile parts in Michigan. Each plant used semi-synthetic MWFs, and conducted a MWF management program including biocide additions. Two facilities had recently changed the MWF before the cases arose. Growth of mycobacteria was found in these two MWFs. Breathing zone samples for particulates of two employees in plant A (two cases) ranged from 0.48 to 0.56 mg/m(3). In plant B (four cases), two employees' sampling results ranged from 0.10 to 0.14 mg/m(3). No air sampling data were available from plant C. CONCLUSION: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to exposure to MWFs is under-recognized by health care providers, and current surveillance systems are inadequate to provide a true estimate of its occurrence. HP arose from environments with exposures well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for MWF, and in one case from exposures well below the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL). The sporadic nature of reports of HP in relationship to MWF probably represents a combination of workplace changes that cause the disease and inadequate recognition and reporting of the disease when it does occur. Physician awareness of HP secondary to MWF and an effective medical surveillance program are necessary to better understanding the epidemiology and prevention of this disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PMID: 16586404 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Posted by blogposter at 06:09 PM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 06:09 PM | Permalink

Related Articles

TNT Detection Using Multiplexed Liquid Array Displacement Immunoassays.

Anal Chem. 2006 Apr 1;78(7):2279-85

Authors: Anderson GP, Moreira SC, Charles PT, Medintz IL, Goldman ER, Zeinali M, Taitt CR

The presence of trace contamination of soil and groundwater with explosives is an ongoing concern, for which improved methods are required to facilitate their detection and quantification. This is true both for the monitoring of remediation and for site characterization. Immunosensors have been found effective for solution-phase detection of environmental contaminants. Our work utilized the Luminex(100) (flow cytometer) to detect TNT in a multiplexed displacement immunoassay format. The Luminex(100) can perform a multiplexed assay by discriminating between up to 100 different bead sets. We used this capability to evaluate four different TNT monoclonal antibodies, two recombinant TNT antibodies, and a control antibody simultaneously for the rapid detection of TNT and other nitroaromatics. TNT could be detected at 0.1 ppb and quantified over the range of 1.0 ppb to 10 ppm. In addition, the assay was shown to be effective in various matrixes such as lake water, seawater, and acetone extracts of soil. Seawater required dilution with two parts buffer to avoid loss of microspheres, while the acetone extracts were diluted 100-fold or more to minimize solvent affects.

PMID: 16579609 [PubMed - in process]

Posted by blogposter at 06:09 PM | Permalink

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Final rule.

Fed Regist. 2006 Feb 28;71(39):10099-385

Authors:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is amending the existing standard which limits occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). OSHA has determined based upon the best evidence currently available that at the current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Cr(VI), workers face a significant risk to material impairment of their health. The evidence in the record for this rulemaking indicates that workers exposed to Cr(VI) are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The record also indicates that occupational exposure to Cr(VI) may result in asthma, and damage to the nasal epithelia and skin. The final rule establishes an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 5 micrograms of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air (5 [mu]g/cu m). This is a considerable reduction from the previous PEL of 1 milligram per 10 cubic meters of air (1 mg/10 cu m, or 100 [mu]g/cu m) reported as CrO3, which is equivalent to a limit of 52 [mu]g/cu m as Cr(VI). The final rule also contains ancillary provisions for worker protection such as requirements for exposure determination, preferred exposure control methods, including a compliance alternative for a small sector for which the new PEL is infeasible, respiratory protection, protective clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, recordkeeping, and start-up dates that include four years for the implementation of engineering controls to meet the PEL. The final standard separately regulates general industry, construction, and shipyards in order to tailor requirements to the unique circumstances found in each of these sectors. The PEL established by this rule reduces the significant risk posed to workers by occupational exposure to Cr(VI) to the maximum extent that is technologically and economically feasible.

PMID: 16528853 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 06:08 PM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 06:08 PM | Permalink

Related Articles

Printed circuit board industry.

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2006 Mar 30;

Authors: Ladou J

The printed circuit board is the platform upon which microelectronic components such as semiconductor chips and capacitors are mounted. It provides the electrical interconnections between components and is found in virtually all electronics products. Once considered low technology, the printed circuit board is evolving into a high-technology product. Printed circuit board manufacturing is highly complicated, requiring large equipment investments and over 50 process steps. Many of the high-speed, miniaturized printed circuit boards are now manufactured in cleanrooms with the same health and safety problems posed by other microelectronics manufacturing. Asia produces three-fourths of the world's printed circuit boards. In Asian countries, glycol ethers are the major solvents used in the printed circuit board industry. Large quantities of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, dimethylformamide, and lead are used by the printed circuit board industry. For decades, chemically intensive and often sloppy manufacturing processes exposed tens of thousands of workers to a large number of chemicals that are now known to be reproductive toxicants and carcinogens. The printed circuit board industry has exposed workers to high doses of toxic metals, solvents, acids, and photolithographic chemicals. Only recently has there been any serious effort to diminish the quantity of lead distributed worldwide by the printed circuit board industry. Billions of electronics products have been discarded in every region of the world. This paper summarizes recent regulatory and enforcement efforts.

PMID: 16580876 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Posted by blogposter at 03:35 PM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 03:35 PM | Permalink

Related Articles

TNT Detection Using Multiplexed Liquid Array Displacement Immunoassays.

Anal Chem. 2006 Apr 1;78(7):2279-85

Authors: Anderson GP, Moreira SC, Charles PT, Medintz IL, Goldman ER, Zeinali M, Taitt CR

The presence of trace contamination of soil and groundwater with explosives is an ongoing concern, for which improved methods are required to facilitate their detection and quantification. This is true both for the monitoring of remediation and for site characterization. Immunosensors have been found effective for solution-phase detection of environmental contaminants. Our work utilized the Luminex(100) (flow cytometer) to detect TNT in a multiplexed displacement immunoassay format. The Luminex(100) can perform a multiplexed assay by discriminating between up to 100 different bead sets. We used this capability to evaluate four different TNT monoclonal antibodies, two recombinant TNT antibodies, and a control antibody simultaneously for the rapid detection of TNT and other nitroaromatics. TNT could be detected at 0.1 ppb and quantified over the range of 1.0 ppb to 10 ppm. In addition, the assay was shown to be effective in various matrixes such as lake water, seawater, and acetone extracts of soil. Seawater required dilution with two parts buffer to avoid loss of microspheres, while the acetone extracts were diluted 100-fold or more to minimize solvent affects.

PMID: 16579609 [PubMed - in process]

Posted by blogposter at 03:35 PM | Permalink

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Final rule.

Fed Regist. 2006 Feb 28;71(39):10099-385

Authors:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is amending the existing standard which limits occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). OSHA has determined based upon the best evidence currently available that at the current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Cr(VI), workers face a significant risk to material impairment of their health. The evidence in the record for this rulemaking indicates that workers exposed to Cr(VI) are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The record also indicates that occupational exposure to Cr(VI) may result in asthma, and damage to the nasal epithelia and skin. The final rule establishes an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 5 micrograms of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air (5 [mu]g/cu m). This is a considerable reduction from the previous PEL of 1 milligram per 10 cubic meters of air (1 mg/10 cu m, or 100 [mu]g/cu m) reported as CrO3, which is equivalent to a limit of 52 [mu]g/cu m as Cr(VI). The final rule also contains ancillary provisions for worker protection such as requirements for exposure determination, preferred exposure control methods, including a compliance alternative for a small sector for which the new PEL is infeasible, respiratory protection, protective clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, recordkeeping, and start-up dates that include four years for the implementation of engineering controls to meet the PEL. The final standard separately regulates general industry, construction, and shipyards in order to tailor requirements to the unique circumstances found in each of these sectors. The PEL established by this rule reduces the significant risk posed to workers by occupational exposure to Cr(VI) to the maximum extent that is technologically and economically feasible.

PMID: 16528853 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 03:35 PM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 03:34 PM | Permalink

Related Articles

Mercury elimination update.

Am J Nurs. 2006 Mar;106(3):88

Authors: Condon M, Brannen L

PMID: 16534403 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 08:24 AM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 08:24 AM | Permalink

Related Articles

TNT Detection Using Multiplexed Liquid Array Displacement Immunoassays.

Anal Chem. 2006 Apr 1;78(7):2279-85

Authors: Anderson GP, Moreira SC, Charles PT, Medintz IL, Goldman ER, Zeinali M, Taitt CR

The presence of trace contamination of soil and groundwater with explosives is an ongoing concern, for which improved methods are required to facilitate their detection and quantification. This is true both for the monitoring of remediation and for site characterization. Immunosensors have been found effective for solution-phase detection of environmental contaminants. Our work utilized the Luminex(100) (flow cytometer) to detect TNT in a multiplexed displacement immunoassay format. The Luminex(100) can perform a multiplexed assay by discriminating between up to 100 different bead sets. We used this capability to evaluate four different TNT monoclonal antibodies, two recombinant TNT antibodies, and a control antibody simultaneously for the rapid detection of TNT and other nitroaromatics. TNT could be detected at 0.1 ppb and quantified over the range of 1.0 ppb to 10 ppm. In addition, the assay was shown to be effective in various matrixes such as lake water, seawater, and acetone extracts of soil. Seawater required dilution with two parts buffer to avoid loss of microspheres, while the acetone extracts were diluted 100-fold or more to minimize solvent affects.

PMID: 16579609 [PubMed - in process]

Posted by blogposter at 08:24 AM | Permalink

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Final rule.

Fed Regist. 2006 Feb 28;71(39):10099-385

Authors:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is amending the existing standard which limits occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). OSHA has determined based upon the best evidence currently available that at the current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Cr(VI), workers face a significant risk to material impairment of their health. The evidence in the record for this rulemaking indicates that workers exposed to Cr(VI) are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The record also indicates that occupational exposure to Cr(VI) may result in asthma, and damage to the nasal epithelia and skin. The final rule establishes an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 5 micrograms of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air (5 [mu]g/cu m). This is a considerable reduction from the previous PEL of 1 milligram per 10 cubic meters of air (1 mg/10 cu m, or 100 [mu]g/cu m) reported as CrO3, which is equivalent to a limit of 52 [mu]g/cu m as Cr(VI). The final rule also contains ancillary provisions for worker protection such as requirements for exposure determination, preferred exposure control methods, including a compliance alternative for a small sector for which the new PEL is infeasible, respiratory protection, protective clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, recordkeeping, and start-up dates that include four years for the implementation of engineering controls to meet the PEL. The final standard separately regulates general industry, construction, and shipyards in order to tailor requirements to the unique circumstances found in each of these sectors. The PEL established by this rule reduces the significant risk posed to workers by occupational exposure to Cr(VI) to the maximum extent that is technologically and economically feasible.

PMID: 16528853 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 08:23 AM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 08:23 AM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 09:42 PM | Permalink

Related Articles

Mercury elimination update.

Am J Nurs. 2006 Mar;106(3):88

Authors: Condon M, Brannen L

PMID: 16534403 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 09:41 PM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 09:41 PM | Permalink

Related Articles

TNT Detection Using Multiplexed Liquid Array Displacement Immunoassays.

Anal Chem. 2006 Apr 1;78(7):2279-85

Authors: Anderson GP, Moreira SC, Charles PT, Medintz IL, Goldman ER, Zeinali M, Taitt CR

The presence of trace contamination of soil and groundwater with explosives is an ongoing concern, for which improved methods are required to facilitate their detection and quantification. This is true both for the monitoring of remediation and for site characterization. Immunosensors have been found effective for solution-phase detection of environmental contaminants. Our work utilized the Luminex(100) (flow cytometer) to detect TNT in a multiplexed displacement immunoassay format. The Luminex(100) can perform a multiplexed assay by discriminating between up to 100 different bead sets. We used this capability to evaluate four different TNT monoclonal antibodies, two recombinant TNT antibodies, and a control antibody simultaneously for the rapid detection of TNT and other nitroaromatics. TNT could be detected at 0.1 ppb and quantified over the range of 1.0 ppb to 10 ppm. In addition, the assay was shown to be effective in various matrixes such as lake water, seawater, and acetone extracts of soil. Seawater required dilution with two parts buffer to avoid loss of microspheres, while the acetone extracts were diluted 100-fold or more to minimize solvent affects.

PMID: 16579609 [PubMed - in process]

Posted by blogposter at 09:40 PM | Permalink

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Final rule.

Fed Regist. 2006 Feb 28;71(39):10099-385

Authors:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is amending the existing standard which limits occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). OSHA has determined based upon the best evidence currently available that at the current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Cr(VI), workers face a significant risk to material impairment of their health. The evidence in the record for this rulemaking indicates that workers exposed to Cr(VI) are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The record also indicates that occupational exposure to Cr(VI) may result in asthma, and damage to the nasal epithelia and skin. The final rule establishes an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 5 micrograms of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air (5 [mu]g/cu m). This is a considerable reduction from the previous PEL of 1 milligram per 10 cubic meters of air (1 mg/10 cu m, or 100 [mu]g/cu m) reported as CrO3, which is equivalent to a limit of 52 [mu]g/cu m as Cr(VI). The final rule also contains ancillary provisions for worker protection such as requirements for exposure determination, preferred exposure control methods, including a compliance alternative for a small sector for which the new PEL is infeasible, respiratory protection, protective clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, recordkeeping, and start-up dates that include four years for the implementation of engineering controls to meet the PEL. The final standard separately regulates general industry, construction, and shipyards in order to tailor requirements to the unique circumstances found in each of these sectors. The PEL established by this rule reduces the significant risk posed to workers by occupational exposure to Cr(VI) to the maximum extent that is technologically and economically feasible.

PMID: 16528853 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Posted by blogposter at 09:40 PM | Permalink

Posted by blogposter at 09:40 PM | Permalink