RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: In March 2016, the state health departments of Wisconsin and Minnesota learned of three shipyard workers with blood lead levels (BLLs) more than 40âµg/dL. An investigation was conducted to determine the extent of and risk factors for the exposure. METHODS: We defined a case as an elevated BLL more than or equal to 5âµg/dL in a shipyard worker. Workers were interviewed regarding their symptoms and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. RESULTS: Of 357 workers, 65.0% had received more than or equal to 1 BLL test. Among tested workers, 171 (73.7%) had BLLmax more than or equal to 5âµg/dL. Workers who received respirator training or fit testing had a median BLLmax of 18.0âµg/dL, similar to the median BLLmax of workers who did not receive such training (22.6âµg/dL, Pâ=â0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize the importance of adequate provision and use of PPE to prevent occupational lead exposure.
Asunto(s)
Exposición por Inhalación/análisis , Plomo/sangre , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Dispositivos de Protección Respiratoria/estadística & datos numéricos , Navíos , Adulto , Artralgia/epidemiología , Ingestión de Alimentos , Fatiga/epidemiología , Femenino , Higiene de las Manos , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mialgia/epidemiología , Exposición Profesional/prevención & control , Ocupaciones , Factores de Riesgo , Fumar , WisconsinRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To examine the trends in the incidence of end-stage renal disease in Wisconsin from 1982 to 2003. METHODS: De-identified incidence data for this study were supplied by the Renal Network of the Upper Midwest (Region 11). We examined trends in the incidence of end-stage renal disease by age, race, gender, and primary diagnosis from 1982 to 2003. RESULTS: The incidence of end-stage renal disease increased more than 3-fold from 1982 to 2003. This increase was especially striking in persons with diabetes and hypertension, as well as among those aged > or = 75 years. The increase in the incidence of end-stage renal disease was also apparent among all racial groups and both genders. CONCLUSIONS: The continued increase in the incidence of end-stage renal disease in Wisconsin may result from a number of factors, such as an unintended consequence of better chronic disease management, which may predispose older individuals to end-stage renal disease. Resources aimed at decreasing the incidence of end-stage renal disease are needed to prevent unnecessary health care costs and negative health outcomes, including loss of life.