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Occupational and environmental exposure correlates of adverse live-birth outcomes among 1032 US Navy women.

The integration of women into non-traditional military occupations raises questions concerning the impact of such jobs on women's reproductive health. This study examines the extent to which US Navy women in their reproductive years report exposures to potential occupational and environmental hazards, and the degree to which such exposures are associated with self-reported adverse live-birth outcomes. Data from a survey of pregnant Navy women provided both maternal and paternal exposure information on more than 1000 active-duty women. Self-reported exposures to heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum products, and other chemicals were associated with adverse live-birth outcomes at the bivariate level. Only a father's exposure to pesticides at work predicted an adverse live-birth outcome (preterm delivery) in multivariate models. Maternal occupational exposures may exert their influence through maternal health and/or pregnancy complications and may act as mediators of health-reproductive outcome relationships.

Adolescent↗

Oil of turpentine--a disappearing allergen.

Oil of turpentine has become an infrequent allergen because of its replacement by the petroleum product white spirit, its deliberate exclusion from industrial products, and because the balsam oils used nowadays do not contain the sensitiser delta 3-carene. On the basis of the generally low incidence of sensitisation being currently recorded, the International Contact Dermatitis Group recommend that oil of turpentine be removed from standard patch test series.

Dermatitis, Contact↗

Distribution of dearomatised white spirit in brain, blood, and fat tissue after repeated exposure of rats.

Petroleum products with low content of aromatics have been increasingly used during the past years. This study investigates tissue disposition of dearomatised white spirit. In addition, brain neurotransmitter concentrations were measured. Male rats were exposed by inhalation to 0, 400 (2.29 mg/1), or 800 p.p.m. (4.58 mg/l) of dearomatised white spirit, 6 hr/day, 5 days/week up to 3 weeks. Five rats from each group were sacrificed immediately after the exposure for 1, 2, or 3 weeks and 2, 4, 6, or 24 hr after the end of 3 weeks' exposure. After 3 weeks of exposure the concentration of total white spirit was 1.5 and 5.6 mg/kg in blood; 7.1 and 17.1 mg/kg in brain; 432 and 1452 mg/kg in fat tissue at the exposure levels of 400 and 800 p.p.m., respectively. The concentrations of n-nonane, n-decane, n-undecane, and total white spirit in blood and brain were not affected by the duration of exposure. Two hours after the end of exposure the n-decane concentration decreased to about 25% in blood and 50% in brain. A similar pattern of elimination was also observed for n-nonane, n-undecane and total white spirit in blood and brain. In fat tissue the concentrations of n-nonane, n-decane, n-undecane, and total white spirit increased during the 3 weeks of exposure. The time to reach steady-state concentrations is longer than 3 weeks. After the 3 weeks' exposure the fat tissue concentration of n-nonane, n-decane, n-undecane, and total white spirit decreased very slowly compared with the rate of decrease in blood and brain suggesting that long-lasting redistribution from fat to brain may occur. One week of exposure at 800 p.p.m. caused a statistically significant increase in whole brain dopamine concentration while the noradrenaline concentration was unaffected. Exposure at both exposure levels for 1 week caused a statistically significantly decreased concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine in whole brain. The reduction was related to the exposure concentration. These changes in neurotransmitter concentrations were normalised after 2 and 3 weeks' exposure. In conclusion, after 3 weeks of exposure the fat:brain:blood concentration coefficients for total white spirit were approximately 250:3:1, and redistribution from fat to brain is possible. As total white spirit behaved similarly to the n-alkanes in blood, brain, and fat tissue, we suggest that the non-n-alkane white spirit components possess toxicokinetic properties similar to the n-alkanes.

Adipose Tissue↗

Methyl tertiary-butyl ether antibodies among gasoline service station attendants.

Occupational exposure to petroleum products (gasoline) and elevated blood levels of MTBE have been demonstrated among gasoline station attendants. While MTBE and its metabolites have been considered environmentally inert, immunologically these materials could be reactive. This study was conducted to assess the immunological reactivity of humans to MTBE. Blood samples from 24 gasoline station attendants and 12 healthy controls were examined for levels of IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE against MTBE by ELISA. In the gasoline-exposed group 7 out of 24 exhibited optical densities or antibody levels of 3-15-fold (OD 0.6-2.68) of the levels detected in controls (OD < 0.2). The detected antibodies both against MTBE-BSA or MTBE-HSA were of IgG and IgM but not IgA or IgE isotypes. These antibodies at much lower levels (OD of 0.45) were detected in only 1 of the 12 healthy control groups. The specificity of these antibodies was evidenced by absorption of MTBE antibodies in different sera using the same haptenic group bound to a different carrier. These results indicate that immune reactions to MTBE do occur through hapten carrier reactions which, in some individuals, end with specific IgG and IgM production.

