An investigation of 3M Cordova, IL production worker's per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances biomonitoring results and mortality experience.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a wide-ranging group of chemicals that have been used in a variety of polymer and surfactant applications. While 3M Cordova, Illinois was not one of 3M's primary manufacturing facilities for the legacy long-chain PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS), it has been a major manufacturing site for short-chain PFAS (compounds that are or may degrade to PFBS or PFBA). The purpose of this research focused on: 1) an analysis of biomonitoring data of employees and retirees, and 2) an analysis of the cohort mortality of workers from 1970 to 2018. Employees had higher PFBS and PFBA serum concentrations than the retirees, while retirees had higher concentrations for PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. Compared to the 2017-2018 NHANES data, employees' PFOS and PFHxS concentrations in 2022 were two-fold higher, with PFOA levels comparable. These NHANES data did not include serum PFBS or PFBA. Cross-sectional trends of PFOS and PFOA levels from 1997 to 2022 showed PFOS declined from 151 ng/mL to 10.4 ng/mL. Similarly, PFOA decreased from 100 ng/mL to 1.5 ng/mL. A longitudinal analysis of 48 participants with measurements in both 2006 and 2022 showed concentrations decreased by 74% for PFOS and 90% for PFOA. In the mortality study, 1707 employees who worked 1 day or longer were followed for an average of 25.6 years and had 143 (8%) deaths. There were no significantly elevated risks for any specific cause of death, regardless of latency period (0 or 15 years). While no specific PFAS exposures were examined, worker mortality experience (1970-2018) was analyzed by major departments representing primary work areas. Employees and retirees at the Cordova facility continue to have elevated PFOS and PFHxS serum concentrations compared to the general population, however, their legacy PFAS concentrations have declined over time, consistent with the estimated serum elimination half-lives of these PFAS in humans assuming nominal ambient exposures. For PFBS and PFBA, the results indicated no long-term accumulation in the blood likely due to their short serum elimination half-lives. After nearly 50 years of follow-up, this Cordova workforce showed no increased risk of mortality from cancer or any other specific cause of death.

1,3-Butadiene, styrene and selected outcomes among synthetic rubber polymer workers: Updated exposure-response analyses.

OBJECTIVE: - To evaluate exposure-response relationships between 1,3-butadiene and styrene and selected diseases among synthetic rubber polymer workers. METHODS: - 21,087 workers (16,579 men; 4508 women) were followed from 1943 through 2009 to determine mortality outcomes. Cox regression models estimated rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by quartile of cumulative exposure to butadiene or styrene and exposure-response trends for cancers of the bladder, lung, kidney, esophagus and pancreas, and for all nonmalignant respiratory disease (NMRD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. RESULTS: - Bladder cancer RRs were 2.13 (95% CI = 1.03 to 4.41) and 1.64 (95% CI = 0.76 to 3.54) in the highest quartiles of cumulative exposure to butadiene and styrene, respectively, and exposure-response trends were positive for both monomers (butadiene, trend p = 0.001; styrene, trend p = 0.004). Further analyses indicated that the exposure-response effect of each monomer on bladder cancer was demonstrated clearly only in the subgroup with high cumulative exposure (at or above the median) to the other monomer. Lung cancer was not associated with either monomer among men. Among women, lung cancer RRs were above 1.0 in each quartile of cumulative exposure to each monomer, but exposure-response was not seen for either monomer. Male workers had COPD RRs slightly above 1.0 in each quartile of cumulative exposure to each monomer, but there was no evidence of exposure-response among the exposed. Monomer exposure was not consistently associated with COPD in women or with the other cancer outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: - This study found a positive exposure-response relationship between monomer exposures and bladder cancer. The independent effects of butadiene and styrene on this cancer could not be delineated. In some analyses, monomer exposure was associated with lung cancer in women and with COPD in men, but inconsistent exposure-response trends and divergent results by sex do not support a causal interpretation of the isolated positive associations.

