Environmental ~dEnvironmental

~tSelectivity of insecticides for adult workers of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

~w2010-08-21

Cotton is a crop that is attractive to a wide variety of organisms, including pests, natural enemies of the pests and arthropod pollinators. Consequently, integrated pest management is necessary for this crop as chemical control is often required to avoid production losses. Among pollinators found on cotton, Apis mellifera is one of the most important, as it can increase cotton production 20 - 30%. On the other hand, selectivity is an important characteristic of insecticides, as it makes it possible to lessen impacts on pollinators and other non-target organisms. We examined the toxicity of various insecticides for honey bees foraging on cotton in a greenhouse, including Turbine 500 WG (150 g ha-1) (flonicamid), Actara 250 WG (200 g ha-1) (thiamethoxam), Cartap 500 SP (1500 g ha-1) (cartap), Talstar 100 CE (1000 mL ha-1) (bifenthrin) and Match 50 CE (1000 mL ha-1) (lufenuron). Applications of Talstar, Actara and Cartap were quite toxic. Talstar was the most deadly, while Match CE and Turbine were only slightly toxic for adult honey bees. The Match CE treatment mortality was similar to that of the control; thus, we classified it as innocuous for A. mellifera adults.

Authors: Thomazoni, Danielle; Soria, Miguel F.; Kodama, Cassio; Carbonari, Vladson; Fortunato, Roni P.; Degrande, Paulo E.; Valter, V. A., Jr.

Full Source: Revista Colombiana de Entomologia 2009, 35(2), 173-176 (Eng)

~tToxicity and control efficacy of emamectin benzoate to root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita as well as its safety to tomato

~w2010-08-21

The toxicity of emamectin benzoate and avermectin to juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita was tested in the laboratory. The toxicity of emamectin benzoate was higher than that of Avermectin. Their LC50 to juveniles was 0.1645 and 0.4532 mgáL-1, respectively Pot control efficacy of Emamectin benzoate on root-knot nematode of tomato as well as its safety to tomato was investigated. Pot experimental showed emamectin benzoate was very efficacious on controlling this disease, and its relative control efficacies were 93.67% and 79.69% when the 500 times and 1000 times dilution of it were used. Both of emamectin benzoate and avermectin were no variant according to relative control efficacy. Emamectin benzoate also could significantly inhibit the production of root-knots and egg sacs. At the same time, emamectin benzoate was also very safe to the tomato growth. The study indicated that emamectin benzoate and avermectin could control root-knot nematode of tomato rotatively.

Authors: Ding, Xiaofan; Liang, Rong; Wang, Xinjun

Full Source: Nanjing Nongye Daxue Xuebao 2009, 32(4), 85-88 (Ch)

~tA randomised, double blind, double imitation clinical trial to study efficacy and safety of epristeride in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

~w2010-08-21

The efficacy and safety of epristeride for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were clarified. A 6-month, randomised, double blind, double imitation multicentre clinical trial was conducted. The trial involved 39 patients to compare the efficacy and safety of epristeride, proscar and placebo on measures of BPH. All patients completed the whole protocol of the trial. The baseline evaluation items including IPSS, bother score, volume of prostate, uroflowmetry, residual urine and serum PSA had no significant differences among the 3 groups of epristeride, proscar and placebo. The reduction percentage of IPSS in epristeride group (50.0(10.3)% had no significant difference as compared to proscar group 37.0(11.2)% (P)0.94), but both groups had higher reduction percentages than that of placebo group (22.0(7.6)% (P)0.017, 0.008, respectively). The shrinkage percentage of prostate volume in epristeride group (40.0(12.1)% was higher than those of proscar (19.1(7.3)% (P)0.041) and placebo groups (4.3(3.2)% (P)0.004), but shrinkage percentage of prostate volume in proscar group had no significant difference as compared to that of placebo group (P)0.348). The improvement percentage of Qmax in epristeride group (70.2(13.9)% had no significant difference as compared to proscar (50.0(9.7)% (P)0.630), both groups had higher improvement percentage of Qmax than that of placebo group (0.5(0.8)% (P)0.009, 0.022, respectively). Other evaluation items including residual urine, serum PSA and IIEF-5 had no significant differences among the 3 groups. Epristeride was a patent non-competitive 5R-reductase inhibitor for treatment of BPH, and it had more obvious quickness and effectiveness on shrinkage of prostate volume as compared to proscar.

