| 1. |
- Bergdahl, Ingvar A, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma-lead concentration: investigations into its usefulness for biological monitoring of occupational lead exposure.
- 2006
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Ingår i: American journal of industrial medicine. - New York : Wiley. - 0271-3586 .- 1097-0274. ; 49:2, s. 93-101
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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.
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| 2. |
- Boström, Fredrik, et al.
(författare)
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Cerebrospinal fluid total tau is associated with shorter survival in dementia with Lewy bodies.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9824 .- 1420-8008. ; 28:4, s. 314-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A pathology typical of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) has been demonstrated to increase mortality to a greater extent than the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, mortality in DLB has also been shown to increase with concomitant AD pathology. Furthermore, in a recent publication, we showed that there is a robust and specific increase in CSF calcium and magnesium in DLB patients compared to both AD patients and controls. Thus, in order to explore the influence of CSF AD markers and trace element concentrations on mortality in DLB, we undertook a longitudinal prospective study of 47 clinically diagnosed DLB patients and 157 AD patients as well as 49 healthy volunteers. Both AD and DLB patients showed an increased mortality compared to the healthy controls (relative risk: 10 and 8, respectively; p < 0.001). Increased levels of CSF total tau were associated with increased mortality among the DLB patients (p < 0.05), but not among the AD patients or controls. Gender, age, MMSE score, Abeta42 concentration and phosphorylated tau, and CSF trace element concentrations did not influence survival in the obtained models.
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| 3. |
- Boström, Fredrik, et al.
(författare)
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CSF Mg and Ca as diagnostic markers for dementia with Lewy bodies.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Neurobiology of aging. - : Elsevier BV. - 1558-1497 .- 0197-4580. ; 30:8, s. 1265-1271
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Accumulating evidence implicates a role for altered metal homeostasis in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, few investigations have addressed this issue in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The aim of the present study was to investigate metal concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma from patients with DLB and other neurodegenerative disorders. To that end, CSF and plasma samples were collected from 29 patients with DLB, 174 patients with AD, 90 patients with AD with minor vascular components, and 51 healthy volunteers. Total concentrations of Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Cs were determined using mass spectrometry. Patients with DLB had elevated Ca and Mg levels in CSF and Mg levels in plasma as compared to all other groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, a combination of CSF-Mg and CSF-Ca could distinguish DLB from AD with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 85%. Cu levels in both CSF and plasma tended to be higher in DLB compared to the other groups, but these trends failed to reach significance after correction for multiple comparisons. Mn, Fe, Zn, Rb, and Sr concentration in CSF or plasma were similar in all groups. The observed elevations of CSF-Mg, CSF-Ca and CSF-Cu may contribute to or be associated with the neurodegenerative process in DLB. Furthermore, determination of CSF-Mg and CSF-Ca concentration may be a valuable tool in distinguishing DLB from AD.
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| 4. |
- Custodio, Hipolito M, et al.
(författare)
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Genetic influences on the retention of inorganic mercury.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Archives of environmental & occupational health. - 1933-8244. ; 60:1, s. 17-23
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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.
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| 5. |
- Edlund, Maria, 1972, et al.
(författare)
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A prospective cohort study investigating an exposure-response relationship among vibration-exposed male workers with numbness of the hands
- 2014
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health. - : Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; 40:2, s. 203-209
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the exposure response relationship of hand-arm vibration (HAY) exposure to neurological symptoms (numbness) of the hand in a cohort of vibration-exposed workers. Methods The baseline cohort comprised 241 office and manual workers with and without exposure to HAY. Numbness (the symptom or event) in the hand was assessed for all subjects at baseline and follow-ups after 5, 10, and 16 years. The workers were stratified into quartiles with no exposure in the first quartile and increasing intensity of exposure in quartiles 2-4 (groups 1-3). Data analysis was performed using survival analysis (time-to-event). Information on cumulative exposure and years of exposure to event was collected via questionnaires. Measurements were performed in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 5349-1. Results The hazard ratio (HR) of risk of event (numbness) differed statistically significantly between the non-exposed group (group 0) and the two higher exposure groups (groups 2 and 3). There was also a significant ratio difference between the lowest exposure group (group 1) and the two higher groups. The ratio for group 1 was 1.77 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.96-3.26] compared with 3.78 (95% CI 2.15-6.62) and 5.31(95% CI 3.06-9.20) for groups 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusion The results suggest a dose response relationship between vibration exposure and numbness of the hands. This underlines the importance of keeping vibration levels low to prevent neurological injury to the hands.
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| 6. |
- Edlund, Maria, 1972, et al.
(författare)
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Physical capacity and psychological mood in association with self-reported work ability in vibration-exposed patients with hand symptoms.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6673. ; 7:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-reports of work ability correlated to the results of quantitative tests measuring physical capacity and a questionnaire assessing psychological mood in vibration-exposed patients with hand symptoms. METHODS: The participants comprised 47 patients (36 men and eleven women) with exposure to hand vibration and vascular and/or neurological symptoms in the hands. They performed several quantitative tests (manual dexterity, hand grip strength, finger strength) and completed the Work Ability Index (WAI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant associations between the WAI results, the HADS indices, hand grip and finger strength, and manual dexterity measured using the Purdue Pegboard(R). Multiple regression analysis revealed age and HADS indices as the strongest predictors of work ability. CONCLUSIONS: The patient's age and psychological mood may be stronger predictors of work ability compared with results from tests measuring physical capacity of the hands in vibration-exposed patients with hand symptoms. When using the WAI as an instrument for assessing work ability in these patients, health care providers need to be more aware of the impact of the psychological mood.