Impact of REACH legislation on the production and importation of CMR (carcinogen, mutagen and reproductive) and explosive chemicals in Italy from 2011 to 2015.

On 1 June 2007, the European Commission issued the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) to protect both the environment and human health. We analyzed the impact of REACH in the Italian market considering the presence of chemicals, their diversity, importation and production during the period 2011-2015, with particular attention to products with toxic or explosive properties. There was a reduction of the chemicals on the market, in terms of tons but also the absolute numbers of types of compounds. The production reduction was particularly noticeable for explosive chemicals: -14.7%. CMR products did not show any statistically significant reduction in term of tons: -2.3%.

Mortality Among Hardmetal Production Workers: German Historical Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate a cohort in German hardmetal industry, especially relationship between exposures to cobalt, with and without tungsten, and risks of total and cause-specific mortality. METHODS: The cohort comprises blue-collar workers at three German plants who were employed in hardmetal processing. Individual cumulative exposures and long-term average concentrations were estimated for cobalt, nickel, tungsten, respirable, and inhalable dust. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for external comparisons. Time-dependent multivariable Cox models were performed for internal analyses. RESULTS: Elevated SMRs were found for all-cause, heart diseases, and nonmalignant respiratory diseases mortality, but not for lung cancer. Internal analyses did not show increased risks for any endpoints, and no exposure-response relationship was indicated. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not provide evidence for elevated lung cancer risks. Methodologic limitations, incomplete ascertainment of death causes in particular, impede conclusions about exposure effects.

Mortality Among Hardmetal Production Workers: The Swedish Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The mortality pattern was determined in a cohort of 16,999 white and blue-collar workers in the Swedish hardmetal industry, particularly for cobalt exposure and lung cancer. METHODS: The mortality follow-up analysis in the Swedish Mortality register covered the period from 1952 to 2012. The exposure measures were ever/never exposed, duration of exposure, cumulative, and mean cobalt concentrations. RESULTS: The mortality of all causes was significantly increased, highly associated with the short-term employed workers. A negative exposure-response was found for lung cancer and duration of exposure. An exposure-response was determined for cumulative and mean cobalt exposures analyzed by quartiles, but not for exposure classes. Internal comparison analysis using proportional hazard showed no exposure-response. CONCLUSIONS: The cohort lung cancer mortality showed no correlation to cobalt, nickel, or tungsten exposure.

Mortality Among Hardmetal Production Workers: US Cohort and Nested Case-Control Studies.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate total and cause-specific mortality among hardmetal production workers with emphasis on lung cancer. METHODS: Subjects were 7304 workers ever employed in one of eight US plants from 1952 to 2008. Vital status through 2012 was determined for 97% of subjects and cause of death for 98.3% of 1087 deaths. We computed standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and evaluated exposure-response via relative risk regression analysis. RESULTS: We observed overall deficits in deaths for total mortality, all cancers, and lung cancer and found no evidence of any exposure-response relationships for lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that exposure to tungsten, cobalt, or nickel, at levels experienced by the workers examined, increases lung cancer mortality risks. We also found no evidence that work in the US hardmetal industry increases mortality risks from any other causes of death.

Mortality Among Hardmetal Production Workers: Pooled Analysis of Cohort Data From an International Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: Based on a pooled analysis of data from an international study, evaluate total and cause-specific mortality among hardmetal production workers with emphasis on lung cancer. METHODS: Study members were 32,354 workers from three companies and 17 manufacturing sites in five countries. We computed standardized mortality ratios and evaluated exposure-response via relative risk regression analysis. RESULTS: Among long-term workers, we observed overall deficits or slight excesses in deaths for total mortality, all cancers, and lung cancer and found no evidence of any exposure-response relationships for lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that duration, average intensity, or cumulative exposure to tungsten, cobalt, or nickel, at levels experienced by the workers examined, increases lung cancer mortality risks. We also found no evidence that work in these facilities increased mortality risks from any other causes of death.

