Biomedical subjects

K H Gelberg

Publications and source records attributed to K H Gelberg.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Nitrate levels in drinking water in rural New York State.

To obtain an indication of the nitrate-nitrogen levels in drinking water in rural areas of upstate New York and the number of infants at risk for methemoglobinemia, 419 wells supplying drinking water to farms were tested. Farmers were identified through two programs run by the New York State Department of Health. The farmers were asked to complete a short questionnaire about the type and size of their farm and their well and to collect the water sample. Overall, nitrates were detectable in 95% of the wells tested (concentration levels greater than 0.05 mg/L) and 15.7% had levels which exceeded 10 mg/L. Fifteen percent of the wells tested from farms where infants resided were also elevated. Wells which were shallow, dug or located on large farms, or springs were more likely to have elevated concentrations of nitrates.

Agriculture↗

PubMed1999

Reasons for testing and exposure sources among women of childbearing age with moderate blood lead levels.

The purpose of this study was to examine the circumstances under which women receive blood lead tests in New York State and to characterize the sources of lead exposure among women of childbearing age with moderate blood lead levels. Telephone interviews were conducted with 135 women between the ages of 18 and 45, with blood lead levels from 10 through 25 micrograms/dl, were used to collect information on the reason for their blood lead test and possible sources of lead exposure. It was found that the two most common reasons to be tested for blood lead were workplace screening (47%) and pregnancy (27%). Occupational exposure was the primary source of lead exposure in this population (46%). Another common source of lead exposure was home renovation (24%). A significant proportion (31%) of women with blood lead levels from 10 through 25 micrograms/dl had no known current source of lead exposure. Based on New York's sample, there are a significant number of women of reproductive age with potentially fetotoxic blood lead levels.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Growth and development and other risk factors for osteosarcoma in children and young adults.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for osteosarcoma in young people were investigated in a population-based case-control study among residents of New York State, excluding New York City. METHODS: Cases (n = 130) were diagnosed between 1978 and 1988 at < or = 24 years of age. Controls were randomly selected from birth certificates and were pair matched to cases on year of birth and sex. Exposure information was obtained by telephone interview with a subject and/or parent, and from birth certificates and school and medical records. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A significant positive association was observed with height one year before diagnosis (P-value for trend = 0.02). No significant associations were observed between osteosarcoma and weight of body mass index one year before diagnosis, birth length, birthweight, gestational age, having reached puberty, having begun growth spurt, age at puberty, age growth spurt began, medical x-rays, antenatal exposures, family history of cancer, birth defects, or parental occupation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Health study of New York City Department of Sanitation landfill employees.

Employees currently working at a large municipal landfill expressed concern that they experience higher rates of illness than other municipal sanitation workers. Therefore, this study was designed to examine acute health effects among employees working at the New York City Department of Sanitation, with special emphasis upon the landfill workers. Interviews conducted with 238 landfill and 262 off-site male employees asked questions about health symptoms experienced in the six months prior to the interview and about workplace exposures. This study found a higher prevalence among landfill employees of work-related dermatologic, neurologic, hearing, and respiratory symptoms, and sore and itching throats than among off-site employees. The respiratory and dermatologic symptoms were not associated with any specific occupational title or work task, other than working at the landfill. Off-site laborers experienced more neuromuscular symptoms and injuries.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

PubMed1997

Farm worker injuries associated with bulls. New York State 1991-1996.

1. Although cows greatly outnumber bulls on dairy farms, bulls account for 25% of animal related injuries in a surveillance study of agricultural injury. In addition, bull injuries are more severe. 2. Because of their size and unpredictable behavior, bulls, especially those over 18 months of age, must be handled with extreme caution. 3. Important risk factors for the observed incidents were working alone and not having an escape route. 4. Bulls should be dehorned and confined in specially designed facilities to avoid human contact during feeding, watering, exercising, or breeding.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMed1997

Farm worker injuries associated with cows. New York State 1991-1996.

1. The size of cows and their unpredictable behavior constitute a hazard for workers who handle them. 2. When cows are startled by sudden movements and unfamiliar situations, they may kick, push, knock down, fall, or step on workers. 3. Cows in heat or those with calves are particularly excitable. Working in confining situations, such as milking stalls, exacerbates the danger of injury to handlers. 4. Knowledge of effective animal handling techniques and well designed handling facilities can reduce the incidence of injury.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Fluoride exposure and childhood osteosarcoma: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: This study tests the hypothesis that fluoride exposure in a nonoccupational setting is a risk factor for childhood osteosarcoma. METHODS: A population-based case-control study was conducted among residents of New York State, excluding New York City. Case subjects (n = 130) were diagnosed with osteosarcoma between 1978 and 1988, at age 24 years or younger. Control subjects were matched to case subjects on year of birth and sex. Exposure information was obtained by a telephone interview with the subject, parent, or both. RESULTS: Based on the parents' responses, total lifetime fluoride exposure was not significantly associated with osteosarcoma among all subjects combined or among females. However, a significant protective trend was observed among males. Protective trends were observed for fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride tablets, and dental fluoride treatments among all subjects and among males. Based on the subjects' responses, no significant associations between fluoride exposure and osteosarcoma were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride exposure does not increase the risk of osteosarcoma and may be protective in males. The protective effect may not be directly due to fluoride exposure but to other factors associated with good dental hygiene. There is also biologic plausibility for a protective effect.

Adolescent↗