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| 7. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Cerebrospinal fluid/plasma quotients of essential and non-essential metals in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1435-1463 .- 0300-9564. ; 118:6, s. 957-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study, the quotients (Q) between metal concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma were studied in subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and referents to investigate if the leakage through the blood-CSF barrier (BCB) increased with increased duration and severity of the disease. Concentrations of 18 metals (Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Hg, and Pb) were determined by ICP-MS in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in 264 patients with AD, and in 54 healthy referents. The quotients Q (Mn), Q (Rb), Q (Sb), Q (Pb) and Q (Hg) were significantly lower (p≤0.003) and Q (Co) significantly higher (p≤0.001) in subjects with AD as compared with the controls. Subjects in a subgroup with more severe AD, showed the same pattern. The metal leakage into CSF did not increase with increased duration and/or severity of the disease. The permeability of BCB varied considerably between the studied metals with low median quotients (Q≤0.02) for Cd, Cu, Sb, Se and Zn and higher median quotients for Ca (Q~0.5) and Mg (Q~1.3), probably partly depending on differences in size and lipophilicity of metal-carrier complexes and specific carrier mechanisms.
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| 8. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Concentrations of metals, beta-amyloid and tau-markers in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9824 .- 1420-8008. ; 28:1, s. 88-94
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND/AIMS: In this study, metal concentrations were related to the levels of well-known Alzheimer markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), such as amyloid-beta (Abeta), total tau (T-tau) and phosphorylated-tau (P-tau). METHODS: Concentrations of 19 metals (Mg, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Hg and Pb by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) and the levels of Abeta, T-tau and P-tau in CSF were determined (xMAP technology) in 264 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and in 54 healthy referents. RESULTS: The AD subjects showed positive correlations between CSF-T-tau and CSF-P-tau versus CSF-Mn (r(s) = 0.22, p = 0.004; r(s) = 0.18, p = 0.021). CSF-T-tau, however, showed a negative correlation with CSF-Cs (r(s) = -0.17; p = 0.027). In subjects with severe AD, CSF-Abeta showed a strong positive correlation with CSF-Cs (r(s) = 0.49; p = 0.026), while CSF-T-tau showed a strong negative correlation with CSF-Cs (r(s) = -0.49; p = 0.026). Also, CSF P-tau was negatively associated with CSF-Cs (r(s) = -0.41; p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: The different relationships between the CSF-levels of Abeta and tau-markers versus the levels of CSF-Mn and CSF-Cs may be due to different binding affinity between these metals and metal binding proteins in the CSF and the surrounding brain.
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| 9. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952
(författare)
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Diagnosis and treatment of metal poisoning general aspects
- 2021
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Ingår i: Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals: Volume I: General Considerations. - 9780128232927 ; , s. 663-684
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Metal poisoning may or may not be apparent from the clinical features induced. The exposure pattern in terms of time, concentration, and route of exposure is a determinant of the clinical effect. Short-term high-level and long-term low-level exposure by ingestion are seen more often in the domestic environment and inhalation exposure is seen more often in occupational settings. Acute and chronic clinical effects of metal toxicity may involve the gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, hemopoietic, skin, and central nervous systems. In the diagnosis of metal poisoning, the presenting features may be nonspecific, with clinical examination giving no indication of the cause of illness. A full occupational history is required, along with knowledge of the work processes involved, and a detailed history is required where poisoning may occur in the domestic environment, particularly when poisoning results from the long-term absorption of cumulative metals. However, metal accumulation and poisoning may occur in the absence of environmental exposure, as, for example, transfusional siderosis in thalassemias, iron overload in idiopathic hemochromatosis, and copper accumulation in Wilson disease. In addition to history and clinical examination, trace metal analysis in body fluids, tissues, and environmental samples is required, together with biochemical and physiological investigation. In the treatment of metal poisoning, priorities should be to prevent further absorption by removal from exposure; minimize absorption from the gastrointestinal tract; provide general supportive therapy to maintain respiration, circulation, and water and electrolyte balance; and control nervous system effects. Elimination of the absorbed poison may be promoted by diuresis, blocking enterohepatic circulation, hemodialysis, or exchange transfusion. A number of therapeutic agents counteract the effects of an absorbed toxic metal by combining to form a less toxic compound that may be excreted more effectively by displacing it from its receptor site or by promoting translocation into a tissue where it cannot exert its toxic effects. Toxic metal antagonists, i.e., chelating agents, compete for toxic metals with ligands essential for their physiological function by forming a stable complex with the metal in the form of a heterocyclic ring. Chelating agents possess electron donor groups with a high affinity for the metal to be removed, thus causing its release from complexes with proteins or other endogenous ligands in a form that can be readily excreted. Chelation is indicated in the treatment of metal poisoning and metal storage diseases, in blood transfusion in iron overload, and to aid the elimination of metallic nuclides. However, chelation may result in depletion of essential metals or redistribution of toxic metals to other tissues such as the brain. Chelators themselves may also have toxic effects. Classical chelators, e.g., the polyaminopolycarboxylic acid ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and the thiols dimercaprol [British anti-Lewisite (BAL), 2, 3-dimercaptopropanol] and d-penicillamine are of limited use today. Recent research activities have shown that meso-2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA; succimer) and 2, 3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS; Dimaval, unithiol) are effective in the treatment of lead, arsenic, mercury, and to some extent also in polonium poisoning. Succimer and Dimaval have a significantly lower toxicity than BAL and DMPS can be administered both orally and intravenously. Due to its low toxicity, Succimer may turn out to be the drug of choice for the treatment of Wilson disease, with trientine or thiomolybdate as therapeutic alternatives. Deferoxamine (desferrioxamine, Desferal) is the drug of choice for antidotal management of acute iron overdose. Other orally given agents such as deferasirox (Exjade) and deferiprone (Ferriprox) can be used for the treatment of iron poisoning from metabolic sources and transfusional siderosis. These two agents can be administered in combination. In addition, the combination f deferiprone perorally and deferoxamine subcutaneously have shown promising results for the treatment of these conditions.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Lead concentrations in cortical and trabecular bones in deceased smelter workers.