A survey on selection, use, maintenance, and management of chemical protective gloves at workplaces in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to survey the selection, use, and maintenance of chemical protective gloves (CPGs) at real workplaces. METHODS: Subjects comprised 817 workers using CPGs at seven domestic manufacturing plants in Japan. We administered an anonymous questionnaire survey comprising the following aspect related to CPGs: environment of use, conditions of use, method of selection, knowledge/awareness pertaining to their use, method of use, precautionary measures associated with their use, maximum time of use, and maintenance. We compared responses provided by management staff and field workers. Chi square test was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Respondents included 661 (80.9%) manufacturing workers, 121 (14.8%) managers or supervisors, and 35 (4.3%) others. In total, 70.5% organic solvents, 28.9% acid or/and alkali, 18.1% dust, and 10.3% carcinogenic substances were the chemical substances handled using CPGs. The reason for deciding to wear CPGs was "the use of chemical substances" for 46.5%, "notice in safety data sheet (SDS) " for 29.8%, and "management staffs' guidance" for 21.4% respondents. "The grasp of chemical substances" was 70.1% (91.1% excluding "not applicable" ). "Warning of caution on skin and eyes" was indicated by 69.5% (91.0%) and "educational reasons for use of CPGs" was accepted by 68.1% (90.7%) respondents. On the other hand, the rate of responses such as "obtaining permeability test results of target substances" and "mixed substances are selected considering substances with short permeation time" was 25.2% (38.4%) and 29.2% (48.4%), respectively. The rate of "yes" as a response in the item concerning "permeation test" was low. On comparing the response provided by the management staff and field workers, the rate of "the permeation test result of the target substance was obtained" was 27.7% for management staff and 41.2% for field workers (p = 0.022). Regarding the cuffs of CPGs, the rate of "to fold back and to prevent sagging" and "mounted with tape" were 30.5% and 21.8% for management staff and 50.2% and 42.2% for field workers (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001), respectively. DISCUSSION: This survey results suggested that the knowledge of "permeation test" of CPGs was not yet popular at industrial workplaces. It is necessary to disseminate knowledge related to "permeation test" to the users from manufacturers of CPGs. Additionally, the employer should appoint an administrator to ensure that CPGs are worn and increase the understanding of correct knowledge and usage of CPGs among workers.

Mortality Among Hardmetal Production Workers: A Retrospective Cohort Study in the Austrian Hardmetal Industry.

OBJECTIVE: This study retrospectively investigates causes of death among workers of a hardmetal plant in Austria. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was formed of 1965 workers still employed in or after 1970. Follow-up was until end of 2014 based on national databases. Cobalt exposure was assessed through industrial hygiene data and urine analyses. Cox proportional hazards models were calculated for selected causes of death. RESULTS: During 45,598 years of observation in total 177 deaths were observed. Forty-nine workers died from any cancer, 10 from lung cancer, and three from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Only the latter showed a significant association with cumulative exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Although this is a young study population with little power to detect subtle effects, at least it does not indicate a pronounced cancer risk among tungsten carbide workers due to cobalt.

Mortality Among Hardmetal Production Workers: UK Cohort and Nested Case-Control Studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the mortality at two hardmetal production factories in the United Kingdom as part of an international study. METHODS: Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated on the basis of mortality rates for England and Wales, and local rates. A nested case-control study of lung cancer was undertaken. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 1538 workers, with tracing complete for 94.4%. All-cause mortality was statistically significantly low for all cancers and nonmalignant respiratory disease, and for lung cancer was nonsignificantly low. The SMR for lung cancer for maintenance workers was elevated, based on only six deaths. The odds ratio for lung cancer per year of exposure to hardmetal was 0.93 (0.76 to 1.13). CONCLUSIONS: In this small study, there is no evidence to support that working in the UK hardmetal manufacturing industry increased mortality from any cause including lung cancer.