Antibodies↗

Whole-genome analysis of the methyl tert-butyl ether-degrading beta-proteobacterium Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1.

Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 is a methylotroph distinguished by its ability to completely metabolize the fuel oxygenate methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Strain PM1 also degrades aromatic (benzene, toluene, and xylene) and straight-chain (C(5) to C(12)) hydrocarbons present in petroleum products. Whole-genome analysis of PM1 revealed an approximately 4-Mb circular chromosome and an approximately 600-kb megaplasmid, containing 3,831 and 646 genes, respectively. Aromatic hydrocarbon and alkane degradation, metal resistance, and methylotrophy are encoded on the chromosome. The megaplasmid contains an unusual t-RNA island, numerous insertion sequences, and large repeated elements, including a 40-kb region also present on the chromosome and a 29-kb tandem repeat encoding phosphonate transport and cobalamin biosynthesis. The megaplasmid also codes for alkane degradation and was shown to play an essential role in MTBE degradation through plasmid-curing experiments. Discrepancies between the insertion sequence element distribution patterns, the distributions of best BLASTP hits among major phylogenetic groups, and the G+C contents of the chromosome (69.2%) and plasmid (66%), together with comparative genome hybridization experiments, suggest that the plasmid was recently acquired and apparently carries the genetic information responsible for PM1's ability to degrade MTBE. Comparative genomic hybridization analysis with two PM1-like MTBE-degrading environmental isolates (approximately 99% identical 16S rRNA gene sequences) showed that the plasmid was highly conserved (ca. 99% identical), whereas the chromosomes were too diverse to conduct resequencing analysis. PM1's genome sequence provides a foundation for investigating MTBE biodegradation and exploring the genetic regulation of multiple biodegradation pathways in M. petroleiphilum and other MTBE-degrading beta-proteobacteria.

Base Sequence↗

Fatal fulminant hepatic failure in a 'solvent abuser'.

The case of a 17 year old abuser of butane aerosols who developed fulminant hepatic failure after taking a proprietary engine or carburetor cleaner is described. Fatalities as a result of liver failure due to volatile hydrocarbons or solvents have not previously been reported. The likely toxins included isopropyl alcohol, methyl amyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene as well as petroleum products, and evidence for their toxicity is reviewed. The possibility of increased susceptibility to hepatotoxins after enzyme induction by abuse of volatile agents is discussed. Hepatic dysfunction should be sought in patients who abuse solvents or volatile hydrocarbons and supportive measures instituted promptly when required.

Adolescent↗

Epidemiology of burn injury: experience in the Savannah region of Northern Nigeria.

Burn injury is a worldwide problem. We examine the epidemiological factors which cause conditions in which burns are more likely to occur. Seasonal variation influences (i.e. the cold dry harmattan period), certain cultural factors such as 'Wankan Jego', and using platforms with bedside fires, are contributing factors. The faulty storage of petroleum product has its toll. Poor architectural design and a low level of education in addition to poor socio-economic condition are factors that need to be addressed to reduce the incidence.

Adolescent↗

Seasonal variation and recurring peaks of reported poisonings during a 3-year period.

Seasonality of poisonings was studied among 28 692 cases reported during the years 1980-1982 in Finland with special reference to recurring peak months over years. Poisonings predominated in the summer. For all age-groups peaks of envenomations, plant poisonings and pesticide poisonings recurred between June and September. Among children aged 0-6 years, there were in addition recurrent peaks in poisonings by tobacco between June and August, by corrosive agents in September and by vitamins, trace elements and external medicines in October. Among children aged 7-15 years, fertilizer poisonings peaked recurrently in August. Among adults, poisonings by petroleum products peaked recurrently in July and December, psychopharmacologic drugs in July and October, paints, glues and plastics in November, alcohols in December and antimicrobial drugs in August and October. Of all poisonings, 33% occurred in July, August or September in contrast to the expected 25%. Preventive efforts should thus be intensified during the summer.

