| 1. |
- Akesson, A, et al.
(författare)
-
Cadmium-induced effects on bone in a population-based study of women
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Environmental Health Perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 1552-9924 .- 0091-6765. ; 114:6, s. 830-834
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- High cadmium exposure is known to cause bone damage, but the association between low-level cadmium exposure and osteoporosis remains to be clarified. Using a population-based women's health survey in southern Sweden [Women's Health in the Lund Area (WHILA)] with no known historical cadmium contamination, we investigated cadmium-related effects on bone in 820 women (53-64 years of age). We measured cadmium in blood and urine and lead in blood, an array of markers of bone metabolism, and forearm bone mineral density (BMD). Associations were evaluated in multiple linear regression analysis including information on the possible confounders or effect modifiers: weight, menopausal status, use of hormone replacement therapy, age at menarche, alcohol consumption, smoking history, and physical activity. Median urinary cadmium was 0.52 mu g/L adjusted to density (0.67 mu g/g creatinine). After multivariate adjustment, BMD, parathyroid hormone, and urinary deoxypyridinoline (U-DPD) were adversely associated with concentrations of urinary cadmium (p < 0.05) in all subjects. These associations persisted in the group of never-smokers, which had the lowest cadmium exposure (mainly dietary). For U-DPD, there was a significant interaction between cadmium and menopause (p = 0.022). Our results suggest negative effects of low-level cadmium exposure on bone, possibly exerted via increased bone resorption, which seemed to be intensified after menopause. Based on the prevalence of osteoporosis and the low level of exposure, the observed effects, although slight, should be considered as early signals of potentially more adverse health effects.
|
|
| 2. |
- Akesson, AA, et al.
(författare)
-
Tubular and glomerular kidney effects in Swedish women with low environmental cadmium exposure
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Environmental Health Perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 1552-9924 .- 0091-6765. ; 113:11, s. 1627-1631
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cadmium is a well-known nephrotoxic agent in food and tobacco, but the exposure level that is critical for kidney effects in the general population is not defined. Within a population-based women's health survey in southern Sweden (Women's Health in the Lund Area, WHILA), we investigated cadmium exposure in relation to tubular and glomerular function, from 1999 through early 2000 in 820 women (71% participation rate) 53-64 years of age. Multiple linear regression showed cadmium in blood (median, 0.38 mu g/L) and urine (0.52 mu g/L; density adjusted = 0.67 mu g/g creatinine) to be significantly associated with effects on renal tubules (as indicated by increased levels of human complex-forming protein and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in urine), after adjusting for age, body mass index, blood lead, diabetes, hypertension, and regular use of nephrotoxic drugs. The associations remained significant even at the low exposure in women who had never smoked. We also found associations with markers of glomerular effects: glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance. Significant effects were seen already at a mean urinary cadmium level of 0.6 mu g/L (0.8 mu g/g creatinine). Cadmium potentiated diabetes-induced effects on kidney. In conclusion, tubular renal effects occurred at lower cadmium levels than previously demonstrated, and more important, glomerular effects were also observed. Although the effects were small, they may represent early signs of adverse effects, affecting large segments of the population. Subjects with diabetes seem to be at increased risk.
|
|
| 3. |
- Albin, Maria, et al.
(författare)
-
Arbets- och miljömedicin
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Folkhälsa som tvärvetenskap. - 9789144040097 ; , s. 293-316
-
Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
|
|
| 4. |
- Albin, Maria, et al.
(författare)
-
Doser från bostad och föda--små men farliga.
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Läkartidningen. - 0023-7205. ; 104:48, s. 3659-3663
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- he health gains from risk reduction with regard to chemical health hazards have so far been most evident in the occupational setting. Development with regard to analytical and epidemiological methods, and possibilities to measure discrete effects, do however indicate health effects also at low levels of exposure, relevant for the general environment. Efficient risk reduction in the general, and even domestic, environment is possible as illustrated by the reduced exposure to tobacco smoke. Current exposures in Sweden to radon, mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs, dioxins, and other persistent organic pollutants, affect diseases of major concern for public health like cancer, reproductive effects, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Lung cancer from domestic radon exposure remains a major concern, and should be targeted with higher ambition.
|
|
| 5. |
|
|
| 6. |
- Arvidsson, Inger, et al.