- 2005
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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
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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
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| 12. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Metal concentrations in blood and hair in pregnant females in southern Sweden.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Journal of environmental health. - 0022-0892. ; 72:6, s. 37-41
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The study described here was comprised of 100 pregnant females from two prenatal care units at the cities of Hassleholm and Simrishamn in southern Sweden. It included a questionnaire as well as whole blood (total mercury, cadmium, and lead) and hair (total mercury) sampling (collection period 2002-2003). The median values of total mercury (B-Hg 0.70 microg/L; range 0.27-2.1 microg/L), cadmium (0.30 microg/L, 0.05-4.8 microg/L) and lead (11.0 microg/L, 4.2-79 microg/L) in whole blood were low in the total material, as were the hair mercury concentrations (Hair-Hg 0.22 microg/g, 0.04-0.83 microg/g). In a multiple linear regression model, B-Hg was related to the number of fish meals per week and to the number of occlusal amalgam fillings (multiple r = 0.51; p < .001). The levels of mercury, cadmium, and lead in whole blood were lower than suggested biological reference intervals, and did not indicate risks for adverse health effects.
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| 13. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Metal concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9824 .- 1420-8008. ; 25:6, s. 508-15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND/AIMS: The homeostasis of essential metals such as copper, iron, selenium and zinc may be altered in the brain of subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Concentrations of metals (magnesium, calcium, vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, antimony, cesium, mercury and lead) were determined in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 173 patients with AD and in 87 patients with the combination of AD and minor vascular components (AD + vasc). Comparison was made with 54 healthy controls. RESULTS: The plasma concentrations of manganese and total mercury were significantly higher in subjects with AD (p < 0.001) and AD + vasc (p
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| 14. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Neurophysiologic symptoms and vibration perception thresholds in young vibration-exposed workers - a follow-up study
- 2011
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Ingår i: Canadian Acoustics, June 2011. Proceedings of The Twelfth International Conference on Hand-Arm Vibration.. - 0711-6659 .- 2291-1391. ; 39:2, s. 16-17
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Vibration exposure may cause the hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including digital vasospasms (vibration white fingers; VWF), sensorineural symptoms and/or muscular weakness and fatigue (Gemne, 1997). Neurophysiologic symptoms include numbness and/or tingling, impaired touch sensitivity, impaired manual dexterity and reduced grip strength in the hands. The Stockholm Workshop Scale is commonly used for sensorineural (SN) staging (OSN - 3 SN). Sensorineural symptoms of this in combination with difficulties in handling small objects may interfere both with the workers social- and work-related activities (Sakakibara et al., 2005).
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| 15. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Noise disturbances in daycare centers before and after acoustical treatment.
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of environmental health. - 0022-0892. ; 75:7, s. 36-40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The authors' aim was to study noise-related problems in personnel at Swedish daycare centers. The authors' study comprised staff (N = 81) who completed a questionnaire (noise, illumination, indoor climate, hearing problems) at five daycare centers with noise problems. After basic and activity sound measurements, absorbers were attached to the ceilings and to two adjacent walls in the playing and dining rooms. Thereafter, basic and activity sound measures were repeated and the questionnaire was also repeated six months later. The acoustical treatment reduced the sound pressure levels by 2 to 6 dB in the playing rooms and by 0 to 3 dB in the dining rooms. The reverberation time was reduced by 20% to 50%. After the treatment the perceived noise disturbance level decreased slightly but not significantly and the proportion of the staff who often or very often planned the daily activities to reduce the noise level had decreased from about 39% to 25%. Similarly, the percentage that often or very often had a need for silence after work had decreased from 42% to 37%.
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| 16. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Quantitative neurosensory findings, symptoms and signs in young vibration exposed workers.
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6673. ; 8:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Abstract Background: Long-term exposure to hand-held vibrating tools may cause the hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) including vibration induced white fingers and sensorineural symptoms. The aim was to study early neurosensory effects by quantitative vibrotactile and monofilament tests in young workers with hand-held vibration exposure. Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 142 young, male machine shop and construction workers with hand-held exposure to vibrating tools. They were compared with 41 non-vibration exposed subjects of the same age-group. All participants passed a structured interview, answered several questionnaires and had a physical examination including the determination of vibrotactile perception thresholds (VPTs) at two frequencies (31.5 and 125 Hz) and Semmes Weinstein ’ s Monofilament test. Results: In the vibration exposed group 8% of the workers reported episodes of tingling sensations and 10% numbness in their fingers. Approximately 5 – 10% of the exposed population displayed abnormal results on monofilament tests. The vibrotactile testing showed significantly increased VPTs for 125 Hz in dig II bilaterally (right hand, p = 0.01; left hand, p = 0.024) in the vibration exposed group. A multiple regression analysis (VPT - dependent variable; age, height, examiner and five different vibration dose calculations – predictor variables) in dig II bilaterally showed rather low R 2 -values. None of the explanatory variables including five separately calculated vibration doses were included in the models, neither for the total vibration exposed group, nor for the highest exposed quartile. A logistic multiple regression analysis (result of monofilament testing - dependent variable; age, height, examiner and five vibration dose calculations – predictor variables) of the results of monofilament testing in dig II bilaterally gave a similar outcome. None of the independent variables including five calculated vibration doses were included in the models neither for the total exposed group nor for the highest exposed quartile. Conclusion: In spite of the fairly short vibration exposure, a tendency to raised VPTs as well as pathologic monofilament test results was observed. Thus, early neurophysiologic symptoms and signs of vibration exposure may appear after short-term exposure also in young workers.