Authors: Tang, Xingxing; Yang, Yong; Wang, Jianwen; Zhang, Ning; Yang, Xiaoyong; Huang, Yiran; Leng, Jing; Guan, Zhichen

Full Source: Zhonghua Miniao Waike Zazhi 2009, 30(11), 757-760 (Ch)

~tDetection of 7-(2'-Carboxyethyl)guanine but Not 7-carboxymethylguanine in Human Liver DNA

~w2010-08-21

7-Carboxymethylguanine (7-CMGua) and 7-(2'-carboxyethyl)guanine (7-CEGua) are DNA adducts that potentially could be formed upon the metabolism of the carcinogenic nitrosamines N-nitrososarcosine (NSAR) and 3-(methylnitrosamino)propionic acid (MNPA), respectively, or from other sources such as nitrosation of glycine (7-CMGua) or reaction of DNA with acrylic acid (7-CEGua). Since both NSAR and MNPA have been detected in human urine and there are plausible sources of exposure to other precursors to these adducts, we analysed human liver DNA for 7-CMGua and 7-CEGua, using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry-selected reaction monitoring (LCESI-MS/MS-SRM). Human hepatic DNA was mixed with [15N5]7-CMGua and [15N5]7-CEGua as internal standards and enzymically hydrolysed. The hydrolysate was partially purified by solid-phase extension, and the resulting fraction was treated with acetyl chloride in methanol to convert 7-CMGua and 7-CEGua to their Me esters. After a second solid-phase extension, LC-ESI-MS/MS-SRM analysis was carried out using the transitions m/z 224 [M + H]+ f m/z 164 [(M +H) - HCOOCH3]+ and m/z 238 [M + H]+ f m/z 152 [BH]+ for the Me esters of 7-CMGua and 7-CEGua, respectively. The method was sensitive, accurate, precise, and apparently free from artefact formation. 7-CEGua, as its Me ester, was detected in all 24 human liver samples analysed, mean ( SD, 373 ( 320 fmol/ímol Gua (74.6 adducts per 109 nucleotides), range 17-1189 fmol/ímol Gua, but the Me ester of 7-CMGua was not detected in any sample. These results demonstrate the ubiquitous presence of 7-CEGua in human liver DNA. Acrylic acid may be a likely endogenous precursor to 7-CEGua.

Authors: Cheng, Guang; Wang, Mingyao; Villalta, Peter W.; Hecht, Stephen S.

Full Source: Chemical Research in Toxicology 2010, 23(6), 1089-

1096 (Eng).
~dMedical

~tEvaluation of Toxic Elements in Scalp Hair Samples of Myocardial Infarction Patients at Different Stages as Related to Controls

~w2010-08-21

In the present study, the association of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and nickel between scalp hair samples and mortality from myocardial infarction (MI) patients at first, second, and third heart attack was studied. The biological samples of 130 MI patients (77 male and 53 female) age ranged (45-60 years), were collected and 61 healthy persons of same age group (33 male and 28 female) was selected as control subjects. The toxic elements (TEs) in biological samples were assessed by the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity of methodology was checked by the certified human hair reference material (BCR 397). It was observed during the study that 78% of 32 patients of the third MI, age >50 years were expired. In these subjects, the level of As, Cd, Ni, and Pb were increased by 10.6%, 19.5%, 15.7%, and 9.8% in the scalp hair as compared to those who tolerated third MI attack (p ) 0.12). The high level of toxic metals may play a role in the development of heart disease in the subjects of this study.

Authors: Afridi, Hassan Imran; Kazi, Tasneem Gul; Kazi, Naveed; Kandhro, Ghulam Abbas; Baig, Jameel Ahmed; Shah, Abdul Qadir; Jamali, Mohammad Khan; Arain, Mohammad Balal

Full Source: Biological Trace Element Research 2010, 134(1), 1-12 (Eng)

~tEffect of creatinine and specific gravity normalisation on urinary biomarker 1,6-hexamethylene diamine

~w2010-08-21

Urine amine levels used as biomarkers of diisocyanate exposure have usually been normalised with creatinine concentration. The suitability of using creatinine concentration or specific gravity for these biomarkers in exposure assessment has not been established. We investigated the effect of creatinine concentration and specific gravity on urine 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HDA) levels in multiple mixed linear regression models using quantitative dermal and inhalation exposure data derived from a survey of automotive spray painters occupationally exposed to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Painters' dermal and breathing-zone HDI exposure were monitored for an entire workday for up to three workdays spaced approximately one month apart. One urine sample was collected before the start of work with HDI-containing paints, and multiple samples were collected throughout the workday. Both creatinine concentration and specific gravity were highly significant predictors (p < 0.0001) of urine HDA levels. When these two were used together in the same model, creatinine remained highly significant (p < 0.0001), but specific gravity decreased in significance(p-values 0.10-0.17). We used different individual factors to determine which affected creatinine and specific gravity. Urine collection time was a highly significant predictor of specific gravity (p ) 0.003) and creatinine concentration (p ) 0.001). Smoker status was significant (p ) 0.026) in the creatinine model. The findings indicate that creatinine concentration is more appropriate to account for urine water content than specific gravity and that creatinine is best used as an independent variable in HDI exposure assessment models instead of traditional urine normalisation with creatinine concentration.

Authors: Gaines, Linda G. T.; Fent, Kenneth W.; Flack, Sheila L.; Thomasen, Jennifer M.; Ball, Louise M.; Zhou, Haibo; Whittaker, Stephen G.; Nylander- French, Leena A.

Full Source: Journal of Environmental Monitoring 2010, 12(3), 591-

599 (Eng)
~dMedical

~tExposure of human skin to benzo[a]pyrene: Role of CYP1A1 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor in oxidative stress generation

~w2010-08-21

Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can induce inflammatory skin diseases and skin cancer, which are both associated to oxidative stress. BaP is known to bind with high specificity to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), modifying the expression of CYP1A1, involved both in cancer and inflammation. While the current knowledge is based on murine skin and cell culture data, in this study human healthy skin has been treated with 5 íM BaP in conditions simulating occupational and environmental exposure. AhR and CYP1A1 expression was evaluated by Western blotting, which revealed their presence even in control untreated skin; both enzyme and receptor increased more than two-fold after exposure to BaP. AhR expression level was lower than CYP1A1 in basal conditions and following induction. Oxidative stress was evaluated in terms of MTT reduction, protein peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. A significant increase in ROS and carbonyl compound production, as well as reduced tissue viability has been detected by BaP. The results of this experiment indicate that BaP, an AhR agonist, can significantly increase receptor and CYP1A1 expression and induce oxidative stress in human skin, confirming the involvement of this pathway in the pathogenesis of tissue damage due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Authors: Costa, C.; Catania, S.; De Pasquale, R.; Stancanelli,

R.; Scribano, G. M.; Melchini, A.

Full Source: Toxicology 2010, 271(3), 83-86 (Eng)
OCCUPATIONAL
~dOccupational

~tAcute lead intoxication in a female battery worker: diagnosis and management

~w2010-09-07

The battery industry is a major contributor to occupational lead intoxication. Currently, there is limited information on the use of oral chelating agents for the treatment of anaemia, in the context of acute lead intoxication. During this study, the authors reviewed the case of a 33 year old immigrant female worker in a battery manufacturing plant for 3 months. She complained of malaise, which had developed over the previous two weeks. Upon physical examination, pallor of skin and conjunctiva were the only sign detected. The blood test on admission revealed normochromic anaemia. Endoscopic investigation of the gastrointestinal system was negative for bleeding. The bone marrow biopsy was unrevealing. At baseline no attention has been paid to patient's occupational history. Afterwards the patient's occupational history has been re-evaluated and she was screened for lead intoxication. The increased levels of the lead related biomarkers of exposure and effect confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was then treated with an oral chelating agent, which lead to an improvement in clinical picture, and levels of haematology and lead related biochemical parameters. No side effect and no rebound effect were observed. The authors concluded that this case report emphasises the importance of the occupational history in the context of the differential diagnosis. In addition, it indicates that lead remains an occupational hazard especially in the small scale battery industry.

Authors: Dounias, George; Rachiotis, George; Chadjichristodoulou, Christos

Full Source: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology (London,

United Kingdom) 2010, 5, No pp. given (English)
~dOccupational

~tImpact of genotoxic agents on the rate of translocations- part 2: toxic agents related to occupational exposure

~w2010-09-07

In this study, the authors conducted an extensive literature review examining the influence of various factors related to the individual (age, sex, alcohol and tobacco) on the rate of translocation. In addition, they also investigated more toxic factors related to occupational exposure. All toxic agents tested induced an increase in the translocation rate in lymphocytes of exposed people. However 2 agents (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons -PAHs- and heavy metals) significantly increase the rate of translocation of exposed persons. This increase is function to the dose and duration of exposure. The sensitivity of FISH technique has highlighted the necessity of protective equipment. For all the toxic factors related to occupational exposure, protective equipment or exposure conditions reduced significantly the translocations rate of exposed subjects. Thus the FISH technique could be an exposure warning indicator. The authors concluded that based on the findings of this review, it is important to know as well the personnel and occupational curriculum of an individual if a retrospective dose assessment is required. Thus, the rate of translocations threshold will be based on the lifestyle rate.

Authors: Gregoire, E.; Gruel, G.; Martin, C.; Roch-Lefevre, S.; Voisin, P.; Vaurijoux, A.; Roy, L.

Full Source: Radioprotection 2010, 45(2), 171-182 (French)

~tHigh-pressure cornstarch inhalation-A rare but life-threatening occupational injury

~w2010-09-07

Cornstarch is a white, tasteless and odourless powder widely used for food processing, papermaking, production of industrial adhesives, and is also a component of many cosmetic products. This study examines a case of severe cornstarch inhalation in a 49-yr-old male who was exposed to high amounts of cornstarch powder while unloading a cornstarch transporter system. To our knowledge this is the first report on a high-pressure cornstarch inhalation during occupational activities. This report demonstrates the initial clinical situation, the patient's symptoms, and the severe clinical course. Finally the problems during the management of this rare but life-threatening accident are discussed.

Authors: Stromps, Jan-Philipp; Demir, Erhan; Pallua, Norbert Full Source: Inhalation Toxicology 2010, 22(9), 767-769 (English)
~dOccupational

~tOccupational Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Washington State, 2000-2005

~w2010-09-07

Washington State workers' compensation data can be used to guide prevention efforts focused on occupational carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Between 2000 and 2005, a total of 345 individual claims comprising 221 different exposure incidents were identified for the 6-year time period. The construction industry had 43 (20%) CO incidents, followed by wholesale trade with 32 (15%), and agriculture with 27 (12%) incidents. Fuel-powered forklifts caused 29% of all incidents, while autos/trucks/buses were responsible for 26%. The number of forklift incidents in fruit packing and cold storage companies declined significantly from 1994 through 2007 (Spearman's rho ) 0.6659, p < 0.01). While this study used multiple medical records from workers' compensation claims to identify CO poisoning, a surveillance system that lacks extensive medical records may rely principally on carboxyHb (COHb) tests. This study demonstrated that 71% of the identified workers' compensation claims had associated COHb tests. The recurrence and timing of CO poisoning as well as control of the CO-generating source were detected. Approximately 8% of all work sites had recurring CO poisoning incidents. Two percent experienced a recurrent incident within 16 days of the initial incident, and 6% experienced a recurrent incident between 16 days and 3 years after the initial incident. Sixty-seven percent of claimants exposed to CO were not in direct control of the CO-generating source; this has implications for CO prevention and underscores the need for all employees to be trained on CO hazards.

Authors: Reeb-Whitaker, Carolyn K.; Bonauto, David K.; Whittaker, Stephen G.; Adams, Darrin

Full Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene 2010, 7(10), 547-556 (English)

~tMonitoring of firefighters exposure to smoke during fire experiments in Portugal

~w2010-09-07

Forest fires represent a serious threat to public security in Europe due to the large burned area. In addition, smoke pollution due to forest fire events is an important public health issue for the communities directly affected, and particularly for the personnel involved in firefighting operations. During this study, the authors aimed to contribute to the scientific knowledge concerning firefighters exposure to forest fires smoke. Data of individual exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter were obtained during experimental field fires for a group of 10 firefighters equipped with portable "in continuum" measuring devices. Measured values are very high exceeding the Occupational Exposure Standard limits, in particular for peak limit thresholds. These are the first measurements and analysis of firefighter's individual exposure to toxic gases and particles in fire smoke experiments in Europe. The authors concluded that based on the results from these experiments, urgent measures are required to avoid these levels of exposure.

Authors: Miranda, Ana Isabel; Martins, Vera; Cascao, Pedro; Amorim, Jorge Humberto; Valente, Joana; Tavares, Richard; Borrego, Carlos; Tchepel, Oxana; Ferreira, Antonio Jorge; Cordeiro, Carlos Robalo; Viegas, Domingos Xavier; Ribeiro, Luis Mario; Pita, Luis Paulo

Full Source: Environment International 2010, 36(7), 736-745 (English)

~tPost-mortem blood cadmium, lead, and mercury concentrations: comparisons with regard to sampling location and reference ranges for living persons

~w2010-09-07

In this study, the authors measured cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), total mercury (THg), and inorganic mercury (IHg) levels in human cadavers to compare measured levels with established reference ranges for living persons and to determine whether blood levels varied with time from death to sample collection or by body collection site. Subjects (n ) 66) recruited from the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office in Atlanta, GA, were 20 years of age or older, had no penetrating trauma, no obvious source of environmental contamination of the vasculature, and had whole blood accessible from the femoral (F) site, the cardiac (C) site, or both. Geometric mean results were as follows: 2.59 íg/L F-Cd; 11.81 íg/L C-Cd; 1.03íg/L F-THg; 2.01 íg/L C-THg; 0.29 íg/L F-IHg; 0.49 íg/L C-IHg; 1.78 íg/dL F-Pb; and 1.87 íg/dL C-Pb. Both F- and C-Cd levels as well as C-THg levels were significantly higher than reference values among living persons (C- and F-Cd, p < 0.0001 and C-THg, p ) 0.0001, respectively). Based on regression modelling, as the post-mortem interval increased, blood Cd levels increased (p < 0.006). Post-mortem blood Cd concentrations were elevated compared to population values and varied with respect to sampling location and post-mortem interval.

Authors: Schier, Joshua G.; Heninger, Michael; Wolkin, Amy; Kieszak, Stephanie; Caldwell, Kathleen L.; Fajardo, Geroncio C.; Jones, Robert; Rubin, Carol; Hanzlick, Randy; Osterloh, John D.; McGeehin, Michael A.

Full Source: Journal of Analytical Toxicology 2010, 34(3), 129-

134 (Eng)
~dPublic Health

~tBenchmark dose for cadmium-induced osteoporosis in women

~w2010-09-07

In the present study, the authors applied a hybrid approach to estimate the benchmark dose (BMD) and the lower 95% confidence limit (BMDL) for cadmium-induced bone effects in a population with low environmental exposure. Morning urine samples were collected by 794 Swedish women, aged 53-64 years, participating in a population-based study. Urinary cadmium (U-Cd), a marker of long-term exposure, and bone mineral density, expressed as its T-score (ref.: 20-yr old women) of the non-dominant wrist, were measured. BMD and BMDL, adjusted for relevant covariates, corresponding to an additional risk (BMR) of 5% or 10% were calculated, with the background risk at zero exposure set at 1% or 5%. With a BMR of 5% and a background risk of having low bone mineral density (at U-Cd ) 0) of 1% or 5% (corresponding to T-score cut-offs -2.75 and -2.09, respectively), the BMD of U-Cd ranged 1.8-3.7 íg/g creatinine, and the BMDL ranged 1.0-2.1 íg/g creatinine. For a 5% BMR of osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5), the BMD was 2.9 íg/g creatinine and the BMDL 1.6 íg/g creatinine. The lowest obtained BMD of U-Cd for wrist bone mineral density was only slightly higher than the lowest reference concentration previously reported for cadmium-related kidney effects. The authors concluded that the findings from this study provide additional scientific support for the low tolerably weekly intake (TWI) of cadmium set by the European Food Safety Authority in 2009.

Authors: Suwazono, Yasushi; Sand, Salomon; Vahter, Marie; Skerfving, Staffan; Lidfeldt, Jonas; Aakesson, Agneta

Full Source: Toxicology Letters 2010, 197(2), 123-127 (Eng)

~tDetermination of organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl levels in adipose tissue of infertile men

~w2010-09-07

During the past 20 years, a remarkable drop in fertility rates has been noticed almost all over the world. A series of studies have demonstrated that environmental factors had the primary role causing the observed adverse trends in the male reproductive health problems. Especially chlorinated hydrocarbons, for instance polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and pesticides could mimic or antagonise the effects of steroid hormones, like oestrogens and androgens and possibly interfering with male reproductive capacity. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (i.e. p.p'-DDT, endosulfan...) and PCBs are widespread used chemicals in agriculture and industry for different purposes all over the world. Although direct evidence is lacking, theoretical considerations and epidemiological evidence implicate these compounds as potential hazards to human and wildlife reproductive health. For this purpose, in this study adipose tissue samples have provided from healthy males which were diagnosed as infertile men living in Ankara, Turkey at least for 5 years. Residual levels of OCPs (R-BHC, â-BHC, ç-BHC, HCB, endosulfan I, II, p,p'-DDE, and p,p'-DDT) and seven major persistent PCB congeners (PCB 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) were measured in 25 infertile men and 21 healthy men's adipose tissue samples by GC-ECD. The levels of OCPs and PCBs in adipose tissue of infertile men were then compared with those provided from controls. The results demonstrated that when the concentrations of each of the OCP were compared between the fertile and infertile groups, no statistical significance was obtained. Concentrations of each of the PCB congeners were compared between the fertile and infertile groups, no statistical significance was obtained (p > 0.05), except for 2,2',5,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 52) (p ) 0.032) and 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 180) (p ) 0.017).

Authors: Cok, Ismet; Durmaz, Tuba Calik; Durmaz, Emre; Satiroglu, M. Hakan; Kabukcu, Cihan

Full Source: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 2010, 162(1-4), 301-309 (Eng)

~tDistribution and Determinants of Pesticide Mixtures in Cord Serum Using Principal Component Analysis

~w2010-09-07

In this study, the determinants and distribution of foetal exposure to pesticide mixtures was characterised using a cross sectional study of 297 singletons delivered at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD (2004-2005). Concentrations of nine persistent and twelve non-persistent pesticides were measured in cord serum. Mixtures were identified using principal components analysis. Associations between mixtures and maternal and infant characteristics were evaluated using multivariate analysis. The results showed that p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, trans-nonachlor, oxychlordane, bendiocarb, propoxur, and trans- and cis-permethrin were present in 100, 90, 93, 84, 73, 55, 52, and 41% of serum samples, respectively. There were four independent pesticide components: DDT (p,p'-DDT + p,p'-DDE), chlordane (trans-nonachlor + oxychlordane), permethrin (trans- and cis-permethrins + PBUT), and carbamate (bendiocarb + propoxur). DDT and chlordane were 6.1 (95%CI: 2.4, 15.5) and 2.1 (95%CI: 1.0, 4.2) times higher for infants of women >35, and 1.8 (95%CI: 1.2, 2.9) and 1.5 (95%CI: 1.1, 2.1) times higher in smoking mothers. DDT and carbamate were 15 (95%CI: 7, 30) and 2 (95%CI: 1, 4) times higher for infants of Asian compared with Caucasian mothers. No significant differences were observed for permethrin. The authors concluded that based on the results, foetal exposures to pesticides are widespread, occur as mixtures, and differ by maternal race, age, and smoking status.

Authors: Neta, Gila; Goldman, Lynn R.; Barr, Dana; Sjoedin, Andreas; Apelberg, Benjamin J.; Witter, Frank R.; Halden, Rolf U.

Full Source: Environmental Science & Technology 2010, 44(14), 5641-5648 (Eng)

~tPatients referred to an indoor air health clinic: exposure to water-damaged buildings causes an increase of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage and a decrease of CD19 leukocytes in peripheral blood

~w2010-09-07

Respiratory and other symptoms are often associated with exposure to microbes present in water-damaged buildings. In this study, the authors examined 82 consecutive patients referred to the Indoor Air Clinic, Helsinki University Hospital, due to symptoms suspected of having been caused by long-term exposure to water damage in the home or workplace. Exposure to water damage was assessed by building inspections and microbial analyses as needed. Bronchoalveolar lavage, lung function measurements, skin prick tests to inhalant allergens and radiological examinations were performed in all patients. Leukocyte subsets in peripheral blood were analysed in 35 patients. Marked water damage was detected in the homes or workplaces of 47 (59%) patients; the remaining 34 patients formed the control group. The exposed group expressed more symptoms in total than the control group: fatigue, conjunctival symptoms, rhinitis with sinusitis, recurrent bronchitis and asthma were more common in the exposed group, but a significant difference was seen only for headache. In BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) samples, lymphocytes represented 25% of the total cell population in non-smoking exposed patients compared with 12% in control patients (p)0.004). In peripheral blood, CD19 leukocytes were significantly decreased in the exposed group (7.5% vs. 12.3%; p<0.01). The authors concluded that confirmed exposure to water damage was associated with an increase in symptoms. Exposure to water damage caused a significant change in the cellular composition in BAL fluid (lymphocytosis) and blood (decrease of CD19 cells). The depletion of CD19 leukocytes in peripheral blood may indicate an active immune response in the lungs.

Authors: Wolff, Henrik; Mussalo-Rauhamaa, Helena; Raitio, Hanna; Elg, Peter; Orpana, Arto; Piilonen, Anneli; Haahtela, Tari

Full Source: Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2009, 69(5), 537-544 (Eng)

~tExplosion hazards of ion exchange resin mixed with perchloric acid

~w2010-08-21

On 21 January 2003, an explosion occurred while ion exchange resin (IER) was being used to separate impurities from uranium solution. To clarify the cause of the accident and go/no-go criteria of the explosion, elemental analysis of the IER, DSC analysis, and SIKAREX analysis (a screening tool for runaway reactions) were performed. Finally, experiments on the same scale as the accident were conducted in an explosion chamber. When HClO4 was added to IER-NO3, the IER violently exploded without any heating nor metal ions such as uranium. It was confirmed that the accident was caused by an incorrect procedure in the chemical process. From the standpoint of explosion safety, IERNO3 in particular should be kept away from perchloric acid in the laboratory.

Authors: Okada, Ken; Akiyoshi, Miyako; Miyake, Atsumi; Ogawa, Terushige; Nomura, Mitsuo; Matsunaga, Takehiro

Full Source: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 2009, 97(2), 769-774 (Eng)

~tAmmonia solutions explosivity

~w2010-08-21

Explosion risks resulting from the industrial handling of aqueous ammonia solutions are often not taken into account in risk assessments, especially for dilute solutions, although accidental explosions implying ammonia vapours are reported in the literature. In fact, ammonia solutions do not show any flash point, but are able to form an explosive atmosphere. In this study, explosivity characteristics of several ammonia solutions, more or less diluted, were detected in a 20-L sphere device. The explosion range of ammonia solutions depends on the temperature and on the ammonia concentration. The explosion severity is smaller than for pure ammonia because of the presence of water and it tends to decrease slightly with dilution. However the maximal explosion pressure is still above 3 bar with the 10% solution. Hence, such aqueous solutions, even diluted, handled in enclosed spaces can generate hazardous explosions.

Author: Dupont, Laurent

Full Source: Ammonia Plant Safety & Related Facilities 2007, 48, 73-84 (Eng)

~tSystem for safe recovery and discharge of flare gas

~w2010-08-21

An apparatus for the safe recovery and discharge of flare gas is comprised of: flare gas liquid separating and automatically controlled, watersealed valves; a gas tank; and a flare head, where the flare gas liquid separating tank inlet is connected to a flare gas source by a flare gas main pipe and one outlet is connected to the gas tank while the other outlet is connected to the flare head by the automatically controlled, watersealed valve. The flare gas filter tank and automatically controlled valve are fixed to the pipe connecting the flare gas liquid separating tank and the gas tank. The compressor is connected to the gas tank outlet; the gas tank inlet is connected to a gas appliance. This apparatus has a simple structure, is convenient to manufacture and install, safe to use, and is environment-friendly and energy-conserving.