The positive known association design: a quality assurance method for occupational health surveillance data
Article Abstract:
Occupational health surveillance programs use tests for lung (pulmonary) function, hearing, vision, and blood chemistry. Quality control is an essential component of any health program, and is especially necessary in laboratory analysis. The positive known association design is a population-based quality control scheme that has application to occupational health data. The operating principle of the design is the use of known data relationships, that should be clearly identifiable in large programs. Failure to establish the presence of known associations should raise questions regarding the quality of the study data. The quality of the surveillance data generated from the Dow Chemical Company's Louisiana Division was examined through positive known associations. The data reviewed included tests for hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit, along with information on sex, height, age, and forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1). Other information included smoking status, packs per day, and pack-years; white blood cell count (WBC); and serum cholesterol. Two data intervals were examined, from 1983 to 1984 and from 1986 to 1987; because of the comparability of the data, only the latter is discussed. Expected associations were observed. Ten to 20 percent higher average values for red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were noted for men than for women. Expected FEV1 predictors were noted, with smokers and nonsmokers having FEV1 values that followed expected patterns. Other data were also as expected. The parallels shown here support the use of the positive known association design in occupational health surveillance data analysis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1991
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Worker exposure to lead titanate zirconate in an Ontario company
Article Abstract:
Lead titanate zirconate (LTZ) is a ceramic compound containing 60 percent lead. This is one of the less water-soluble lead compounds; less soluble forms have been considered less toxic than lead oxide or metallic lead fumes, which are relatively soluble in the body. Results of an investigation of a plant in Ontario, Canada where LTZ is produced are presented. Throughout most of the plant the lead levels in the air were elevated. There were 82 employees exposed to LTZ, but not to lead oxide, which also is used in the plant; these workers showed normal blood levels of lead. These workers did not use respiratory protection, as did workers involved in other operations, such as those involving lead oxide. There were 61 employees who had chest X-rays and pulmonary function studies performed; there were no abnormalities noted. The particle size of LTZ was less than 5 micrometers, and its ability to be dissolved in the body fluids was significantly less than that of lead oxide. The authors conclude that the low toxicity of the LTZ may be due to its low solubility. This result is similar to findings in rats reported by Russian researchers, the only previously published studies of LTZ toxicology. It is suggested that LTZ is less toxic than other more soluble forms of lead. A review of the toxicity of less soluble lead compounds is recommended in order to reconsider the current practice of using the same standards of acceptable exposure as is used for the more soluble inorganic lead compounds.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1989
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Occupational health service for farmers in Sweden
Article Abstract:
A group of local farmers in Sweden has organized a test in six counties to evaluate various methods of obtaining help in meeting the occupational health needs that are specific to agricultural workers. There are known health and safety risks that are unique and that are not being eliminated by the occupational health efforts of other occupational health or regional health centers. Following a trial-and-evaluation period that lasted for two to three years, the Swedish Farmer's Federation established a farmers' occupational health service in 1983. This health unit was separate from the public health care system administered by the county councils. A combination of governmental funds and funds provided by fees from members of the Swedish Farmers' Federation finances the centers. Currently 35,000 members are served by the system. The program's focused charter allows services to be specifically developed to serve the needs of the farmers, including twice-yearly check-ups and visits by professional staff to the farms, where they can deal firsthand with the occupational issues and hazards. The groups have also found that the hazardous work of farmers requires careful study and specific research projects have been undertaken. The research efforts have already been able to achieve improvements in the work life of farmers.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1989
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