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| 17. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Style: J of occupational medicine and toxicology vibration induced injuries in hands in long-term vibration exposed workers
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6673. ; 14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- IntroductionLong-term vibration exposure may cause neurophysiological disturbances such as numbness and tingling, reduced grip strength and difficulties in handling small objects. The dominant hand will usually have a higher vibration exposure than the non-dominant hand, which may cause more severe neurological symptoms and signs in the dominant hand.MethodsThe study is based on 47 (36 males and 11 females) vibration exposed workers, all former patients from the department of Occupational and Environmental medicine, Gothenburg university. The comparison group consisted of 18 randomly selected subjects from the general population of Gothenburg. All participants completed several questionnaires and had a standardized medical examination. Thereafter, neurophysiological tests such as the determination of vibration and thermal perception thresholds were performed, as well as muscle strength tests in hands and fingers.ResultsThe temperature perception thresholds (TPTs) and the vibration perception thresholds (VPTs) did not differ significantly between the dominant and non-dominant hand in vibration exposed workers. The referents showed a significantly better performance (p <= 0.02 and p <= 0.034, respectively) than the workers for both TPTs and VPTs, indicating a negative effect on the A ss, as well as on the A delta and C-fibers among the exposed workers.The Purdue Pegboard test showed a significantly better performance in the dominant vs non-dominant hand in both workers (p=0.001) and referents (p=0.033). The referents showed a better performance than the workers in both hands (p<0.001). The Baseline handgrip, the Pinch grip and 3-Chuck grip tests did not differ significantly between the dominant and non-dominant hand in neither workers nor referents.ConclusionsIn this study, minor differences between the dominant and non-dominant hand were noted for the Purdue Pegboard test in both workers and referents. Despite a probably higher vibration exposure in the dominant hand (mostly the right hand), however, quite similar test results were noted for VPTs, TPTs, Baseline handgrip, Pinch grip and 3-Chuck grip when comparing the dominant and non-dominant hand in the vibration exposed workers. In case of lack of time and financial obstacles, neurological tests in solely the dominant hand, will probably satisfactory reflect the conditions in the non-dominant hand.
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| 18. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952
(författare)
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Tellurium
- 2021
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Ingår i: Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals (Fifth Edition). Gunnar F. Nordberg and Max Costa (red.). - : Academic Press. - 9780128229460 ; , s. 783-794
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Food (e.g., meat, dairy products, and cereals) is the main source of tellurium exposure in the general population. In the working environment, inhalational exposure predominates. Small amounts of organic tellurium compounds can also be absorbed through the skin. No quantitative data have been published regarding the inhalational absorption of tellurium or tellurium compounds in humans. In experiments on healthy volunteers, a gastrointestinal absorption of 10%-25% has been observed. In animal experiments, a similar absorption has been estimated.The highest tissue concentrations have been observed in the kidneys. Lower concentrations have been observed in heart, lung, and spleen. The main accumulation over time is in bone, which harbors more than 90% of the total body burden, which exceeds 500. mg. Tellurium can pass both the placenta and the blood-brain barrier. Parenterally administered tellurium is predominantly excreted in the urine, whereas orally ingested tellurium salts are transferred through biliary secretion and mainly excreted in the feces. Small amounts, probably approximately 0.1%, of absorbed tellurium are exhaled, presumably as dimethyl telluride. In rat experiments, biological half-times ranging from 9. days in blood to 23. days in the kidney have been reported. The whole-body retention model for humans estimates a biological half-time of approximately 3. weeks. Elimination from bone is slow, with an estimated half-time of approximately 600. days.Acute systemic effects of tellurium toxicity in rats include listlessness, decreased locomotor activity, somnolence, anorexia, weight loss, gastrointestinal disturbances, changes in fur, and occasionally epilation and hind leg paralysis. Long-term studies of chronic effects are sparse. Dominant and critical effects have been reported from the nervous system, including peripheral neuropathy characterized by segmental demyelination and minor axonal degeneration. In the brain, black changes caused by dark tellurium particles localized to lipofuscin granules in the neuronal cytoplasm have been observed. Other effects have been reported from the liver (fatty degeneration and necrosis), kidney (proximal tubular lesions, oliguria, or anuria), and heart (cell necrosis, edema, and congestion).Reproductive effects including, for example, hydrocephalus, edema, exophthalmia, and ocular hemorrhage have been described.Acute exposure to tellurium in occupational settings may cause acute respiratory irritation followed by the development of garlicky odor of the breath and sweat, drowsiness, headache, malaise, lassitude, weakness, and dizziness. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, dry mouth, and constipation may appear. Dermatitis and blue-black discoloration of the skin may follow exposure to tellurium hexafluoride. Severe intoxication may lead to depression of the respiratory system and circulatory collapse. No specific antidote for tellurium poisoning has been found. After inhalational exposure, treatment with fresh air, oxygen supply, assisted ventilation, β2-adrenergic agonists, and oral or parenteral corticosteroids can be tried. Reviews of tellurium toxicology have been published by Browning (1969), Izrael'son (1973), Fishbein (1977), Alexander et al. (1988), and Kobayashi (2004). © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 19. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Test-retest reliability of neurophysiological tests of hand-arm vibration syndrome in vibration exposed workers and unexposed referents
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6673. ; 9:38
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Exposure to hand-held vibrating tools may cause the hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). The aim was to study the test-retest reliability of hand and muscle strength tests, and tests for the determination of thermal and vibration perception thresholds, which are used when investigating signs of neuropathy in vibration exposed workers. Methods: In this study, 47 vibration exposed workers who had been investigated at the department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in Gothenburg were compared with a randomized sample of 18 unexposed subjects from the general population of the city of Gothenburg. All participants passed a structured interview, answered several questionnaires and had a physical examination including hand and finger muscle strength tests, determination of vibrotactile (VPT) and thermal perception thresholds (TPT). Two weeks later, 23 workers and referents, selected in a randomized manner, were called back for the same test-procedures for the evaluation of test-retest reliability. Results: The test-retest reliability after a two week interval expressed as limits of agreement (LOA; Bland-Altman), intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Pearson correlation coefficients was excellent for tests with the Baseline hand grip, Pinch-grip and 3-Chuck grip among the exposed workers and referents (N = 23: percentage of differences within LOA 91 - 100%; ICC-values >= 0.93; Pearson r >= 0.93). The test-retest reliability was also excellent (percentage of differences within LOA 96-100 %) for the determination of vibration perception thresholds in digits 2 and 5 bilaterally as well as for temperature perception thresholds in digits 2 and 5, bilaterally (percentage of differences within LOA 91 - 96%). For ICC and Pearson r the results for vibration perception thresholds were good for digit 2, left hand and for digit 5, bilaterally (ICC >= 0.84; r >= 0.85), and lower (ICC = 0.59; r = 0.59) for digit 2, right hand. For the latter two indices the test-retest reliability for the determination of temperature thresholds was lower and showed more varying results. Conclusion: The strong test-retest reliability for hand and muscle strength tests as well as for the determination of VPTs makes these procedures useful for diagnostic purposes and follow-up studies in vibration exposed workers.