[Mortality study in a cohort of workers employed in the hot working processing of plastics and rubber]. / Studio di mortalità in una coorte di esposti nella lavorazione a caldo di materie plastiche e gomma.

OBJECTIVES: to study mortality rates among workers in companies manufacturing thermoplastic and rubber articles (excluding tyres). DESIGN: cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: the cohort includes 4,543 workers employed up to 2000 in 131 companies in the Province of Bologna (Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy) exposed to emissions from hot processing of plastics (3,937) and rubber (606). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: general- and cause-specific Standardized Mortality Rates (SMR), with 95% confidence intervals; entire reference population resides in the Emilia-Romagna Region. RESULTS: excess mortality for all causes (116 Obs; SMR: 1.20; 95%CI 1.00-1.44) and for lung cancer (18 Obs; SMR: 1.67; 95%CI 1.05-2.65) in men of the rubber factories. Increased mortality rates for oesophageal cancers in women (3 Obs; SMR: 5.41; 95%CI 1.74-16.8) and in men (6 Obs; SMR: 2.16; 95%CI 0.97-4.81), for malignant tumours of pancreas (16 Obs; SMR: 1.65; 95%CI 1.01- 2.70), rectum (11 Obs; SMR: 2.17; 95%CI 1.20-3.92) and kidney (11 Obs; SMR: 1.98; 95%CI 1.10-3.58) in men occupied in plastic processing. CONCLUSION: in this study, we observed an excess of mortality rates for lung cancer in men of rubber factories and for malignant tumours of the digestive tract, pancreas, and kidney in workers employed in the production of plastic articles. Nevertheless, these results must be interpreted with caution, because exposures to non-occupational risk factors, like tobacco smoke or other occupational exposures outside the companies concerned, are not known. The results suggest to continue epidemiological surveillance.

Mortality risk among workers with exposure to dioxins.

BACKGROUND: In several studies, dioxin exposure has been associated with increased risk from several causes of death. AIMS: To compare the mortality experience of workers exposed to dioxins during trichlorophenol (TCP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) production to that of the general population and to examine mortality risk by estimated exposure levels. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study which followed up workers' vital status from 1940 to 2011, with serum surveys to support estimation of historical dioxin exposure levels. RESULTS: Among the 2192 study subjects, there were nine deaths in TCP workers from acute non-lymphatic leukaemia [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-5.47], four mesothelioma deaths (SMR = 5.12, 95% CI 1.39-13.10) and four soft tissue sarcoma (STS) deaths (SMR = 3.08, 95% CI 0.84-7.87). In PCP workers, there were eight deaths from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SMR = 1.92, 95% CI 0.83-3.79), 150 from ischaemic heart disease (SMR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-7.89) and five from stomach ulcers (SMR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.10-7.89). There were no trends of increased mortality with increased dioxin exposure except for STS and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin levels. This finding for STS should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of deaths and the uncertainty in diagnosis and nosology. CONCLUSIONS: While some causes of death were greater than expected, this study provides little evidence of increased risk when dioxin exposures are considered.

Mortality among workers exposed to toluene diisocyanate in the US polyurethane foam industry: Update and exposure-response analyses.

BACKGROUND: Mortality among 4,545 toluene diisocyante (TDI)-exposed workers was updated through 2011. The primary outcome of interest was lung cancer. METHODS: Life table analyses, including internal analyses by exposure duration and cumulative TDI exposure, were conducted. RESULTS: Compared with the US population, all cause and all cancer mortality was increased. Lung cancer mortality was increased but was not associated with exposure duration or cumulative TDI exposure. In post hoc analyses, lung cancer mortality was associated with employment duration in finishing jobs, but not in finishing jobs involving cutting polyurethane foam. CONCLUSIONS: Dermal exposure, in contrast to inhalational exposure, to TDI is expected to be greater in finishing jobs and may play a role in the observed increase in lung cancer mortality. Limitations include the lack of smoking data, uncertainty in the exposure estimates, and exposure estimates that reflected inhalational exposure only. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:630-643, 2016. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Variation Trend and Driving Factors of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Chinese Magnesium Production.