(författare)
-
Are neck-shoulder disorders associated with habitual neck extension in computer work?
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Meeting diversity in ergonomics.
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- A common clinical conception is that prolonged neck extension during computer work is associated with an increased risk of neck-shoulder disorders. The aim of this study was to find out whether neck postures in computer work differed between females cases with neck-shoulderdisorders, compared to healthy referents. Based on physical examinations, 13 cases and 11 referents were selected among 70 female air traffic controllers with the same computer work and identical work stations. Neck angles were measured by inclinometry, during an ordinary work period of about 1 h. Results: Average neck angles (50thpercentile) in cases and referents was -10° (SP 8) and -9 (SD 10) respectively; p=0.9. Hence, we did not find any association between neck-shoulder disorders and neck extension during computer work.
|
|
| 7. |
- Arvidsson, Inger, et al.
(författare)
-
Changes in physical workload with implementation of mouse-based information technology in air traffic control
- 2006
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 36:7, s. 613-622
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Effects on physical workload were quantified when introducing new information technology in air traffic control. Seven female and 7 male air traffic controllers were studied in an old control system, and during simulated-but similar-work in a new, mouse-based system. Postures, movements and muscular load were recorded (inclinometry for head, neck, back and upper arms; goniometry for wrists; elect romyography for the trapezius and forearm extensor muscles). The new system was associated with lower movement velocities than the old one (examples: [50th percentiles] head flexion: 2 vs. 5 degrees/s, P < 0.01; right arm elevation: 3 vs. 6 degrees/s; P < 0.01; [90th percentile] wrist flexion: 19 vs. 50 degrees/s, P < 0.01), less varying postures (head: 95th-5th percentile range 17 degrees vs. 34 degrees; P < 0.01), and less muscular rest in the right forearm extensors (3.5% vs. 9% of time; P < 0.05). The old/new system differences were amplified at high work intensities. The new air traffic control system caused a major change of physical exposures, probably associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders in arms and hands. Relevance to industry While this study concerned the specific changes in the introduction of a new air traffic control system, we believe that the findings are applicable to similar technological developments in other settings. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 8. |
- Arvidsson, Inger, et al.
(författare)
-
Follow-up study of musculoskeletal disorders 20 months after the introduction of a mouse-based computer system.
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140. ; 34:5, s. 374-380
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: This study attempted to determine whether musculoskeletal health is influenced by mouse-intensive computer work. METHODS: The neck-upper limbs of 148 air-traffic controllers (71 women, 77 men) with demanding computer work were examined before (baseline) and a median of 20 months after (follow-up) a change from varied computer work to a mouse-based system, causing a significant change in the physical exposure of the workers (eg, lower variation of work postures and less rest in the forearm extensor muscles, as assessed by technical measurements). Complaints (according to a Nordic questionnaire), diagnoses (standardized physical examination), and psychosocial work environment (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) were recorded. RESULTS: The air traffic controllers had consistently higher prevalences of disorders in the elbows-hands in the follow-up than at the baseline (complaints 30% versus 18%, P=0.03; diagnoses 10% versus 3.4%, P=0.02). The predominance of right-arm disorders was more pronounced in the follow-up than at the baseline. For the neck-shoulders-upper back, there was no consistent difference between the baseline and follow-up values; disorders increased significantly among the "young" controllers (
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
| 11. |
|
|
| 12. |
- Arvidsson, Inger, et al.
(författare)
-
Neck postures in air traffic controllers with and without neck/shoulder disorders.
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-9126 .- 0003-6870. ; 39:2, s. 255-260
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Prolonged computer work with an extended neck is commonly believed to be associated with an increased risk of neck–shoulder disorders. The aim of this study was to compare neck postures during computer work between female cases with neck–shoulder disorders, and healthy referents. Based on physical examinations, 13 cases and 11 referents were selected among 70 female air traffic controllers with the same computer-based work tasks and identical workstations. Postures and movements were measured by inclinometers, placed on the forehead and upper back (C7/Th1) during authentic air traffic control. A recently developed method was applied to assess flexion/extension in the neck, calculated as the difference between head and upper back flexion/extension. Results: cases and referents did not differ significantly in neck posture (median neck flexion/extension: −10° vs. −9°; p=0.9). Hence, the belief that neck extension posture is associated with neck–shoulder disorders in computer work is not supported by the present data.
|
|
| 13. |
|
|
| 14. |
|
|
| 15. |
- Balogh, Istvan, et al.
(författare)
-
Increasing the Degree of Automation in a Production System: Consequences for the physical workload
- 2006
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 36:4, s. 353 - 365
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In spite of the continuous development of production systems work-related musculoskeletal disorders is still a large problem. One reason might be the difficulties in quantifying the ergonomic effects of interventions. In this paper ergonomic consequences of technical and organisational changes were quantified in a plant for producing slats for parquet flooring. Muscle activity, work postures and movements were assessed for neck/shoulders and upper limb by direct technical measurements at three generations of production lines. The physical workload for 31 operators at the manual, semi-automated and automated line was derived based on all existing work tasks. The work was characterised by moderate muscular loads, the 50th percentiles being 1.2-3.8%MVE for the neck/shoulder muscles, high repetitiveness and constant movements of the hands and a high prevalence of neck/shoulder disorders. There were statistically significant differences considering exposure levels between the work tasks within each line as well as between the lines. The semi-automated line implied reduced muscular load for all muscles registered but more constrained work postures. The automated line, on the other hand, required higher skills, offered less constrained postures, lower loads and repetitiveness for the hands as well as frequent changes between different physical load levels. Relevance to industry: When designing or redesigning production systems, technical solutions are often used to obtain 'beneficial' ergonomic conditions, implying a strive for low physical workloads. However, there is a risk that this might lead to more constrained physical activities. Possibilities for job enlargement must be thoroughly utilised. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 16. |
- Balogh, Istvan, et al.
(författare)
-
Precision of measurements of physical workload during standardized manual handling part III: Goniometry of the wrists.
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Journal of Electromyography & Kinesiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-5711 .- 1050-6411. ; 19:5, s. 1005-1012
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Goniometry of the wrist is a feasible method for studying wrist movements in most hand-intensive work. The precision and accuracy of the method per se is good. For the knowledge on validity of field measurements, the size of imprecision is of importance. This study evaluated this condition during standardized circumstances. Six women performed three different hand-intensive work tasks: 'materials picking', 'light assembly', and 'heavy assembly', repeated during three different days. Variance components between-days (within subjects) and between-subjects were derived for positions (flexion/extension and deviation) and movements, including angular velocities, % of time with very low velocity (<1 degrees /s), as well as repetitiveness. For positions, the average standard deviations in the three tasks were, both between-days and between-subjects, 3-4 degrees . For movements, the coefficients of variation of angular velocities were about 10% between-days, and could to a great part be explained by differences in work rate. Between-subjects variability was higher, 20-40%. The variability was larger at low velocities than at high ones. The precision of the measured positions was good, expressed as small between-days and between-subjects variability. For movements, the between-days variability was also small, while there was a larger between-subjects variability. The imprecision of goniometry is consequently lower and comparable with inclinometry but lower than for EMG.
|
|
| 17. |
|
|
| 18. |
- Bergdahl, Ingvar A, et al.
(författare)
-
Biomonitoring of lead exposure-alternatives to blood
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A: Current Issues. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1087-2620 .- 1528-7394. ; 71:18, s. 1235-1243
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lead (Pb) is one of the most important models for biomonitoring of exposure, with the blood Pb concentration as a predominant choice in practice and in epidemiology. In this article the alternatives for biomarkers to blood are reviewed. This overview focuses on a number of different qualities that are of importance in the evaluation of a biomarker's usefulness and performance. The qualities scrutinized included: (1) analytical accuracy and precision; (2) cost; (3) practical issues; (4) what is reflected by the biomarker; (5) relationship to exposure; and (6) relationship to effects. Data indicate that the best biomarker in some circumstances may be blood, but bone or teeth (for past exposures), feces (for current gastrointestinal exposure), or urine (for organic Pb) are sometimes more useful. A striking feature is that no generally accepted biomarker of bioavailable Pb exists, though plasma, bone, teeth, urine, and hair have all been discussed. For one of the most used applications of blood Pb, monitoring of lead workers' exposure, blood has important shortcomings in that it shows a poor response to changes in exposure at high levels. The alternative of plasma has not been sufficiently evaluated to be considered an alternative in occupational health services, although previous analytical problems are basically overcome. Possibly, urine deserves also more attention. Almost all biomarkers lack systematic data on variation within and between individuals.
|
|
| 19. |
- Bergdahl, Ingvar A, et al.
(författare)
-
Plasma-lead concentration: investigations into its usefulness for biological monitoring of occupational lead exposure.
- 2006
-
Ingår i: American journal of industrial medicine. - New York : Wiley. - 0271-3586 .- 1097-0274. ; 49:2, s. 93-101
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The lead concentration in plasma is correlated to that in whole blood with a two to fourfold variation. It has never been investigated if this variation is inter-individual. METHODS: Lead and hemoglobin were determined in blood and plasma from 13 lead workers with a history of relatively high blood-lead concentrations, sampled three times during 1 day. The variation in the distribution of lead between cells and plasma was studied, but not the variation in the lead concentrations as such. RESULTS: Blood hemoglobin decreased with rising plasma lead (0.9-3.0 microg/L). Regarding the distribution of lead, no effect of current exposure during the day or of recent meals appeared. As much as 84% of the overall variance of the distribution of lead between cells and plasma could be attributed to individual factors. After adjustment for erythrocyte volume fraction this decreased to 67%. Plasma samples with elevated hemoglobin concentrations (due to in vitro hemolysis) had somewhat elevated lead concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma lead is not significantly altered by variation in a single day's exposure and, therefore, the choice of time of the day is not critical for sampling. However, plasma lead is negatively correlated to blood hemoglobin and mild hemolysis (not visible by the eye) in a sample may increase plasma lead with up to 30%. Finally, plasma provides lead exposure information that differs from whole blood, but it is not clear which one of these is the biomarker with the closest relation to exposure and/or effects.
|
|
| 20. |
|
|
| 21. |
- Custodio, Hipolito M, et al.
(författare)
-
Genetic influences on the retention of inorganic mercury.
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Archives of environmental & occupational health. - 1933-8244. ; 60:1, s. 17-23
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mercury is eliminated as glutathione (GSH) conjugates. GSH production is mediated by glutamyl-cysteine ligase (GCL), and conjugation by glutathione S-transferases (GST). This study tested if polymorphisms in GCL and GST genes modify mercury retention in humans exposed to elemental mercury vapor. Total mercury concentrations in whole blood, plasma and urine, and genotypes for GCLC, GCLM, GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTP1, and GSTT1 were determined in 309 gold miners, gold buyers and controls. The presence of the GCLM-588T allele was associated with increased blood, plasma and urine mercury levels. These results indicate that genotypes with decreased GSH availability for mercury conjugation affect the metabolism of inorganic mercury.
|
|
| 22. |
- Engstrom, Annette, et al.
(författare)
-
Cadmium-induced bone effect is not mediated via low serum 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Environmental Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 1096-0953 .- 0013-9351. ; 109:2, s. 188-192
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cadmium is a widespread environmental pollutant, which is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis. It has been proposed that cadmium's toxic effect on bone is exerted via impaired activation of vitamin D, secondary to the kidney effects. To test this, we assessed the association of cadmium-induced bone and kidney effects with serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D); measured by enzyme immunoassay. For the assessment, we selected 85 postmenopausal women, based on low (0.14-0.39 mu g/L) or high (0.66-2.1 mu g/L) urinary cadmium, within a cross-sectional population-based women's health survey in Southern Sweden. We also measured 25-hydroxy vitamin D. cadmium in blood, bone mineral density and several markers of bone remodeling and kidney effects. Although there were clear differences in both kidney and bone effect markers between women with low and high cadmium exposure, the 1,25(OH)(2)D concentrations were not significantly different (median, 111 pmol/L (5-95th percentile, 67-170 pmol/L) in low- and 125 pmol/L (66-200 pmol/L) in high-cadmium groups; p = 0.08). Also, there was no association between 1,25(OH)(2)D and markers of bone or kidney effects. It is concluded that the low levels of cadmium exposure present in the studied women, although high enough to be associated with lower bone mineral density and increased bone resorption, were not associated with lower serum concentrations of 1,25(OH)(2)D. Hence, decreased circulating levels of 1,25(OH)(2)D are unlikely to be the proposed link between cadmium-induced effects on kidney and bone. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 23. |
- Engström, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Genetic variation in glutathione-related genes and body burden of methylmercury