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| 20. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Vascular and nerve damage in workers exposed to vibrating tools. The importance of objective measurements of exposure time.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Applied ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 36:1, s. 55-60
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to compare the development of vibration white fingers (VWF) in workers in relation to different ways of exposure estimation, and their relationship to the standard ISO 5349, annex A. Nineteen vibration exposed (grinding machines) male workers completed a questionnaire followed by a structured interview including questions regarding their estimated hand-held vibration exposure. Neurophysiological tests such as fractionated nerve conduction velocity in hands and arms, vibrotactile perception thresholds and temperature thresholds were determined. The subjective estimation of the mean daily exposure-time to vibrating tools was 192 min (range 18-480 min) among the workers. The estimated mean exposure time calculated from the consumption of grinding wheels was 42 min (range 18-60 min), approximately a four-fold overestimation (Wilcoxon's signed ranks test, p<0.001). Thus, objective measurements of the exposure time, related to the standard ISO 5349, which in this case were based on the consumption of grinding wheels, will in most cases give a better basis for adequate risk assessment than self-exposure assessment.
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| 21. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Vibration-induced injuries in workers exposed to transient and high frequency vibrations
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6673. ; 15:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background The risk of developing vibration white fingers and neurosensory symptoms increases with the duration and intensity of the exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of developing vibration white fingers (VWF), neurosensory symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders among workers exposed to transient and high frequency vibrations. Methods The study included 38 vibration exposed workers from a loader assembly plant in Sweden (30 males and 8 females). All participants answered questionnaires and had a structured interview about work and medical history. A following medical examination included the determination of vibration and temperature perception thresholds and musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, shoulder, elbow and hands. The individual vibration exposure expressed as A (8)-values and vibration exposure in minutes per day, were obtained from questionnaires answered by the participants. Results The prevalence of VWF was 30% among the male workers and 50% among the females. The corresponding prevalence of neurosensory symptoms was 70% among the males and 88% among the females. Musculoskeletal findings were common among the male workers. Dominant symptoms/syndromes were tension neck syndrome, biceps tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar entrapment in hand/wrist. A total of 32 diagnoses were observed among the male workers and four diagnoses among the female workers. Numbness in fingers and age had the strongest impact on perceived work ability. Conclusions ISO 5349-1 considerably underestimates the risks of VWF for this group of workers exposed to transient and high frequency vibrations. It is therefore important to develop a risk assessment standard also covering this frequency range.
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| 22. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Vibration related symptoms and signs in quarry and foundry workers
- 2021
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 94, s. 1041-1048
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose The development of vascular and neurosensory findings were studied in two groups of long-term exposed quarry and foundry workers with different vibration exposures, working conditions and work tasks. Methods The study included 10 quarry workers (mean age 43 yrs., mean exposure time 16 yrs.) and 15 foundry workers (35 yrs.; 11 yrs.) at two plants in Sweden. All participants completed a basic questionnaire and passed a medical examination including a number of neurosensory tests, e.g. the determination of vibration (VPT) and temperature (TPT) perception thresholds as well as a musculoskeletal examination of the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Results A high prevalence of neurosensory findings (40%) was found among the quarry workers. Both groups, however, showed a low prevalence of vibration white fingers (VWF). Foundry workers showed significantly better sensitivity than quarry workers for all monofilament tests (p <= 0.016), TPT warmth in dig 2 (p = 0.048) and 5 dexter (p = 0.008), and in dig 5 sinister (p = 0.005). They also showed a better VPT performance in dig 5 dexter (p = 0.031). Conclusions Despite high vibration exposure, the prevalence of VWF was low. The high prevalence of neurosensory findings among the quarry workers may depend on higher A(8) vibration exposure and higher exposure to high-frequency vibrations. An age-effect and exposure to cold could also be contributing factors. The nervous system seems to be more susceptible to high-frequency vibrations than the vascular system. For neurosensory injuries, the current ISO 5349-1 standard is not applicable.
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| 23. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Vibration related symptoms and signs in two groups of exposed workers
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Noise and Vibration Worldwide. - 0957-4565 .- 2048-4062. ; 54:9, s. 425-433
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim was to compare the prevalence of vibration related symptoms and signs in two groups of vibration exposed male workers: 36 vibration exposed patients and 33 truck mechanics. All participants answered a questionnaire, passed a structured interview about work and medical history and several neurophysiological tests. The prevalence of vibration white fingers (VWF) and neurosensory symptoms was significantly higher among the exposed patients than among the truck mechanics. One neurosensory examination method identified 46% of the exposed patients with numbness and tingling, three methods up to 85%. In the total material logistic regression showed that age and increased cold sensitivity were significant predictors of both neurosensory disturbances and vibration white fingers. Muscle cramps in arms and hands, pain in hands and age were significant predictors of reduced grip strength. The differences between the two groups were more pronounced for category variables than for continuous variables.
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| 24. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Work ability in vibration-exposed workers.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Occupational medicine (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1471-8405 .- 0962-7480. ; 64:8, s. 629-634
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Hand-arm vibration exposure may cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) including sensorineural disturbances.
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| 25. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Work-related exposure to organic solvents and the risk for multiple sclerosis-a systematic review
- 2021
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 94:2, s. 221-229
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive neurological disorder. Several environmental factors have been discussed as possible causing agents, e.g. organic solvents, whose impact on the disease is analysed in this review. Methods Systematic search strategies were used to identify high-quality studies of workers exposed to organic solvents, published up to September 30, 2019, in databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane library and Scopus. The exposure was in most studies obtained by questionnaires, supplemented with telephone interviews. The diagnosis MS was mainly detemined following a thorough neurological examination. Finally, fourteen case-control studies and two cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Random effects models were used to pool the results of the studies. Results The odds ratios from the 14 case-control studies included in the meta-analysis ranged from 0.12-4.0. Five case-control studies and one cohort study showed a significant association between the development of multiple sclerosis and exposure to organic solvents. The results from the other nine case-control studies and from one of the two cohort studies did not reach statistical significance. The pooled data from the 14 case-control studies gave an OR of 1.44 (95% CI 1.03-1.99), which shows a moderately increased risk of developing MS after exposure to organic solvents. Conclusions The final interpretation of the result is that organic solvents may be slightly associated with an increased risk to develop MS. In addition, other factors, e.g. genetic markers and smoking, may contribute to the development of the disease.
