Integration of Evidence on Community Cancer Risks from Elongate Mineral Particles in Silver Bay, Minnesota.

The potential for cancer-related risks to community members from ambient exposure to elongate mineral particles (EMPs) in taconite processing has not been formally evaluated. We evaluated 926 ambient air samples including 12,928 EMPs (particle structures with length-to-width ratio ≥3:1) collected over 26 years near a taconite processing facility in Silver Bay, Minnesota. Eighty-two percent of EMPs were ≤3 μm in length and 97% of EMPs had an average aspect ratio <20:1.

Quantitative estimated exposure to vinyl chloride and risk of angiosarcoma of the liver and hepatocellular cancer in the US industry-wide vinyl chloride cohort: mortality update through 2013.

Objective: To evaluate mortality risks of angiosarcoma of the liver (ASL), primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers among 9951 men employed between 1942 and 1972 at 35 US vinyl chloride (VC) or polyvinyl chloride plants followed for mortality through 31 December 2013.

Methods: SMR and time-dependent Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to evaluate mortality risks by cumulative VC exposure.

Results: Liver cancer mortality was elevated (SMR=2.

Does occupational exposure to formaldehyde cause hematotoxicity and leukemia-specific chromosome changes in cultured myeloid progenitor cells?

Several cross-sectional studies of a single population of workers exposed to formaldehyde at one of two factories using or producing formaldehyde-melamine resins in China have concluded that formaldehyde exposure induces damage to hematopoietic cells that originate in the bone marrow. Moreover, the investigators interpret observed differences between groups as evidence that formaldehyde induces myeloid leukemias, although the mechanisms for inducing these diseases are not obvious and recently published scientific findings do not support causation. Our objective was to evaluate hematological parameters and aneuploidy in relation to quantitative exposure measures of formaldehyde.

Assessment of blood lead level declines in an area of historical mining with a holistic remediation and abatement program.

Unlabelled: Lead exposure and blood lead levels (BLLs) in the United States have declined dramatically since the 1970s as many widespread lead uses have been discontinued. Large scale mining and mineral processing represents an additional localized source of potential lead exposure in many historical mining communities, such as Butte, Montana. After 25 years of ongoing remediation efforts and a residential metals abatement program that includes blood lead monitoring of Butte children, examination of blood lead trends offers a unique opportunity to assess the effectiveness of Butte's lead source and exposure reduction measures.

Cohort Study of Carbon Black Exposure and Risk of Malignant and Nonmalignant Respiratory Disease Mortality in the US Carbon Black Industry.

Objective: To evaluate lung cancer and respiratory disease mortality associations with cumulative inhalable carbon black exposure among 6634 US carbon black workers.

Methods: This analysis was performed using standardized mortality ratio (SMRs) and Cox regression analyses.

Results: Lung cancer mortality was decreased overall (SMR = 0.

Formaldehyde Exposure and Mortality Risks From Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Other Lymphohematopoietic Malignancies in the US National Cancer Institute Cohort Study of Workers in Formaldehyde Industries.

Objectives: To evaluate associations between cumulative and peak formaldehyde exposure and mortality from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other lymphohematopoietic malignancies.

Methods: Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results: Acute myeloid leukemia was unrelated to cumulative exposure.

Exercise during pregnancy and its association with gestational weight gain.

We examined the association between exercise during pregnancy and meeting gestational weight gain recommendations. Data came from the 2009 South Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (n = 856). Women reported their participation in exercise/sports activities before and during pregnancy, including the number of months and types of exercise.

Racial differences in gestational weight gain and pregnancy-related hypertension.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine racial differences in gestational weight gain (GWG) and pregnancy-related hypertension.

Methods: Logistic regression models tested racial differences in adequacy of GWG and pregnancy-induced hypertension in all singleton live births from the South Carolina 2004-2006 birth certificates.

Results: Compared with white women, black and Hispanic women had 16%-46% lower odds of gaining weight above the recommendations.

Maternal obesity and gestational weight gain in rural versus urban dwelling women in South Carolina.

Purpose: An unhealthy prepregnancy weight and/or gaining an inappropriate amount of weight during pregnancy increase the risk for poor pregnancy and birth outcomes. To our knowledge, no studies to date have examined differences in prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) patterns by rurality.

Methods: The 2004-2006 South Carolina birth certificate data (n = 132,795) were used.

Physical activity during pregnancy is associated with reduced fasting insulin--the Pilot Pregnancy and Active Living Study.

Objective: To examine the relationship between physical activity during pregnancy and fasting plasma insulin measured in the second trimester.

Study Design And Methods: We conducted a pilot prospective cohort study of 69 overweight or obese women who were enrolled before 20 weeks of gestation at an obstetric clinic in Columbia, South Carolina in 2006-2007. At 24-28 weeks of gestation, fasting blood samples were collected and physical activity from the 3 months prior to the visit was assessed using a validated Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire.