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A Iregren

Publications and source records attributed to A Iregren.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

Long-term exposure to electric fields. A cross-sectional epidemiologic investigation of occupationally exposed workers in high-voltage substations.

In the present epidemiologic study, 53 workers with a long-term (more than five years) exposure to the electric field of 400 kV substations were examined and compared with a matched reference group of 53 nonexposed workers from the same power companies. Matching variables included age, geographic location and employment time. The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of persistent, chronic health effects in the exposed group as a consequence of exposure. The investigation indluded the nervous system (neurasthenic symptoms, psychological tests, electroencephalography), the cardiovascular system (symptoms, blood pressure, electrocardiography), and the blood (hemoglobin, red blood cells, reticulocytes, white blood cells including differential count, thrombocytes, sedimentation rate). Fertility was also assessed. The results showed no differences between the exposed and reference groups as a consequence of the long-term exposure to the electric fields. The groups differed, however, in that the exposed group had (a) consistently better results on the psychological performance tests, (b) a fewer number of children, especially boys, and (c) somewhat higher education. The differences in test results were due to the higher education among the exposed. The difference in number of children was also thought to be related to factors other than exposure since it was found to be present already 10--15 years before the work in 400 kV substations began.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Psychological test performance in foundry workers exposed to low levels of manganese.

A sample of 30 manganese-exposed foundry workers from two Swedish plants were examined with a partly computerized psychological test battery, comprised of 10 performance tests. Performance of the manganese-exposed workers was compared to that of a matched control group of 60 workers. Matching criteria were age, geographical area, type of work, and the results on a test of verbal comprehension. Performance of the exposed workers was inferior to that of the control group on tests of simple reaction time, digit span, and finger tapping. No correlations were found between performance and the present manganese exposure levels or the number of years employed in manganese work. The results seem to indicate that the present exposure standards for manganese, in Sweden 2.5 mg/m3 and in most other countries 5 mg/m3, are not sufficient to protect workers from negative effects on performance capacity.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

SPES: a psychological test system to diagnose environmental hazards. Swedish Performance Evaluation System.

The effects of unfavorable work environmental conditions can be studied using psychological performance measures and subjective ratings of mood and symptoms. In the present article the rationale for such investigations is discussed, and the computerized performance evaluation system developed at the Swedish National Institute of Occupational Health is presented. The background and the research experience leading to the system's development are described, and references to the numerous empirical studies demonstrating its applicability to different research objectives are given. Also included is information regarding the technical requirements for running the SPES tests.

Affect↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Manganese neurotoxicity in industrial exposures: proof of effects, critical exposure level, and sensitive tests.

Manganese neurotoxicity has been known for more than 150 years, since Couper (1837) described a syndrome, similar to Parkinson's disease, in Scottish workers exposed to high levels of dust while grinding "black oxide of manganese" at a chemical industry. Since then, the syndrome has been described in several groups of highly exposed miners and other workers. A thorough review of manganese neurotoxicity was provided by the WHO (1981) and a recent update was written by Mergler and Baldwin (1997). From these reviews it is evident that the critical effect from manganese exposure is damage to the central nervous system, and that the effects, once established, are generally irreversible. Therefore, the early detection of symptoms of manganese neurotoxicity in populations at risk is of the utmost importance. In spite of this fact, only about a dozen studies of manganese exposed groups of workers have been performed using psychological test methods. These studies are briefly presented, the preponderance of proof for Mn neurotoxicity even in present industrial settings is demonstrated, the critical exposure level is briefly discussed, the test methods are evaluated, and recommendations for a test battery useful for studies of manganese neurotoxicity, are presented.

Behavior↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Behavioral toxicology: from historical background to future trends.

In the 1960's and 70's some investigators started to use behavioral tests in toxicology, realizing that classical toxicological methods were inadequate to describe the negative effects on workers health caused by workplace neurotoxic exposures. Among the first publications were those of Helena Hänninen, who reported on exposure to CS2 (24, 22). In clinical examinations, these workers presented severe functional changes to the central nervous system (CNS), although there were no observable signs of frank brain damage. In experimental studies of effects from acute exposures to various chemicals, methods from classical toxicology were definitely not useful. Such investigations were performed with exposure to carbon monoxide and to different solvents. Studies were carried out in the US, Sweden, and Germany, and reported by Richard Stewart (53), Francesco Gamberale (15, 16), and Gerhard Winneke (63). Rapid development followed. Scientists active in behavioral toxicology gathered at various meetings, and in 1982 an international symposium dedicated solely to the use and development of behavioral testing techniques in toxicology was organized by Renato Gilioli. He then used the Scientific Committee of Neurotoxicology and Psychophysiology of the International Commission on Occupational Health as a platform for a series of triennal symposia. The 9th meeting was held in Korea 2005, and the 10th will be organized in Costa Rica 2008. By providing a basis for the exchange of scientific knowledge and ideas, these symposia have been successful in further advancing the development and application of behavioral techniques in toxicology. This history is presented in some more detail, and a few possibilities for further development of the area will be discussed.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