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| 26. |
- Gustavsson, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Intoxication from an accidentally ingested lead shot retained in the gastrointestinal tract.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Environmental health perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 0091-6765 .- 1552-9924. ; 113:4, s. 491-3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A 45-year-old woman was referred to the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health in January 2002 because of increased blood lead concentrations of unknown origin. She suffered from malaise, fatigue, and diffuse gastrointestinal symptoms. She had a blood lead level of 550 microg/L (normal range < 40 microg/L). The patient had not been occupationally exposed to lead, and no potential lead sources, such as food products or lead-glazed pottery, could be identified. Her food habits were normal, but she did consume game occasionally. Clinical examination, including standard neurologic examination, was normal. No anemia was present. Laboratory tests showed an increased excretion of lead in the urine, but there were no signs of microproteinuria. An abdominal X ray in October 2002 revealed a 6-mm rounded metal object in the colon ascendens. Before the object could be further localized, the patient contracted winter vomiting disease (gastroenteritis) and the metal object was spontaneously released from the colon during a diarrhea attack. The object was a lead shot pellet, possibly but not normally used in Sweden for hunting wild boar or roe deer. Blood lead levels slowly decreased. Nine months later the patient's blood lead levels were almost normal (approximately 70 microg/L) and her symptoms had almost completely disappeared. In this case, a rare source of lead exposure was found. In investigations of blood lead elevations of unknown origin, we recommend abdominal X ray in parallel with repeated blood lead determinations.
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| 27. |
- Harari, Raul, et al.
(författare)
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Exposure and Toxic Effects of Elemental Mercury in Gold Mining Activities
- 2009
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Ingår i: Epidemiology. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1044-3983. ; 20:6, s. 264-265
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Elemental mercury (Hg0) is widely used in gold-mining activities in South America, Africa and Asia. Miners use Hg0 to extract gold, and are exposed by inhalation when burning the gold amalgam to get rid of the Hg0. Burning is usually performed only once per 1–3 weeks. Gold buyers again burn the gold to be sure that they only buy gold. Hg0 affects the central nervous system (CNS), but the exposure-response relationship for discrete but important effects is not well known. As indicators of exposure, Hg levels in blood, plasma and urine are useful. It is usually assumed that there is a simple relationship between exposure and these biomarkers. However, recent data indicate that genetic traits may modify the retention of Hg. Also, there is a possibility that such factors may influence the exposure-response curves.
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| 28. |
- Lundström, Nils-Göran, et al.
(författare)
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Lung cancer development in primary smelter workers: a nested case-referent study.
- 2006
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Ingår i: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine / American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1076-2752 .- 1536-5948. ; 48:4, s. 376-80
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to study the impact of work-related exposure to mainly arsenic and lead versus smoking in primary smelter workers developing lung cancer. METHODS: In a cohort of 3979 primary smelter workers, 46 subjects had contracted respiratory malignancies. They were compared with 141 age-matched male referents by conditional logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Cases showed a significantly higher smoking rate as compared with referents: odds ratio (OR) = 4.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6-10.1; P = 0.003. When restricted to smokers (33 cases, 63 referents), the cumulative air arsenic exposure index, but not the lead exposure indices, was significantly higher among the cases: OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.02-1.11; P = 0.005. CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative arsenic exposure and smoking were identified as risk factors for the development of lung cancer; lead exposure, however, was not.
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| 29. |
- Lundström, Ronnie, et al.
(författare)
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Long-term effect of hand-arm vibration on thermotactile perception thresholds
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6673. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) is known to cause neurological symptoms such as numbness, reduced manual dexterity, grip strength and sensory perception. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to compare thermotactile perception thresholds for cold (TPTC) and warmth (TPTW) among vibration exposed manual workers and unexposed white collar workers during a follow-up period of 16 years to elucidate if long-term vibration exposure is related to a change in TPT over time. Methods: The study group consisted of male workers at a production workshop at which some of them were exposed to HTV. They were investigated in 1992 and followed-up in 2008. All participants were physically examined and performed TPT bilaterally at the middle and distal phalanges of the second finger. Two different vibration exposure dosages were calculated for each individual, i.e. the individual cumulative lifetime dose (mh/s2) or a lifetime 8-h equivalent daily exposure (m/s(2)). Results: A significant mean threshold difference was found for all subjects of about 4-5 degrees C and 1-2 degrees C in TPTW and TPTC, respectively, between follow-up and baseline. No significant mean difference in TPTC between vibration exposed and non-exposed workers at each occasion could be stated to exist. For TPTW a small but significant difference was found for the right index finger only. Age was strongly related to thermotactile perception threshold. The 8-h equivalent exposure level (A (8)) dropped from about 1.3 m/s2 in 1992 to about 0.7 m/s(2) in 2008. Conclusions: A lifetime 8-h equivalent daily exposure to hand-transmitted vibration less than 1.3 m/s(2) does not have a significant effect on thermotactile perception. Age, however, has a significant impact on the change of temperature perception thresholds why this covariate has to be considered when using TPT as a tool for health screening.
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| 30. |
- Nordberg, Gunnar F., et al.