Adolescent↗

Case report: Hydroquinone and/or glutaraldehyde induced acute myeloid leukaemia?

BACKGROUND: Exposures to high doses of irradiation, to chemotherapy, benzene, petroleum products, paints, embalming fluids, ethylene oxide, herbicides, pesticides, and smoking have been associated with an increased risk of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Although there in no epidemiological evidence of relation between X-ray developer, fixer and replenisher liquids and AML, these included glutaraldehyde which has weakly associated with lymphocytic leukemia in rats and hydroquinone has been increasingly implicated in producing leukemia, causing DNA and chromosomal damage, inhibits topo-isomerase II, alter hematopoiesis and inhibit apoptosis of neoplastic cells. CASE PRESENTATION: Two white females (A and B) hired in 1985 as medical radiation technologists in a primary care center, in Greece. In July 2001, woman A, 38-years-old, was diagnosed as having acute monocytic leukaemia (FAB M5). The patient did not respond to therapy and died three weeks later. In August 2001, woman B, 35-year-old, was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (FAB M3). Since discharge, she is in continuous complete remission. Both women were non smokers without any medical history. Shortly after these incidents official inspectors and experts inspected workplace, examined equipment, archives of repairs, notes, interviewed and monitored employees. They concluded that shielding was inadequate for balcony's door but personal monitoring did not show any exceeding of TLV of 20 mSv yearly and cytogenetics analysis did not reveal findings considered to be characteristics of ionizing exposure. Equipment for developing photos had a long list of repairs, mainly leakages of liquids and increases of temperature. On several occasions the floor has been flooded especially during 1987-1993 and 1997-2001. Inspection confirmed a complete lack of ventilation and many spoiled medical x-ray films. Employees reported that an "osmic" level was continuously evident and frequently developed symptoms of respiratory irritation and dizziness. CONCLUSION: The findings support the hypothesis that the specific AML cases might have originated from exposure to chemicals, especially hydroquinone and/or glutaraldehyde. The report also emphasises the crucial role of inspection of facilities and enforcement of compliance with regulations in order to prevent similar incidents.

Journal Article↗

Evolutionary toxicology: population-level effects of chronic contaminant exposure on the marsh frogs (Rana ridibunda) of Azerbaijan.

We used molecular methods and population genetic analyses to study the effects of chronic contaminant exposure in marsh frogs from Sumgayit, Azerbaijan. Marsh frogs inhabiting wetlands in Sumgayit are exposed to complex mixtures of chemical contaminants, including petroleum products, pesticides, heavy metals, and many other industrial chemicals. Previous results documented elevated estimates of genetic damage in marsh frogs from the two most heavily contaminated sites. Based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence data, the Sumgayit region has reduced levels of genetic diversity, likely due to environmental degradation. The Sumgayit region also acts as an ecological sink, with levels of gene flow into the region exceeding gene flow out of the region. Additionally, localized mtDNA heteroplasmy and diversity patterns suggest that one of the most severely contaminated sites in Sumgayit is acting as a source of new mutations resulting from an increased mutation rate. This study provides an integrated method for assessing the cumulative population impacts of chronic contaminant exposure by studying both population genetic and evolutionary effects.

Animals↗

Germinomas and teratoid siphon anomalies in softshell clams, Mya arenaria, environmentally exposed to herbicides.

Seminomas and dysgerminomas are epizootic in softshell clams, Mya arenaria, from three Maine estuaries contaminated with herbicides. The first epizootic was discovered in 22% of clams collected as Searsport near Long Cove Brook and three culverts that conveyed heating oil and jet fuel spilled from a tank farm in 1971. Data from subsequent epizootiological studies and a series of long-term experimental exposures of softshell clams to no. 2 fuel oil, JP-4, and JP-5 jet fuel at the U.S. EPA, Environmental Research Laboratory in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and in the field did not support an etiology by these petroleum products. In the two recent epizootics reported here, the germinomas have been observed in 3% of the softshell clams collected from Roque Bluffs near Machiasport and from 35% of softshell clams collected from Dennysville. Mya collected at Dennysville had pericardial mesotheliomas and teratoid siphon anomalies in addition to gonadal neoplasms. Estuaries at Dennysville had been contaminated by herbicides in a 1979 accidental spray overdrift during aerial application of Tordon 101 to adjacent forests. Further investigation determined widespread use of the herbicides Tordon 101, 2,4-D,2,4,5-T, and other agrochemicals in an extensive forestry and blueberry industry in both the Roque Bluffs and the Dennysville areas. Herbicide applications at Searsport were confirmed for railroad property bordering Long Cove estuary and for Long Cove Brook adjacent to the estuary where a highway department reportedly cleans its spray equipment. Herbicide contamination is the only common denominator identified at all three sites where Mya have been found with gonadal neoplasms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Health effects of gasoline exposure. I. Exposure assessment for U.S. distribution workers.

