PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Zuskin

Publications and source records attributed to E Zuskin.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Respiratory findings in spice factory workers.

The respiratory consequences of working in the spice industry were studied in 92 female spice factory workers (mean age, 36 yr; mean exposure, 12 yr). A control group of 104 female workers employed in a nondusty industry was also studied. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in the exposed than in the control group. In particular, the prevalence of dyspnea (57.6%), chronic cough (22.8%), chronic phlegm and chronic bronchitis (19.6%), nasal catarrh (37.0%), and sinusitis (22.2%) was high when compared to controls (p less than .01). Among spice factory workers, a high prevalence of acute symptoms during the workshift was recorded. Acute reductions in lung function were statistically significant over the workshift for forced vital capacity (FVC), -2.0%; forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0), -3.0%; and for maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% (FEF50), -8.3% and at 25% (FEF25), -15.2% measured on maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. No difference was found in across-shift ventilatory function in workers with or without chronic respiratory symptoms, except for FEF25 (with symptoms, 16.7%; without symptoms, 9.6%). Preshift administration of 40 mg of disodium cromoglycate (DSC) inhaled 15 min before the workshift significantly diminished acute reductions in FEF50 and FEF25 in exposed workers. Monday preshift FEF50 and FEF25 in exposed workers were significantly lower than in control workers (p less than .01), which suggests an early irreversible component to this illness.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Occupational airway diseases.

In this review we describe characteristics of occupational airway diseases, as well as physical and chemical characteristics of agents inducing airway disease. Occupational airway diseases include industrial bronchitis, reactive airway dysfunction syndrome, bronchiolitis obliterans, and occupational asthma. High- and low-molecular weight substances associated with occupational airway disease are listed. The importance of host factors is stressed. Diagnostic approaches, particularly indicators for specific challenge testing with occupational materials, are described. Preventive and control measures are presented.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Occurrence of nonspecific symptoms of irritation in workers exposed to latex].

The study included 17 female workers employed in latex glove rubber manufacturing plants. The mean age was 42 years and the mean duration of employment 19 years. Subjects were predominantly nonsmokers. A control group of 17 nonexposed workers was also studied. Chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases as well as acute work-related symptoms were recorded for these workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves on which forced vital capacity (FVC), one second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and maximum expiratory flow at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF25) were read. Skin prick tests were performed with three types of latex (original material-latex 1, extract from gloves-latex 2, and extract of latex company Epypharm-latex 3). The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was greater among latex workers (varying from 5.9% for occupational asthma to 58.8% for dyspnea) than among control workers (0%). There was a high prevalence of acute work-related symptoms, particularly for eye irritation (76.5%), dryness of the nose (70.6%), throat burning (70.6%), dryness of the throat (64.7%) and cough (58.8%). Measured ventilatory capacity data in latex workers were significantly lower in comparison to control, particularly for FEF25 (75.1 +/- 19.5%). Among latex gloves making workers one had positive skin reaction to latex 3 along with the symptoms of occupational asthma. Our data indicate that employment in latex making gloves may be associated with the development of occupational asthma, in addition to frequent nonspecific respiratory findings.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Specificity of diagnostic procedures in occupational diseases].

Characteristics and specificities of diagnostic procedures as a basis of diagnosis of occupational diseases are explained. The aforementioned include working history, clinical, laboratory and functional tests and evaluation of working environment. Examples of practical application of such procedures are listed.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Occupational exposure to harmful materials in artistic activities].

Artists' activities such as sculptures, paintings, graphic designs, photography, restoration, glassblowing, glass cutting and ceramics are described. The hazards the artists are exposed to during their professional activities with potential dangerous effects on their health are listed. Diseases which can develop as a consequence of exposure to specific noxious agents in such in environment are described. Preventive measures (personal, technical and medical) which should be applied in order to prevent the development of diseases related to these specific working conditions are stressed.

Art↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Comparative study of respiratory changes in female workers exposed to organic aerosols].

The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity were studied in 314 women and 119 men exposed to some organic aerosols. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in exposed than in control workers. A large number of exposed workers complained of acute symptoms which develop during work shift. There were statistically significant acute reductions of all ventilatory capacity tests, particularly FEF50 and FEF25. Comparison of measured ventilatory capacity with predicted normal values indicated obstructive ventilatory capacity changes located mostly in smaller airways. Our data suggest that exposure to organic aerosols may contribute to the development of chronic obstructive lung disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Respiratory function in female workers occupationally exposed to acid air pollution].

Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity were studied in 117 female workers exposed to acid fumes and aerosols in pickling industry. Similar prevalence of respiratory symptoms was recorded in three working groups: a) pickling; b) mustard making; c) packing. Significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough (p < 0.05), chest tightness, nasal catarrh and sinusitis (p < 0.01) were found in pickling workers in relation to controls. In all three exposed groups there was a high prevalence of acute symptoms during work shift. Measured FEV1, FEF50 and FEF25 were significantly decreased in comparison to predicted normal values. Pickling workers exposed for more than one year demonstrated significantly larger acute reductions during work shift than those with shorter exposure. Our data suggest that long term exposure to acid fumes and aerosols in industrial environment may cause the development of acute and/or chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes.

Acids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Follow-up of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary ventilatory function in jute textile workers].

The acute and chronic effects of exposure to jute dust on respiratory function was studied in a group of textile workers over a 19-year period. During the initial study the prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was higher among the exposed workers compared with the controls. These differences in the prevalence were statistically significant at the time of the follow-up study, 19 years later. Four textile workers developed symptoms of occupational asthma during exposure to jute dust. Measurement of ventilatory capacity at both surveys demonstrated small but statistically significant mean acute reductions of FVC and FEV1 over the work shift. The values for FVC and FEV1 measured at the time of the follow-up study were significantly lower than the predicted normal values. The mean annual decrease for FVC and FEV1 was 35 ml/year what is greater than expected. Our data suggest that exposure to jute dust may in sensitive workers lead to the development of respiratory symptoms and diseases with less pronounced changes in ventilatory capacity.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Respiratory function in glass blowers].

The prevalence of chronic and acute respiratory symptoms and diseases and changes in lung function in a group of 80 glass blowers have been investigated. In addition a group of 80 not exposed workers was used as a control group for respiratory symptoms and diseases. In glass blowers, there was significant increase in prevalence of chronic bronchitis, nasal catarrh, and sinusitis than in the controls. Glass blowers exposed for more and less than 10 years had similar prevalences of respiratory symptoms. A large number of glass blowers complained of acute across-shift symptoms. Significant increase in FVC, FEF50 and FEF25 was documented at the end of the work shift. Comparison with predicted normal values showed that glass blowers had FVC and FEF25 significantly lower than predicted. RV and RV/TLC were significantly increased compared with the predicted normal values. DLCO was within the normal values in most glass blowers. It is concluded that work in the glass blower industry is likely to lead the development of chronic respiratory disorders.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity of sewage canal workers].

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity were studied in a group of 70 subjects employed as sewage workers. It was found that exposed workers had an increase in the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms when compared with control workers, although the difference was statistically significant only for chest tightness (p less than 0.01). In exposed workers there was a high prevalence of acute symptoms which develop during the shift being particularly pronounced for eye irritation, dyspnea and cough. A large number of sewage workers complained of skin disorders. Results of lung function testing demonstrated reduction of FEV1, FEF50 and FEF25 in relation to predicted normal values suggesting obstructive changes mostly located in smaller airways. Our data confirm that sewage workers are exposed to different occupational noxious agents which may lead to the development of chronic lung function changes.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Follow-up study of changes in respiratory function in the same workers after an additional 6 years of exposure to pollutants in the rubber industry].

Follow-up study of respiratory function was carried out in a group of 311 male workers employed in one rubber industry. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity were recorded over te period of six years. Lung function was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves on which forced vital capacity (FVC), one-second forced expiratory volume (FEVI) and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF25) were read. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was higher during the follow-up study although not statistically significant (p > 0.05). During both studies smokers had significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm and chronic bronchitis than nonsmokers (p < 0.05 or < 0.025). Measured values of ventilatory capacity were significantly lower than predicted normal values during both studies (p < 0.01). Percentage of predicted values were lower during the follow-up study in comparison to that during the initial study. The mean lowest percentages were obtained for FEF25 (initial study: 77.4%; follow-up study: 70.5%). Smokers had larger mean annual decrease of FVC: 0.073 L; FEVI: 0.063 L; FEF50: 0.100 L/s; FEF25: 0.085 L/s than nonsmokers (FVC: 0.063 L; FEVI: 0.058 L; FEF50: 0.083 L/s; FEF25: 0.058 L/s). Workers exposed for more than 10 years had larger mean annual decrease of ventilatory capacity tests than hose with shorter exposure. Our data indicate that exposure to noxious agents in rubber industry may be responsible for the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and chronic lung function changes.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiologic study of immunologic status of confectionary workers].

