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Biomedical subjects

M L Flindt

Publications and source records attributed to M L Flindt.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Biological miracles and misadventures: identification of sensitization and asthma in enzyme detergent workers.

The discovery that the enzymes used in biological washing powders were asthma-causing sensitizers derived initially from the concern of an industrial physician as to the possibility of pulmonary damage due to the proteolytic nature of the material. This caused a search for possible cases of enzyme-related illness. Careful history-taking led to a hypothesis concerning sensitization and allergic illness which was supported experimentally by skin prick tests and inhalation challenge tests, and later by radioallergosorbent tests (RAST). It seems that the consequences of handling this potentially allergenic material as a fine powder had not been anticipated; and failure to analyze cases of sickness, to identify asthma, and to consider its workplace source had prevented its recognition elsewhere. Contributing to this failure was the pattern of development and manifestations of allergic illness, which seldom occurred in the workplace and was not confined to enzyme workers or atopics. In some cases the incidence of illness had been suppressed, or investigation prevented.

Asthma↗
PubMed1988

Memory sequelae of solvent intoxication.

A retrospective study on a small group of female workers accidentally intoxicated by organic solvents (toluene and aliphatic hydrocarbons) evaluated complaints of residual memory impairment. Memory testing was first performed two months after the intoxication with a follow-up six months later to assess recovery. The workers showed normal patterns of performance on tests of learning and short-term and longer-term memory, but marked difficulties were observed when attention had to be allocated between two resource-competing tasks. As there was no evidence of recovery by the follow-up session, the results indicate that solvent intoxication can cause neuropsychological sequelae lasting for over eight months.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1979

Asthma due to industrial use of chloramine.

Seven brewery workers developed asthmatic symptoms after using chloramine (chloramine-T) powder as a sterilising agent. They gave positive weal and flare reactions to skin-prick tests with solutions of chloramine at strengths that caused no reactions in unexposed controls. The symptoms did not recur once the men had been removed from areas in which chloramine was handled. As well as causing irritant effects, inhaling dry or liquid aerosols of chloramine may cause sensitisation, with workers being prone to allergic asthma on reexposure. In view of this, measures should be taken to ensure that chloramine is not inhaled.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Respiratory hazards from papain.

Late-onset asthma occurred in a non-atopic worker in a factory where papain powder was packed. The patient had had 3 attacks of asthma since first being exposed to atmospheric papain dust. He gave a positive immediate reaction to skin-prick tests with solutions of papain which were appreciably weaker than solutions which caused no reaction in unexposed individuals. These results, together with his history and the fact that symptoms stopped when he was not exposed to papain, suggest that he had extrinsic allergic asthma caused by sensitisation to papain. Shortly after re-exposure to papain a worker in another factory died during an attack of asthma. Measures to prevent the inhalation of papain dust must be taken in factories where papain is handled, not only to avoid the proteolytic effects of the material but also to prevent workers from becoming sensitised.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1976

Blood lead and erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase levels in Manchester taxi drivers.

Among 40 Manchester taxi drivers the mean blood lead was 1.10 mumol/1 (22.8 mug per 100 ml). The mean erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity among 34 of them was 30.1 units. No significant association was found between the blood lead levels and erythrocyte ALAD activity in these 34 men. No significant association was found between either blood lead elvels or erythrocyte ALAD activity and duration of service or weekly mileage as a taxi driver or with drinking or smoking habits, or age. The mean blood lead of those with homes in the north east quadrant of the city was higher than of those living elsewhere but the difference was not statistically significant. Although there was no correlation between blood lead levels and the source of domestic water, the mean blood lead of those with lead domestic plumbing was appreciably higher than the level of those with copper plumbing. There was no indication that, by virtue of their occupation, the taxi drivers were liable to greater lead absorption than their fellow-citizens.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1968

Dropped finger.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Fingers↗