As the largest magnesium producer in the world, China is facing a great challenge of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. In this paper, the variation trend and driving factors of GHG emissions from Chinese magnesium production were evaluated and the measures of technology and policy for effectively mitigating GHG emissions were provided. First, the energy-related and process-oriented GHG inventory is compiled for magnesium production in China. Then, the driving forces for the changes of the energy-related emission were analyzed by the method of Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition. Results demonstrated that Chinese magnesium output from 2003 to 2013 increased by 125%, whereas GHG emissions only increased by 16%. The emissions caused by the fuels consumption decline most significantly (from 28.4 to 6.6 t CO2eq/t Mg) among all the emission sources. The energy intensity and the energy structure were the main offsetting factors for the increase of GHG emissions, while the scale of production and the international market demand were the main contributors for the total increase. Considering the improvement of technology application and more stringent policy measures, the annual GHG emissions from Chinese primary magnesium production will be controlled within 22 million tons by 2020.

[Diabetes screening and prevention in a large chemical company]. / Diabetes-Screening und Prävention in einem Großunternehmen der chemischen Industrie.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is with 6 million cases in Germany one of the most common and most expensive chronic diseases. Studies presume a high number of unreported cases. Early detection of diabetes with a specific screening method is very important. In Germany family physicians offer a preventive check-up starting at the age of 35 years but only 19% males participate. From this background the BASF department for Occupational Medicine and Health Protection introduced for all 35.000 employees at the headquarter, in Ludwigshafen a general health check focused on the early detection of lifestyle diseases. METHODS: From April 2011 to June 2013 12.114 employees participated in the general health check offered by the medical department (2.530 women, 9.584 men). All participants filled out a questionnaire named "Findrisk" a scientifically validated questionnaire which focuses on risk factors for diabetes. Furthermore, the blood glucose and the HbA1c of the participants have also been checked in a laboratory test RESULTS: Following the Findrisk criteria the results are: 1.368 employees had an elevated risk of 17%, 854 employees a risk factor of 33% and 131 employees a risk factor of 33%. In 1.533 employees (13,2% of all participants) we diagnosed a prediabetes with an elevated HbA1c-parameter between 5.7 to 6,4%. In 243 employees a manifest diabetes disease with HbA1c of > than 6,5% was diagnosed. DISCUSSION: We found out that diabetes prevention within the workplace setting is helpful to detect prediabetes and diabetes earlier than family doctors outside the company are able to do.Occupational physicians have the opportunity to inform the employees on risks for lifestyle diseases at an early stage when they are still healthy (primary prevention).For secondary prevention surveillance and clearance examination can be easily combined with screening tests for diabetes. For further diagnostics and therapy the family doctors will be addressed. This system helps individuals to prevent negative health effects, it helps the employer to reduce incapacity time and it also helps the state health system to safe money for therapy and rehabilitation.

Mortality among chemical plant workers exposed to acrylonitrile: 2011 follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To update a cohort study of chemical workers and reevaluate lung cancer mortality in relation to acrylonitrile (AN) exposure. METHODS: Subjects were 2096 workers employed during 1955 to 2011. We identified 474 deaths through 2011, and quantitatively estimated worker exposures to AN. Analyses included national and county-based standardized mortality ratios and relative risk regression of internal cohort rates. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant excess mortality risks associated with Lima employment for any cause of death category, including lung cancer and other cancer sites implicated in previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: This update provides no evidence that exposure to AN at levels experienced by Lima workers is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer mortality, as suggested in original study. Earlier reported bladder cancer risks decreased to a much lower, not statistically significant level.

Increased risk of lung cancer associated with occupational exposure to benzidine and/or beta-naphthylamine.