(författare)
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Interactions and mixtures in metal toxicology
- 2021
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Ingår i: Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals: Volume I: General Considerations. - London : Elsevier. - 9780128232927 ; , s. 319-347
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Human exposures to metals, metalloids, and their compounds frequently occur as mixtures; therefore, the joint action of these elements should be considered with respect to mechanisms of action and risk assessment. When present at the same time in a system, multiple chemicals can influence toxicity. The joint action of metallic elements may produce additive, synergistic/potentiating, or antagonistic effects manifesting in an overall toxicity, differing from that of individual components of the mixture. Dose-response relationships may be further influenced by constitutive factors such as age, sex, and the expression of specific proteins. Mechanisms of importance for the development of potentiated or antagonistic toxicity include the expression of metal-binding proteins (metallothioneins or lead-binding proteins) and interference with metal transporters such as Divalent Metal Transporter (DMT-1) and the ZIP family of zinc transporting proteins. Compared to men, women of childbearing age generally absorb more Cd from the gastrointestinal tract because they typically have lower iron stores than men. Another example of synergism that occurs in humans is when inorganic arsenic and cadmium together induce kidney toxicity. In many cases, however, direct primary data on the joint action of toxic or essential elements are lacking, and so innovative derivative methods such as the binary weight-of-evidence method have been used to predict potential interactions among groups of metals and metalloids. Using this method, broad recommendations can be made for assessing the potential impact of interactions on the public health assessment of environmental mixtures. At present, there is much to be learned about the joint action of both toxic and essential elements, and this is clearly a critical area of research.
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| 31. |
- Rosborg, Ingegerd, et al.
(författare)
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Concentrations of inorganic elements in 20 municipal waters in Sweden before and after treatment--links to human health.
- 2006
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Ingår i: Environmental geochemistry and health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0269-4042 .- 1573-2983. ; 28:3, s. 215-29
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The water chemistry of 20 municipal water treatment plants in southern Sweden, representing various bedrock situations, and water qualities, were investigated. Four water samples, raw and treated, were collected from each plant and analyzed by predominantly ICP-OES and ICP-MS at four occasions from June to December, 2001. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Na, HCO(3) and a number of micronutrients, varied considerably in treated waters from the studied plants (ranges; Ca: 9.1-53.7 mg L(-1), Mg: 1.4-10.9 mg L(-1), K: 1.1-4.8 mg L(-1), Na; 5.4-75.6 mg L(-1), HCO(3): 27-217 mg L(-1)). The elimination of Fe and Mn from raw water was efficient in all treatments investigated, giving concentrations in treated waters below the detection limits at some plants. Softening filters gave waters with Ca-concentrations comparable to the softest waters in this study. Adjustment of pH by use of chemicals like lye, soda or lime, modified the consumer water composition significantly, besides raising the pH. It was estimated that drinking water contributed to approximately 2.2-13% of the daily Ca uptake, if the gastrointestinal uptake efficiency from food and water was estimated to be around 50%. The corresponding figures for Mg was 1.0-7% and for F 0-59%. None of the studied elements showed any significant time trends in raw or treated waters during the follow-up period. The concentrations of potentially toxic metals such as Al, Pb and U were low and did not indicate risks for adverse health effects (ranges; Al: 0.5-2.3 microg L(-1), Pb: 0-0.3 microg L(-1), U: 0.2.5 microg L(-1)).
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| 32. |
- Rosborg, Ingegerd, et al.
(författare)
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Concentrations of inorganic elements in bottled waters on the Swedish market.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Environmental geochemistry and health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0269-4042 .- 1573-2983. ; 27:3, s. 217-27
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study presents the concentrations of about 50 metals and ions in 33 different brands of bottled waters on the Swedish market. Ten of the brands showed calcium (Ca) concentrations
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| 33. |
- Rosborg, Ingegerd, et al.
(författare)
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Mineral element concentrations in vegetables cultivated in acidic compared to alkaline areas of South Sweden
- 2009
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Ingår i: Air, Soil and Water Research. - 1178-6221. ; :2, s. 15-29
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A study in 1997, on mineral levels in acidic compared to alkaline well waters, and in women's hair, revealed higher concentrations of a number of mineral elements like Ca, Mo and Se in alkaline waters and hair. Thus, median Ca levels were six times higher in well water and five times higher in hair from the alkaline area compared to the acidic area. This finding raised the probability of similar differences in vegetables from these areas. Thus, in the year 2006, 60 women who had participated in the study in 1997 were asked to cultivate parsley, lettuce, carrot and chive. During the spring of 2006, the women from the water and hair study of 1997, 30 of them from the acidic area and 30 women from the alkaline district cultivated vegetables: carrot (Daucus carota L), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chive (Allium schoenoprasum) and lettuce (Eruca sativa). The vegetables were harvested, and rinsed in tap water from the kitchens of the participating women in August. The concentrations of about 35 elements and ions were determined by ICP OES and ICP-MS predominantly. In addition, soil samples from the different cultivators were also analyzed for a number of elements. Lettuce and parsley showed the highest concentrations of mineral elements per gram dry weight. Only Mo concentrations were significantly higher in all the different vegetables from the alkaline district compared to vegetables from the acidic areas. On the other hand, the concentrations of Ba, Br, Mn, Rb and Zn were higher in all the different vegetables from the acidic area. In the soil, only pH and exchangeable Ca from the alkaline area were higher than from the acidic area, while exchangeable Fe, Mn and Na concentrations were higher in soils from the acidic area. Soil elements like Al, Fe, Li, Ni, Pb, Si, Ti, V, Zn and Zr were found in higher concentrations in lettuce and parsley, which were attributed to soil particles being splashed on the plants by the rain and absorbed by the leaves. Strong correlations appeared between Ca and Sr in all the vegetables, except for carrot. No strong correlations were found between soil elements and vegetable elements, except for soil Mn and carrot/lettuce Mn. The differences in mineral levels in both, vegetables and soils were however small, compared to differences in well waters and hair. It was also suggested that the garden soils on limestone bedrock had been drained of minerals and thereby, the soil had an acidic pH. The contribution of mineral elements to daily intake in humans was considered minor from the analysed vegetables, except for some samples of lettuce that should give significant contributions of Ca, Zn, Mn and Mo. The main conclusion is that, differences in water and hair mineral levels between the two areas in the earlier study (1997) were not mirrored in vegetables cultivated in 2006. Principally, this suggests that, for humans the mineral intake of some elements from water may be more important than from vegetables.
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| 34. |
- Rosborg, Ingegerd, et al.
(författare)
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Trace element pattern in patients with fibromyalgia.
