Eberhard Nies

Ototoxic Substances at the Workplace: a Brief Update Ototoxic chemicals can impair the sense of hearing and balance. Lately, efforts have been intensified to compile evidence-based lists of workplace agents with ototoxic properties. This article gives a rough overview of the latest relevant publications, which confirm that toluene, styrene, and lead should receive particular attention as ototoxic substances at the workplace. Moreover, there is sufficient evidence that occupational exposure to trichloroethylene, mercury, carbon monoxide, and carbon disulfide can affect the ear. Based on the existing information, industrial hygienists should make sure that occupational health professionals and the workforce are made aware of the risks posed by ototoxic substances; support their replacement or new technical measures to reduce exposure; make these substances a part of regular screening, develop tools that can early diagnose chemically induced hearing impairment, and investigate further ...

Thirteen epoxy resin system components were tested in the LLNA with regard to their sensitizing potency. Lymph node stimulation was quantified not only by measuring the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine into the ear lymph nodes but also the counts of cells recovered from these organs. Equivalent figures were obtained with both endpoints used for the evaluation of lymph node cell proliferation if the reference stimulation indices were adjusted. When dissolved in acetone, all test substances showed skin-sensitizing potential, mainly on the boundary between "strong" and "moderate" according to common potency evaluation schemes. Replacing acetone with acetone/olive oil (4:1) as a vehicle for four selected test items, resulted in considerably lower estimated concentrations for sensitization induction. The challenges in comparing the results obtained by different LLNA variations are discussed.

In this commentary we refer to the new data recently published by Adami et al. [Adami, G., Larese, F., Venier, M., Barbieri, P., Lo Coco, F., Reisenhofer, E., 2006. Penetration of benzene, toluene and xylenes contained in gasolines through human abdominal skin in vitro. Toxicol. In Vitro 20, 1321-1330], which we acknowledge as a reliable basis for the retrospective assessment of percutaneous benzene absorption at the workplace. The data from Adami et al. (2006) are supported by the literature and by a German approach for calculating the contribution of the dermal uptake of benzene to the total body burden. This knowledge is important for the judgment of leukaemia suspected to be an occupational disease.

Up to now predominately time-expensive test chamber investiga - tions have been used for assessing the emission behaviour of laser printers and photocopiers. The results of these tests are characteristic for the entire system of printer, print parameters, paper, and toner. The BG expert com- mittee (FA) Verwaltung, the Landesgewerbeanstalt Bayern (LGA), and the BG-Institute for occupational safety and health (BIA) have now developed a concept for testing toner dusts (test module toner) in order to provide quality criteria for the procurement of toner cartridges. The test program proposed here allows for a rough estimate and limitation of the effect of the toner as part of the emission behaviour. Additionally, information on hazards by the toner is gained which is important in developing occupational safety and health protecting measures for maintenance and service staff and also for changing toner cartridges. Metals (e. g. cobalt, nickel, mercury, chromium, and tinorganic compounds)...

Exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) affects large populations worldwide. Pulmonary effects have been reported at concentrations relevant in the general (<0.5 ppm) and working environment (>0.5 ppm). SO(2) is an irritant but the existing studies often emphasize only pulmonary effects and no clear dose-response relationship has yet been described. Using a multi-level, multi-method approach, odor annoyance, sensory irritation and pulmonary effects of SO(2) were to be investigated in an experimental exposure study. Eye blink frequency, rhinomanometry, spirometry and symptom ratings of acute health effects were assessed before, during, and after the exposures. Each session lasted 4h and concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 2 ppm were investigated and compared to a control condition using clean air. Sixteen human volunteers (8 females/8 males) participated and during exposure light physical exercise was simulated with bicycle ergometry. Eye blink frequency, nasal airflow, and lung function were not affected by the acute SO(2) exposure investigated. These physiological responses to moderate SO(2) exposures were not significantly affected by gender. Regarding subjectively measured chemosensory sensations, only odor annoyance ratings increased in a dose-dependent manner, but the average magnitudes were labeled weak to moderate. In healthy volunteers, without hyperresponsiveness to SO(2), no dose-dependent effects of acute SO(2) exposures up to 2 ppm could be measured. Due to olfactory perceptions subjects were aware of the different SO(2) exposures but the associated annoyance was relatively low.

ABSTRACT A recent decision of the German Committee on Hazardous Substances (AGS) not to establish an occupational exposure limit for vapors and aerosols emitted by hot mastic asphalt was tied to an industry commitment that all mastic asphalt workers would be intensively screened medically so that technical or personal protection measures can be promptly put in place to reduce occupational exposure. In the meantime, almost 80% of all active mastic asphalt workers in Germany have been examined and questioned about work-associated health complaints. The results of this comprehensive survey of mastic asphalt workers compared to a parallel unexposed control cohort indicate significant irritation of the breathing airways and itching eyes. The survey has furthermore indicated that more individuals from the exposed cohort suffered from health restrictions, as diagnosed by their physicians. The investigation has provided a general view and is considered to be a basis for more detailed examinations.