The major known health problems from roofing occur from the use of coal-tar pitch products. This ... more The major known health problems from roofing occur from the use of coal-tar pitch products. This article examines the severe eye and skin irritations prevalent among roofers and also explores other issues, such as the potential carcinogenicity of roofing material.
The American review of respiratory disease, May 14, 2015
Clinical sensitization to phthalic anhydride occurred in a worker who developed symptoms of rhino... more Clinical sensitization to phthalic anhydride occurred in a worker who developed symptoms of rhinorrhea, lacrimination, and wheezing after exposure to this chemical. Positive skin tests, provocative bronchial challenges, and a high serum titer of specific IgE (by the radioallergosorbent test) to phthalic anhydride corroborated his clinical hypersensitivity. Bronchial provocation studies using alcoholic-saline solutions of phthalic anhydride and phthalic anhydride dust resulted in immediate airway obstruction. The successful identification of specific IgE by the radioallergosorbent test demonstrates that this can be a useful in vitro technique for corroborating sensitization to this chemical.
Skin cancer due to occupation is more common than is generally recognized, although it is difficu... more Skin cancer due to occupation is more common than is generally recognized, although it is difficult to obtain an accurate estimate of its prevalence. Over the past two centuries, occupational skin cancers have particularly been due to industrial exposure of men (it seems more so than women) to chemical carcinogens such as polycyclic hydrocarbons (e.g. from coal tar products) or to arsenic. Industrial processes have improved in most Western countries to limit this type of exposure, but those with outdoor occupations are still exposed to solar ultraviolet irradiation without this being widely recognized as an industrial hazard. Ionizing radiation such as X-rays can also cause skin cancer. Occupational skin cancers often resemble skin tumours found in non-occupational subjects, e.g. basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, but some pre-malignant lesions can be more specific and point to an occupational origin, e.g. tar keratoses or arsenical keratoses. An uncommon but well-recognized cause of occupational skin cancer is that which results from scar formation following an industrial burn. In the future it will be necessary to focus on preventative measures, e.g. for outdoor workers, the need to cover up in the sun and use sun protective creams and a campaign for earlier recognition of skin cancers, which are usually curable if treated in their early stages.
Clinical sensitization to phthalic anhydride occurred in a worker who developed symptoms of rhino... more Clinical sensitization to phthalic anhydride occurred in a worker who developed symptoms of rhinorrhea, lacrimination, and wheezing after exposure to this chemical. Positive skin tests, provocative bronchial challenges, and a high serum titer of specific IgE (by the radioallergosorbent test) to phthalic anhydride corroborated his clinical hypersensitivity. Bronchial provocation studies using alcoholic-saline solutions of phthalic anhydride and phthalic anhydride dust resulted in immediate airway obstruction. The successful identification of specific IgE by the radioallergosorbent test demonstrates that this can be a useful in vitro technique for corroborating sensitization to this chemical.
Coalmine safety is improving but workers' compensation claims are high and new technology may... more Coalmine safety is improving but workers' compensation claims are high and new technology may introduce new hazards
Journal of occupational medicine. : official publication of the Industrial Medical Association, 1986
A cross-sectional review of routine employee health status examinations has identified an underco... more A cross-sectional review of routine employee health status examinations has identified an undercounting of circulating monocytes associated with an inhibition of a surface monocyte esterase, alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase. It is postulated that this inhibition is associated with an organophosphate used in the production process. Correlation with routine measures of health status are presented.
Because solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure is ubiquitous, it is difficult to quantify in human popul... more Because solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure is ubiquitous, it is difficult to quantify in human populations. We developed a method to index cumulative UV damage, based upon visual manifestations of facial actinic elastosis. Four photographic slides were taken of each subject's facial skin. These slides were projected on a screen and graded by consensus of 2 raters using a 5-point relative severity scale. Rating disagreements were resolved by a skilled dermatologist who acted as adjudicator. High photographic quality was maintained by standardization of camera settings, lighting, and photographic techniques. Inter- and intrarater variability in grading was minimized by training using standard slides and by practice. This index has been tested in 2 large epidemiologic studies. The method proved highly reliable and, within categories of age and tanning ability, a valid measure of cumulative UV exposure. In addition, this method appeared superior to others in speed, ease of use and cost.
In this chapter the authors examine the toxicologic and epidemiologic literature for a broad rang... more In this chapter the authors examine the toxicologic and epidemiologic literature for a broad range of petroleum-derived products in order to assess the carcinogenic potential of these compounds. Types of evidence used, classes of compounds, and qualitative assessments of carcinogenicity are presented.