Immunological and respiratory findings were studied in a group of 90 confectioners (mean age: 35 years; mean exposure: 11 years). Intradermal skin tests with different food allergens demonstrated the largest positive skin reaction to cocoa (63%), followed by chocolate (9%), cacao, nut and almond (6%) and sugar (2%). Increased IgE serum levels were found in 13.8% of the confectioners, and elevated IgM concentrations in 43.3%. The prevalence of occupational asthma and dyspnea (26.1%) in workers with positive skin tests was significantly higher than in those with negative skin tests (0%; 4.1%). There was a high prevalence of acute symptoms during the work shift. Most of these complaints were more frequent in workers with positive than in those with negative skin tests. Lung function studies demonstrated significant mean acute across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity. Mean pre-shift FVC and FEF25 were significantly lower than predicted normal values. Pre-shift administration of disodium chromoglycate (DSCG) significantly diminished across-shift reductions for FEF50 and FEF25. Our data suggest that exposure to environmental factors in confectioneries may lead to immunological changes and the development of respiratory impairment in some workers.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Respiratory function in rubber-processing workers].

The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases as well as lung function changes were studied in 409 rubber male workers and 172 nonexposed control male workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves on which forced vital capacity (FVC), one second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of vital capacity were calculated (FEF50, FEF25). A significantly higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms except asthma was found in rubber workers in comparison to the controls. Smokers had significantly higher prevalence of most of the chronic respiratory symptoms than nonsmokers. Rubber workers exposed for more than 10 years had also significantly higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms than those with shorter exposure. A high prevalence of acute symptoms during work shift was recorded in rubber workers. Ventilatory capacity was mostly decreased during work shift, particularly FEF50 and FEF25. All acute reductions were greater in rubber workers exposed for more than 10 years as compared to those with shorter exposure. Alupent inhaled at the end of the work shift significantly improved decreased values. Rubber workers demonstrated significantly lower ventilatory capacity tests with respect to the controls. A large number of rubber workers showed a decrease in lung functions tests less than 70% of the predicted normal values. Our data suggest that rubber workers are exposed to numerous noxious agents which may lead to acute and/or chronic impairment of lung function.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary ventilatory function in greenhouse workers].

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity were studied in a group of 135 women employed in greenhouses. In addition, a control group of 51 unexposed women were studied. Greenhouse workers had significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough, dyspnea, chest tightness and rhinitis (p < 0.01) than the controls. Smokers had significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough (p < 0.01) and rhinitis (p < 0.05) than nonsmokers. There was a high prevalence of acute symptoms during work shift. In greenhouse workers there was a statistically significant decrease of measured ventilatory capacity tests (except FVC) as compared to the predicted normal values, especially for FEF25. Smokers and nonsmokers had similar changes of ventilatory capacity as percentage of the predicted normals. Greenhouse workers exposed for more than 10 years had considerably lower FEF50 and FEF25 as percentage of the predicted values than those exposed for less than 10 years. Our data indicate that longer exposure in greenhouses may be associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory impairment.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Passive smoking--(un)recognized effects on the respiratory system].

Passive smokers are exposed to a quantitatively smaller but qualitatively different smoke than active smokers. Clinical and epidemiological investigations indicate that allergic and nonallergic subjects are susceptible to tobacco smoke. The most frequent symptoms are eye irritation and blinking, nasal and throat irritation, nausea and headache. Acute effects on respiratory system are manifested by increase of airway resistance and decrease of airway specific conductance. Chronic effects include deterioration of pulmonary function, exacerbation of allergy, chronic pulmonary diseases, angina pectoris and increase of relative risk of lung cancer. Children are sensitive to tobacco smoke even before birth and exposure during the first year of life increases the risk of respiratory disease. Passive smoking at workplace is recognized as a cause of occupational respiratory diseases and the tollerable concentration of cigarette smoke is suggested for 8-hour exposure of healthy workers.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Respiratory function in poultry workers].

A group of 343 workers (252 male and 91 female) employed in poultry farms was studied for the prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes. There were significantly higher prevalences of most of the chronic respiratory symptoms in poultry workers than in controls (p < 0.01 or < 0.05). Poultry male smokers had significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough, chronic phlegm and chronic bronchitis than poultry male nonsmokers (p < 0.01). Poultry workers employed for more than 10 years had also significantly higher prevalences of these symptoms than those with shorter employment (except female smokers). There was also a high prevalence of acute symptoms in poultry workers which develop during work shift. The measured FVC, FEV1 and FEF25 in poultry workers were significantly lower than predicted normal values. Changes were particularly pronounced in workers employed for more than 10 years. We showed additionally that a water-soluble poultry extract causes a dose-related contraction of nonsensitized guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle when studied in vitro. Our data suggest that the work in poultry farms may in some workers cause the development of acute and chronic respiratory impairment.

Acute Disease↗