- 2007
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Ingår i: The Science of the total environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 385:1-3, s. 20-7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An imbalance of the trace element status in human tissues and body fluids has been suggested as a contributing factor for the development of fibromyalgia (FM). The study comprised 38 females with defined fibromyalgia (FM) according to generally accepted criteria from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). They were compared with 41 females matched for age and geographic location. The concentrations of about 30 trace element and ions were determined in whole blood, urine and drinking water of all participants by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Significantly higher concentrations in whole blood of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Se, Sn and Zn (p
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| 35. |
- Schütz, Andrejs, et al.
(författare)
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Lead in finger bone, whole blood, plasma and urine in lead-smelter workers: extended exposure range.
- 2005
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Ingår i: International archives of occupational and environmental health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 78:1, s. 35-43
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To assess the historical exposure and to study the relationships between lead concentrations in whole blood (B-Pb), plasma (P-Pb), urine (U-Pb), finger bone (Bone-Pb) and duration of employment in workers at a secondary lead smelter and to compare the relationships between B-Pb and P-Pb with results from previous studies of populations with a wide range of lead exposure. METHODS: In 39 lead workers (29 active, ten retired), recruited from those with the highest exposure at a German secondary lead smelter, levels of B-Pb, P-Pb and U-Pb were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Bone-Pb was determined by in vivo X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Results were compared with data from a previous study on 90 workers (71 active, 19 retired) with lower exposure, from a Swedish secondary lead smelter, as well as with previously collected data from 42 active Russian lead workers and 34 Ecuadorian lead-exposed subjects. RESULTS: The median values in the active/retired German lead workers were: age 44/59 years, duration of employment 20/38 years, Bone-Pb 71/150 microg/g, B-Pb 500/330 microg/l, P-Pb 2.7/1.1 microg/l, and U-Pb 25/13 micromol/mol creatinine. Bone-Pb increased with duration of employment by 4.2 microg/g per year and 1.6 microg/g per year in German and Swedish workers, respectively. The median Bone-Pb was three times higher in both active and retired German workers than in Swedish smelter workers with essentially the same age distribution and duration of employment. The linear regression equation between B-Pb and log P-Pb in the combined group of Ecuadorian, German, Russian and Swedish lead-exposed subjects (n=176) was B-Pb=545 x log[P-Pb] + 258 (r(s)=0.94; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The high Bone-Pb values recorded for the German smelters implied a historical lead exposure of considerable magnitude. The long-term high lead exposure also showed up in the B-Pb levels for both active and retired workers, leading to the implementation of necessary industrial safety measures in order to respond to biological threshold limits. The suggested equation describing the relationship between B-Pb and P-Pb in the combined group of subjects with a wide range of lead exposure can be useful in future cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of lead-exposed populations, relating, e.g., lead exposure to adverse health outcomes.
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| 36. |
- Taube, Fabian, 1967, et al.
(författare)
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Exponering och hälsoriskbedömning för bly i samband med skjutövningar inom Försvarsmakten : Exposure and risk assessment of lead during shooting exercises within the Swedish Armed Forces
- 2021
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Bly förekommer i krutröken från blyad ammunition och kan ge upphov till allvarliga effekter på det centrala och perifera nervsystemet, blodet, njurarna, hjärt-kärlsystemet, endokrina systemet, immunförsvaret, mag-tarmkanalen och på den manliga och kvinnliga reproduktionen. I takt med att kunskapen om hälsoeffekter av blyexponering ökar, framförallt vid lågdosexponering, har förslag på nya gränsvärden för bly i blod föreslagits och i vissa fall införts. Samtidigt är exponering och upptag av bly under standardiserade skjutövningar inom Försvarsmakten bristfälligt studerat. Forskare från Karolinska Institutet, FOI och Försvarsmedicincentrum har därför nyligen genomfört och publicerat en riskbedömning för blyexponering i samband med en standardiserad övning för kadetter inom Försvarsmakten. Resultatet från denna riskbedömning sammanfattas i föreliggande rapport och jämförs med tidigare kända studier om exponeringsnivåer av bly bland militär personal. Tillsammans med liknande riskvärderingar från EFSA och osäkerheten om huruvida det existerar en nivå som inte medför negativa hälsoeffekter, är den sammanvägda bedömningen i föreliggande rapport att blyexponeringen alltid ska minimeras under skjutövningar. Kopplat till Försvarsmaktens mål att kraftigt öka andelen kvinnliga rekryter på sikt, bör skjutövningar med finkalibrig ammunition inomhus eller i träningsanläggningar för strid i bebyggelse (SIB) alltid genomföras med blyfri ammunition, såvida deltagarna inte kan skyddas helt från exponeringen för bly på annat sätt.
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| 37. |
- Willers, Stefan, et al.
(författare)
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Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in children with asthma-relation between lead and cadmium, and cotinine concentrations in urine.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Respiratory medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0954-6111 .- 1532-3064. ; 99:12, s. 1521-7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Exposure to heavy metals from environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was investigated in 23 children with asthma (8.4+/-3.7 yr). ETS exposure was assessed by an inquiry data-based exposure index, the urinary concentration of cotinine (U-cotinine; a major nicotine metabolite) and the house dust (fine and coarse fractions) concentrations of nicotine at home. The corresponding concentrations of the heavy metals cadmium and lead in dust and urine (U-Cd; U-Pb) were determined in the same samples. There were strong associations between the ETS exposure index and U-cotinine (r(s)=0.62; P<0.002) and nicotine in house dust (r(s)=0.77; P<0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between lead and cadmium concentrations in both fine (r(s)=0.86; P<0.001) and coarse dust (r(s)=0.57; P=0.02). Although, there was a tendency for a relation between nicotine and lead concentrations in fine dust (r(s)=0.52; P=0.06), no other significant associations were found between house dust metals and nicotine concentrations. U-Cd correlated well with U-cotinine (r(s)=0.50; P=0.02). Further, U-Pb were associated with U-cotinine, however not statistically significant (r(s)=0.41; P=0.06). A probable explanation is a direct inhalation of side-stream smoke containing heavy metals and/ or an increased pulmonary uptake, due to a small airways disease in children with asthma.
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