Personal exposures were estimated for a large cohort of workers in the U.S. domestic system for distributing gasoline by trucks and marine vessels. This assessment included development of a rationale and methodology for extrapolating vapor exposures prior to the availability of measurement data, analysis of existing measurement data to estimate task and job exposures during 1975-1985, and extrapolation of truck and marine job exposures before 1975. A worker's vapor exposure was extrapolated from three sets of factors: the tasks in his or her job associated with vapor sources, the characteristics of vapor sources (equipment and other facilities) at the work site, and the composition of petroleum products producing vapors. Historical data were collected on the tasks in job definitions, on work-site facilities, and on product composition. These data were used in a model to estimate the overall time-weighted-average vapor exposure for jobs based on estimates of task exposures and their duration. Task exposures were highest during tank filling in trucks and marine vessels. Measured average annual, full-shift exposures during 1975-1985 ranged from 9 to 14 ppm of total hydrocarbon vapor for truck drivers and 2 to 35 ppm for marine workers on inland waterways. Extrapolated past average exposures in truck operations were highest for truck drivers before 1965 (range 140-220 ppm). Other jobs in truck operations resulted in much lower exposures. Because there were few changes in marine operations before 1979, exposures were assumed to be the same as those measured during 1975-1985. Well-defined exposure gradients were found across jobs within time periods, which were suitable for epidemiologic analyses.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗

Poisoning hospitalizations and deaths from solids and liquids among children and teenagers.

Twenty-four deaths and 4,271 hospital admissions due to poisoning occurred in the 0-19 year age group in Maryland during 1979-82. Four-fifths of the deaths (83 per cent) and two-thirds of the admissions involved teenagers. Among teenagers, four out of five admissions and deaths were of suicidal or undetermined intent. Black males had the highest hospitalization rate among young children, and White females among teenagers. The most common poisons ingested by children aged 0-4 years were aspirin, solvents and petroleum products, tranquilizers, and iron compounds. Among teenagers, aspirin, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antidepressants were the most common substances ingested, with antidepressants and stimulants most common among the fatalities. Reducing the availability and toxicity of the most hazardous drugs is important if morbidity and mortality from poisoning are to be prevented.

Adolescent↗

Dibenzothiophene sulphoxidation: a new and fast high-performance liquid chromatographic assay of mixed-function oxidation.

Dibenzothiophene (DBT) was used as a model substrate of hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidases. Liver microsomes from Aroclor-induced rats oxidatively transformed this substrate to DBT-5-oxide and subsequently to DBT-5-dioxide. These metabolites were identified by mass spectrometry after incubation of perdeuterated DBT. A simple and fast h.p.l.c. method for determination of the metabolites using u.v. detection at 225 nm is described. Optimal reaction conditions were determined. The apparent Km and the Vmax were, respectively, 85 microM and 8.25 nmol of DBT-5-oxide/min per mg protein. The effects of the inducers phenobarbitone, 3-methylcholanthrene and DBT itself on hepatic DBT-metabolizing activity in rats were determined. DBT, an important constituent of petroleum products, might serve as a useful substrate of aromatic hydrocarbon mono-oxygenase.

Animals↗

Refining and blending of aviation turbine fuels.