Journal of occupational medicine. : official publication of the Industrial Medical Association, 1985
When an automated counting instrument using an esterase stain was employed, decreased monocyte co... more When an automated counting instrument using an esterase stain was employed, decreased monocyte counts were observed in a group of process workers exposed to organophosphate esters. Their monocyte counts were not found to be depressed with manual counting or with an automated counter using another staining method. The apparent depression was transient. In these workers and a comparison group, theoretical adverse consequences of decreased monocyte esterase and also possible changes in other esterases were explored. No anergy was seen with mumps or staphylococcal phage lysate hypersensitivity skin tests. Histology of the mumps reaction was similar in both groups. The depressed monocyte counts were significantly associated with a mild reduction in erythrocyte cell acetylcholinesterase, but no reduction was seen in plasma pseudocholinesterase or lymphocyte neurotoxic esterase.
The concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, nickel, cadmium, lead, m an ganese, sodium and chloride... more The concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, nickel, cadmium, lead, m an ganese, sodium and chloride in the sw eat of six males and three females were determ ined after collections utilizing a total body washdow n technique. From our results, sweat appears to be an im portant excretory pathw ay for zinc and copper. The m ean concentrations of nickel and cadium in sweat were higher than those reported for urine, that of lead was sim ilar to urine. The loss of m anganese in sw eat is insignificant. Levels of zinc and iron w ere lower in sw eat from fem ales, possibly reflecting com pensation for m enstrual and other losses. Collections w ere made in six subjects sim ultaneously utilizing a total body washdown m ethod andcollections from one arm in an occlusive arm-bag. The arm-bag collection m ethod gave higher and more variable results and is not recom m ended as an indicator of loss from the entire skin surface.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1986
Occupational skin diseases are the most frequently reported occupational diseases in the US today... more Occupational skin diseases are the most frequently reported occupational diseases in the US today. In addition, nonoccupational skin diseases are also prevalent among workers. Dermatological screening examinations may be performed to detect conditions that place the worker at increased risk, so that risk might be reduced; detect early signs of specific occupational diseases; or systematically record cutaneous abnormalities so that increases in prevalence or incidence associated with workplace exposures can be identified. Some of the available dermatological screening methods will be discussed, with attention to ways in which the effectiveness of screening may be enhanced. Conditions for which such procedures may be useful include dermatitis, acne, chloracne, pigmentary changes, melanoma, and nonmelanoma skin cancer. The importance of biological monitoring in relation to cutaneous exposure is also discussed.
The major known health problems from roofing occur from the use of coal-tar pitch products. This ... more The major known health problems from roofing occur from the use of coal-tar pitch products. This article examines the severe eye and skin irritations prevalent among roofers and also explores other issues, such as the potential carcinogenicity of roofing material.
The American review of respiratory disease, May 14, 2015
Clinical sensitization to phthalic anhydride occurred in a worker who developed symptoms of rhino... more Clinical sensitization to phthalic anhydride occurred in a worker who developed symptoms of rhinorrhea, lacrimination, and wheezing after exposure to this chemical. Positive skin tests, provocative bronchial challenges, and a high serum titer of specific IgE (by the radioallergosorbent test) to phthalic anhydride corroborated his clinical hypersensitivity. Bronchial provocation studies using alcoholic-saline solutions of phthalic anhydride and phthalic anhydride dust resulted in immediate airway obstruction. The successful identification of specific IgE by the radioallergosorbent test demonstrates that this can be a useful in vitro technique for corroborating sensitization to this chemical.
Skin cancer due to occupation is more common than is generally recognized, although it is difficu... more Skin cancer due to occupation is more common than is generally recognized, although it is difficult to obtain an accurate estimate of its prevalence. Over the past two centuries, occupational skin cancers have particularly been due to industrial exposure of men (it seems more so than women) to chemical carcinogens such as polycyclic hydrocarbons (e.g. from coal tar products) or to arsenic. Industrial processes have improved in most Western countries to limit this type of exposure, but those with outdoor occupations are still exposed to solar ultraviolet irradiation without this being widely recognized as an industrial hazard. Ionizing radiation such as X-rays can also cause skin cancer. Occupational skin cancers often resemble skin tumours found in non-occupational subjects, e.g. basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, but some pre-malignant lesions can be more specific and point to an occupational origin, e.g. tar keratoses or arsenical keratoses. An uncommon but well-recognized cause of occupational skin cancer is that which results from scar formation following an industrial burn. In the future it will be necessary to focus on preventative measures, e.g. for outdoor workers, the need to cover up in the sun and use sun protective creams and a campaign for earlier recognition of skin cancers, which are usually curable if treated in their early stages.
