Construction, one of the larger industries in the United States, employs 7.6 million workers, many in skilled trades occupations. Previously published data about potential worksite exposures and mortality of construction site workers are limited. We analyzed occupation and industry codes on death certificates from 19 U.S. states to evaluate mortality risks among men and women usually employed in construction occupations. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) for cancer and several other chronic diseases were significantly elevated among 61,682 white male construction workers who died between 1984 and 1986. Men younger than age 65, who were probably still employed immediately prior to death, had significantly elevated PMRs for cancer, asbestos-related diseases, mental disorders, alcohol-related disease, digestive diseases, falls, poisonings, traumatic fatalities that are usually work-related, and homicides. Elevated PMRs for many of the same causes were observed to a lesser degree for black men and white women whose usual industry was construction. In addition, women experienced excess cancer of the connective tissue and suicide mortality. Various skilled construction trades had elevated PMRs for specific sites, such as bone cancer and melanoma in brickmasons, stomach cancer in roofers and brickmasons, kidney and bone cancer in concrete/terrazzo finishers, nasal cancer in plumbers, pulmonary tuberculosis in laborers, scrotal cancer and aplastic anemia in electricians, acute myeloid leukemia in boilermakers, rectal cancer and multiple sclerosis in electrical power installers, and lung cancer in structural metal workers. Using a standard population of blue collar workers did not result in fewer elevated PMRs for construction workers. Despite lifestyle differences and other limitations of the study, the large numbers of excess deaths observed in this study indicate the need for preventive action for construction workers.

A serious, relatively unrecognized, occupational health problem involves the interaction of ethyl alcohol and chemical agents used in industry. Workers who drink alcohol and are exposed to certain chemical agents may experience adverse health effects such as nausea, dizziness, headache, and liver damage. This report reviews the synergistic interactions of ethanol with compounds such as the thiurams, amides, oximes, halogenated hydrocarbons, and metals. Also discussed is the effect of ethanol as a cofactor with vinyl chloride in the etiology of cancer.

Mercuric chloride was injected intracranially into the rat brain in the region of the fourth ventricle via the foramen magnum. Responses to a single treatment of 0.3 mg/kg HgCl2, 0.03 mg/kg HgCl2, or carrier solution were followed for 10 days. Changes in the rats' behavior and motor coordination were observed 24-48 hr after treatment with HgCl2. Underwater swimming and decreased grooming and feeding were characteristic of mercury-treated rats. Decreased balancing ability and crossing of hind limbs suggested altered motor coordination. Rats treated with mercury often exhibited decreased body temperature, matting of fur about the eyes and perineal region, apparent visual impairment, decreased body weight, and diarrhea.

No abstract

On March 31, 1990, NIOSH received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation from employees of the Schulte Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242. NIOSH was asked to evaluate complaints of tightness in the chest, itching of the skin, metallic taste in the mouth, and concern over the discharge of black dust from the noses of employees working in the machine shop area of the facility. On June 19, 1990, an initial survey was conducted during which a walk-through of the facility was conducted and workers in the machine shop area were interviewed. Some workers on the second shift were interviewed later by telephone. A follow-up industrial hygiene survey was conducted on August 17, 1990, in which air samples were collected to evaluate worker exposures to total and respirable particulates, metals, oxides of nitrogen, aldehydes, and ozone. Bulk dust samples, collected from surfaces in the machine shop area, were analyzed to determine their epoxy resin content since these resins can cause irritation and immunologic responses. Total dust samples, taken in the worker's breathing zone, ranged from 0.49 to 4.78 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m 3). These exposures were well below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level for nuisance dust (15 mg/m 3); however, since settled dust samples obtained from near the epoxy coating area contained epoxy resin, the nuisance dust exposure criteria is not directly applicable. Respirable dust samples, obtained with direct reading measurement techniques, ranged from 0.05 to 0.43 mg/m 3. Exposures to this dust should be minimized to reduce the potential for adverse health affects. Exposures to nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide were well below applicable exposure criteria, ranging from 0.09 to 0.31 and 0.12 to 0.14 mg/m 3 respectively for the four workers evaluated. The primary metal in the welding plume was iron; other metals were not found in significant amounts. Aldehydes were not detected in samples evaluating exposures to two resistance welders. Ozone concentrations, measured near welders using a direct-reading instrument, exceeded the NIOSH ceiling level of 0.1 parts per million (ppm), ranging from 0.03 to 1.62 (ppm). Even though these readings were not obtained in the breathing zone of welders, they documented a potential health hazard. The six workers interviewed reported symptoms temporally related to work. Headaches, sore throat, cough, hoarseness of voice, metallic taste, and chest tightness were the most commonly reported. A black nasal discharge was also reported. A potential ergonomic problem due to repetitive wrist motion was identified. A potential health hazard from exposure to ozone was identified. Other exposures measured would not individually be expected to cause the reported symptoms at the levels measured. Exposures may have been higher in the past, especially during the winter when doors and windows are closed, or some combination of the exposures may be causing the symptoms. Recommendations aimed at further reducing exposures and for developing a program for the pre...