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives. - Research Triangle Park, N.C. : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 0091-6765 .- 1552-9924. ; 116:6, s. 734-739
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Exposure to toxic methylmercury (MeHg) through fish consumption is a large problem worldwide, and it has led to governmental recommendations of reduced fish consumption and blacklisting of mercury-contaminated fish. The elimination kinetics of MeHg varies greatly among individuals. Knowledge about the reasons for such variation is of importance for improving the risk assessment for MeHg. One possible explanation is hereditary differences in MeHg metabolism. MeHg is eliminated from the body as a glutathione (GSH) conjugate. OBJECTIVES: We conducted this study to assess the influence of polymorphisms in GSH-synthesizing [glutamyl-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM-588) and glutamyl-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC-129)] or GSH-conjugating [glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1-105 and GSTP1-114)] genes on MeHg retention. METHODS: Based on information obtained from questionnaires, 292 subjects from northern Sweden had a high consumption of fish (lean/fat fish two to three times per week or more). We measured total Hg in erythrocytes (Ery-Hg) and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma (P-PUFA; an exposure marker for fish intake). RESULTS: The GSTP1 genotype modified Ery-Hg; effects were seen for GSTP1-105 and -114 separately, and combining them resulted in stronger effects. We found evidence of effect modification: individuals with zero or one variant allele demonstrated a steeper regression slope for Ery-Hg (p = 0.038) compared with individuals with two or more variant alleles. The GCLM-588 genotype also influenced Ery-Hg (p = 0.035): Individuals with the GCLM-588 TT genotype demonstrated the highest Ery-Hg, but we saw no evidence of effect modification with increasing P-PUFA. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a role of GSH-related polymorphisms in MeHg metabolism.
|
|
| 24. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
-
Lead concentrations in cortical and trabecular bones in deceased smelter workers.
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS). - : Elsevier BV. - 0946-672X .- 1878-3252. ; 19:2-3, s. 209-15
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the study was to compare bone lead concentrations in cortical and trabecular bones in long-term exposed primary copper and lead smelter workers, and to relate the measured concentrations to the previous lead exposure of the workers. Lead concentrations in seven bones (trabecular: sternum, vertebrae, iliac crest, rib; cortical: femur, left forefinger, and temporal bone) were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry in 32 male, long-term exposed copper and lead smelter workers, and compared with levels in 10 male occupationally unexposed reference persons. A time-integrated blood lead index (cumulative blood lead index, CBLI) was calculated for each worker. The lead levels in the seven studied bones were all significantly higher in active and retired lead workers as compared with the reference group (p
|
|
| 25. |
- Grandjean, Philippe, et al.
(författare)
-
The faroes statement : human health effects of developmental exposure to chemicals in our environment.
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. - : Wiley. - 1742-7835 .- 1742-7843. ; 102:2, s. 73-5
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The periods of embryonic, foetal and infant developmentare remarkably susceptible to environmental hazards. Toxicexposures to chemical pollutants during these windows ofincreased susceptibility can cause disease and disability ininfants, children and across the entire span of human life.Among the effects of toxic exposures recognized in the pasthave been spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations,lowered birthweight and other adverse effects. These outcomesmay be readily apparent. However, even subtle changes causedby chemical exposures during early development may leadto important functional deficits and increased risks ofdisease later in life. The timing of exposure during early lifehas therefore become a crucial factor to be considered intoxicological assessments.During 20–24 May 2007, researchers in the fields of environmentalhealth, environmental chemistry, developmentalbiology, toxicology, epidemiology, nutrition and paediatricsgathered at the International Conference on Fetal Programmingand Developmental Toxicity, in Tórshavn, FaroeIslands. The conference goal was to highlight new insightsinto the effects of prenatal and early postnatal exposure tochemical agents, and their sustained effects on the individualthroughout the lifespan. The conference brought togetherresearchers to focus on human data and the translationof laboratory results to elucidate the environmental risks tohuman health.
|
|
