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Biomedical subjects

O Axelson

Publications and source records attributed to O Axelson.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Arsenic exposure and mortality: a case-referent study from a Swedish copper smelter.

An increased mortality from lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, haematolymphatic malignancy and cirrhosis of the liver has been reported among smelter workers and others exposed to arsenic. This study uses the case-referent (case-control) technique and is concerned with workers in a copper smelter in a complex work environment, characterised by the presence of trivalent arsenic in combination with sulphur dioxide and copper, and also with other agents. Lung cancer mortality was found to be increased about five-fold and cardiovascular disease about two-fold, showing a dose-response relationship to arsenic exposure. Mortality from malignant blood disease (leukaemia and myeloma) and cirrhosis of the liver was also slightly increased. This mortality pattern among the smelter workers is consistent with earlier reports. An increased mortality from cardiovascular disease in this type of industry is of particular interest as it has been reported only once before.

Adult↗

Mining, lung cancer and smoking.

Several studies have shown an increased lung cancer mortality among Swedish metal and iron ore miners, as probably caused by exposure to radon and its daughters. An earlier study of zinc-lead miners has been updated. The results show a 16-fold increase in lung cancer mortality. Surprisingly, nonsmokers were more apt to develop lung cancer than smokers, but the induction-latency time was about nine years shorter on the average for the smokers. An explanation for these findings might be that smoking increases the thickness of the mucus layer and therefore protects the bronchial epithelium from alpha radiation, but it also promotes the development of cancer once induced by the radiation.

Adult↗

Some hygienic and clinical observations on styrene exposure.

Styrene exposure levels in the range of 100--300 ppm as an 8-h time-weighted average have been measured in small shops manufacturing glass fiber reinforced plastic products such as boats, steeping baths, etc. Exposure control through determinations of mandelic acid in the urine at the end of the workday has been found suitable and convenient. Over the years during the 1970s, there seems to have been amendments in the exposure situation in Sweden if judged from mandelic acid monitoring. More or less severe central nervous disturbances have been observed among the workers. Elevated levels of amino-transferases have been recorded but are of unclear long-term importance to liver function.

Adult↗

A case-referent study on neuropsychiatric disorders among workers exposed to solvents.

Published reports give justification for the belief that long-term exposure to solvents might induce chronic but nonspecific neuropsychiatric conditions. This case-referent study of data from a regional Swedish pension fund register indicated a risk ration of 1.8 in regard to nonspecific neuropsychiatric disorders among workers such as painters, varnishers and carpetlayers who are exposed to solvents as compared to workers not so exposed. Moreover a dose-response relationship seems to exist between exposure in terms of occupational years and neuropsychiatric conditions, the result being that persons affected are considered eligible for disability pensions.

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