PURPOSE: To evaluate non-urological cancer risks associated with benzidine (BZ) and beta-naphthylamine (BNA), a historical cohort study was undertaken. METHODS: A total of 224 male workers exposed to BZ/BNA from a single factory were followed from 1953 to 2011. To estimate BZ/BNA exposure dose, duration of exposure (DOE) was defined as duration of employment between 1953 and 1972, the period when BZ and BNA were produced and used at this factory. Subjects were dichotomized (into long- and short-term groups) based on the median of DOE. Cancer-specific standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using national and regional incidence rates as reference. Smoking history was obtained through questionnaires and other sources. Association between lung cancer (LC) or bladder cancer (BC) incidence and DOE was assessed using Cox's proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Vital status follow-up was successful for 216 (96.4%). Follow-up duration averaged 44.0 (SD 10.7) years. Increased SIRs based on national rates were found for all cancers (81 cases, SIR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.26-1.98), LC (18 cases, SIR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.53-4.07), and BC (7 cases, SIR = 4.70, 95% CI 1.89-9.67). Among workers with >20 years after first exposure, the SIR for LC was statistically elevated in the long DOE group (15 cases, SIR = 3.34, 95% CI 1.87-5.51). After adjustment for smoking, exposure to bis(chloromethyl) ether, and age at first exposure, a marginally significant hazard ratio (HR) was observed for the long DOE group (adjusted HR = 3.02, 95% CI 0.84-10.93, p = 0.091), compared to the short DOE group. DOE did not affect BC incidence. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the high risk of LC besides BC, suggesting that BZ/BNA have the potential to cause LC.

[Life quality in individuals having occupational diseases caused by various occupational factors].

The article presents main results of studies concerning life quality in individuals having chronic occupational diseases of important social value. Life quality in patients with chronic mercurial intoxication and dust bronchitis appeared to result from personal, social and psychologic features.

Shift work and risk of non-cancer mortality in a cohort of German male chemical workers.

OBJECTIVES: Shift work is widely considered to be a health risk. In a previous study, we observed no elevated risk of total mortality in BASF shift workers followed up until the end of 2006. The present study aims to investigate non-cancer mortality, especially mortality caused by ischaemic heart disease (IHD), relative to shift work. METHODS: The cohort consisted of 14,038 male shift and 17,105 male day workers from manufacturing plants, who were employed for at least 1 year between 1995 and 2005. Vital status was followed from 2000 to 2009. Cause-specific mortality was obtained from death certificates. Non-cancer mortality as well as mortality specific to diagnoses from I20.0 to I25.9 according to International Classification of Disease version 10 was compared between the two working-time systems. To estimate the impact of shift work on the outcome of interest, Cox proportional hazard model was used to adjust for potential confounders such as age, smoking, alcohol consumption, job level, and disease status at baseline. The effect estimates were then given as hazard ratio (HR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2009, a total of 1,062 deaths occurred in the cohort: 513 (3.6 %) in shift and 549 (3.2 %) in day workers. Among them were 122 deaths resulting from IHD, 55 (0.39 %) and 67 (0.39 %), respectively. After adjustment for age at entry and job level, no increased risk of non-cancer mortality (HR 0.94; 95 % CI 0.77-1.15) as well as of IHD-caused mortality was found among shift workers (HR 0.77; 95 % CI 0.52-1.14). The risk estimates were robust after further adjustment for more factors in all models and consistently tended to be in favour of shift workers. Considering the duration of exposure to shift, no dose-response relationship was found. CONCLUSION: The present analysis does not find strong evidence for an increased mortality risk due to non-cancer disease and, more specifically, IHD-caused mortality associated with this shift system. Initial selection based on health criteria as well as ongoing health surveillance and health promotion is likely to have contributed to this result. Shift work over 34 years may lead to a loss of this initial selection advantage over time, but the respective risk estimates lacked statistical precision.