Aviation turbine fuels (jet fuels) are similar to other petroleum products that have a boiling range of approximately 300F to 550F. Kerosene and No.1 grades of fuel oil, diesel fuel, and gas turbine oil share many similar physical and chemical properties with jet fuel. The similarity among these products should allow toxicology data on one material to be extrapolated to the others. Refineries in the USA manufacture jet fuel to meet industry standard specifications. Civilian aircraft primarily use Jet A or Jet A-1 fuel as defined by ASTM D 1655. Military aircraft use JP-5 or JP-8 fuel as defined by MIL-T-5624R or MIL-T-83133D respectively. The freezing point and flash point are the principle differences between the finished fuels. Common refinery processes that produce jet fuel include distillation, caustic treatment, hydrotreating, and hydrocracking. Each of these refining processes may be the final step to produce jet fuel. Sometimes blending of two or more of these refinery process streams are needed to produce jet fuel that meets the desired specifications. Chemical additives allowed for use in jet fuel are also defined in the product specifications. In many cases, the customer rather than the refinery will put additives into the fuel to meet their specific storage or flight condition requirements.

Aviation↗

Hydrocarbon degradation in soils and methods for soil biotreatment.

The cleanup of soils and groundwater contaminated with hydrocarbons is of particular importance in minimizing the environmental impact of petroleum and petroleum products and in preventing contamination of potable water supplies. Consequently, there is a growing industry involved in the treatment of contaminated topsoils, subsoils, and groundwater. The biotreatment methodologies employed for decontamination are designed to enhance in situ degradation by the supply of oxygen, inorganic nutrients, and/or microbial inocula to the contaminated zone. This review considers the fate and effects of hydrocarbon contaminants in terrestrial environments, with particular reference to the factors that limit biodegradation rates. The potential efficiencies, advantages, and disadvantages of biotreatment techniques are discussed and the future research directions necessary for process development are considered.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Liver and renal function tests in artisans occupationally exposed to lead in mechanic village in Nnewi, Nigeria.

Additives in petroleum solvents have been reported to have adverse health implications. An evaluation study on some toxicological effects of occupational exposure to petroleum products (especially petrol which contains tetraethyl lead) amongst twenty five occupationally exposed artisans and twenty five graduate students of College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria as controls, was carried out using the following biochemical markers: electrolytes, urea, uric acid, inorganic phosphorus, creatinine, zinc and blood lead, as well as the activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and alkaline phosphatase. The results showed that occupational exposure of human subjects to lead in petrol increases the concentrations of uric acid (357 +/- 123micro mol/L) and phosphate (1.5 +/- 0.5m mol/L) in exposed subjects compared with unexposed subjects (uric acid 228 +/- 105micro mol/L, phosphate 1.2 +/- 0.41m mol/L; p < 0.01 in both cases). Significantly lower activities were observed for alkaline phosphatase (66 +/- 18.9 iu/L). The activities of alanine aminotransferase (11.4 +/- 4.0 iu/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (15.8 +/- 4.4 iu/L) in occupationally exposed artisans were higher compared with unexposed subjects (alkaline phosphatase = 78 +/- 22.4 iu/L alanine aminotranferase = 6.8 +/- 2.7 iu/L, aspartate aminotranferase = 9.6 +/- 3.5i u+/-L; p < 0.01 in all cases). Occupational exposure of human subjects to lead significantly increased blood lead (59.6 +/- 15.9 microg/dL) and decreased plasma zinc (71.3 +/- 14.4 microg/L) in exposed compared with unexposed subjects (blood lead = 35 +/- 7 microg/dL, zinc = 108.4 +/- 16.9 microg/dL; p < 0.01). The results indicate that occupational exposure to lead in petrol may compromise liver and renal function.

Adult↗

Impaired odor perception in tank cleaners.

The olfactory perception of 20 men (tank cleaners) exposed to petroleum products (while cleaning oil tanks) was examined. Office workers and watchmen were used as referents (N = 20 + 20). They were matched with regard to sex, age, and smoking habits. Odor detection thresholds and the perceived odor intensity of four odorous stimuli, pyridine, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), n-butanol, and heating oil vapor (gas phase of heating oil heated to +40 degrees C), were determined. The results suggested that the tank cleaners had higher absolute odor thresholds for n-butanol and oil vapor than the referents. The psychophysical function of the tank cleaners and referents differed for all the tested substances in respect to odor intensity. The tank cleaners displayed an odor deficit analogous to the hearing loss known as "loudness recruitment," ie, normal perception of strong stimuli but impaired perception of weak stimuli. This odor deficit was therefore named "odor intensity recruitment" and seems, in tank cleaners, to be associated with occupational exposure to oil vapor.

Adult↗