Clinical sensitization to phthalic anhydride occurred in a worker who developed symptoms of rhino... more Clinical sensitization to phthalic anhydride occurred in a worker who developed symptoms of rhinorrhea, lacrimination, and wheezing after exposure to this chemical. Positive skin tests, provocative bronchial challenges, and a high serum titer of specific IgE (by the radioallergosorbent test) to phthalic anhydride corroborated his clinical hypersensitivity. Bronchial provocation studies using alcoholic-saline solutions of phthalic anhydride and phthalic anhydride dust resulted in immediate airway obstruction. The successful identification of specific IgE by the radioallergosorbent test demonstrates that this can be a useful in vitro technique for corroborating sensitization to this chemical.
Coalmine safety is improving but workers' compensation claims are high and new technology may... more Coalmine safety is improving but workers' compensation claims are high and new technology may introduce new hazards
Journal of occupational medicine. : official publication of the Industrial Medical Association, 1986
A cross-sectional review of routine employee health status examinations has identified an underco... more A cross-sectional review of routine employee health status examinations has identified an undercounting of circulating monocytes associated with an inhibition of a surface monocyte esterase, alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase. It is postulated that this inhibition is associated with an organophosphate used in the production process. Correlation with routine measures of health status are presented.
Because solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure is ubiquitous, it is difficult to quantify in human popul... more Because solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure is ubiquitous, it is difficult to quantify in human populations. We developed a method to index cumulative UV damage, based upon visual manifestations of facial actinic elastosis. Four photographic slides were taken of each subject's facial skin. These slides were projected on a screen and graded by consensus of 2 raters using a 5-point relative severity scale. Rating disagreements were resolved by a skilled dermatologist who acted as adjudicator. High photographic quality was maintained by standardization of camera settings, lighting, and photographic techniques. Inter- and intrarater variability in grading was minimized by training using standard slides and by practice. This index has been tested in 2 large epidemiologic studies. The method proved highly reliable and, within categories of age and tanning ability, a valid measure of cumulative UV exposure. In addition, this method appeared superior to others in speed, ease of use and cost.
In this chapter the authors examine the toxicologic and epidemiologic literature for a broad rang... more In this chapter the authors examine the toxicologic and epidemiologic literature for a broad range of petroleum-derived products in order to assess the carcinogenic potential of these compounds. Types of evidence used, classes of compounds, and qualitative assessments of carcinogenicity are presented.
Journal of occupational medicine. : official publication of the Industrial Medical Association, 1985
When an automated counting instrument using an esterase stain was employed, decreased monocyte co... more When an automated counting instrument using an esterase stain was employed, decreased monocyte counts were observed in a group of process workers exposed to organophosphate esters. Their monocyte counts were not found to be depressed with manual counting or with an automated counter using another staining method. The apparent depression was transient. In these workers and a comparison group, theoretical adverse consequences of decreased monocyte esterase and also possible changes in other esterases were explored. No anergy was seen with mumps or staphylococcal phage lysate hypersensitivity skin tests. Histology of the mumps reaction was similar in both groups. The depressed monocyte counts were significantly associated with a mild reduction in erythrocyte cell acetylcholinesterase, but no reduction was seen in plasma pseudocholinesterase or lymphocyte neurotoxic esterase.
The concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, nickel, cadmium, lead, m an ganese, sodium and chloride... more The concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, nickel, cadmium, lead, m an ganese, sodium and chloride in the sw eat of six males and three females were determ ined after collections utilizing a total body washdow n technique. From our results, sweat appears to be an im portant excretory pathw ay for zinc and copper. The m ean concentrations of nickel and cadium in sweat were higher than those reported for urine, that of lead was sim ilar to urine. The loss of m anganese in sw eat is insignificant. Levels of zinc and iron w ere lower in sw eat from fem ales, possibly reflecting com pensation for m enstrual and other losses. Collections w ere made in six subjects sim ultaneously utilizing a total body washdown m ethod andcollections from one arm in an occlusive arm-bag. The arm-bag collection m ethod gave higher and more variable results and is not recom m ended as an indicator of loss from the entire skin surface.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1986
Occupational skin diseases are the most frequently reported occupational diseases in the US today... more Occupational skin diseases are the most frequently reported occupational diseases in the US today. In addition, nonoccupational skin diseases are also prevalent among workers. Dermatological screening examinations may be performed to detect conditions that place the worker at increased risk, so that risk might be reduced; detect early signs of specific occupational diseases; or systematically record cutaneous abnormalities so that increases in prevalence or incidence associated with workplace exposures can be identified. Some of the available dermatological screening methods will be discussed, with attention to ways in which the effectiveness of screening may be enhanced. Conditions for which such procedures may be useful include dermatitis, acne, chloracne, pigmentary changes, melanoma, and nonmelanoma skin cancer. The importance of biological monitoring in relation to cutaneous exposure is also discussed.
Uploads
Papers by Edward Emmett