[Hypothenar hammer syndrome is rare - or simply an unusually overlooked condition].

Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a possibly underdiagnosed but treatable cause of Raynaud's phenomenon and hand ischemia elicited by thombosis or aneurysm secondary to acute or chronic blunt trauma to the ulnar artery at the level of Guyon's canal. This paper provides a summary of the condition with some emphasis on prophylactic and therapeutic aspects.

Risk of cancer among workers exposed to trichloroethylene: analysis of three Nordic cohort studies.

Background: Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widely used chlorinated solvent with demonstrated carcinogenicity in animal assays. Some epidemiologic studies have reported increased risk of cancer of the kidney, cervix, liver and biliary passages, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods: We established a pooled cohort, including 5553 workers with individual documented exposure to TCE in Finland, Sweden, and Denmark.

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers using the hot box method: a 4-year follow-up.

Objective: To perform follow-up of lung function and respiratory and ocular symptoms in foundry workers exposed to monoisocyanates using the Hot Box method.

Methods: Four years after an initial assessment, 25 foundry workers and 55 referents completed a questionnaire and were assessed by spirometry pre- and postshift. Exposure to isocyanic acid, methyl isocyanate, and formaldehyde was measured.

Nasal and ocular effects in foundry workers using the hot box method.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of nasal and ocular symptoms and nasal signs in foundry workers exposed to monoisocyanates using the Hot Box method.

Methods: Forty-three foundry workers and 69 referents completed questionnaires and were examined by a rhinologist. Exposure to isocyanic acid, methyl isocyanate, formaldehyde, and total dust was measured.

Cancer morbidity in Swedish dry-cleaners and laundry workers: historically prospective cohort study.

Purpose: Despite decades of experimental and observational studies, the carcinogenic risks to humans associated with occupational exposure to perchloroethylene (PER) remain uncertain. The aims of the present study were to further examine the possible associations.

Methods: A national cohort of dry-cleaning and laundry workers (n = 10,389) assembled in 1984 was followed up for new cases of cancer by matching with the Swedish cancer register from 1985 to 2006 (inclusive), and the results were compared with expected frequencies derived from national reference data.

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers exposed to low molecular weight isocyanates.

Background: This study investigated the prevalence of ocular and respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers exposed to isocyanic acid (ICA) and methyl isocyanate (MIC).

Methods: Foundry workers (n = 64) using the Hot Box binder technique and referents (n = 134) completed two questionnaires and a spirometry before and after a day shift. Findings were analyzed relating to exposure measurements of ICA, MIC, and formaldehyde.

Nephrotoxicity of uranium in drinking water from private drilled wells.

Objectives: To investigate the association between uranium in drinking water from drilled wells and aspects of kidney function measured by sensitive urine tests.

Methods: Three hundred and one of 398 eligible subjects (75.6%) aged 18-74 years with daily drinking water supplies from private drilled wells located in uranium-rich bedrock (exposed group) volunteered to participate along with 153 of 271 local controls (56.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), thyroid hormones and cytokines in construction workers removing old elastic sealants.

Objectives: To estimate the internal PCB level in Swedish workers specialised in PCB abatement in buildings and to measure possible effects of PCB on thyroid function and aspects of the immune system.

Methods: Thirty six of 40 eligible workers (90%) removing old elastic sealants containing PCB and 33 control construction workers provided blood samples for determination of 19 PCB congeners and some other organochlorine compounds (hexachlorobenzene and p,p'-DDE), thyroid function hormones and a set of cytokines. The PCB exposed group was reinvestigated after 10 months for a trend assessment.

Lead exposure from tourist earthenware: a pilot survey.

Lead from glazed earthenware used for food storage is a well-known health hazard sporadically causing lead intoxication and may be a source of disseminating lead exposure in specific population groups. To obtain a contemporary scope of the problem a pilot survey was conducted in a random sample of 2000 households with Swedish charter tourists to Greece in 2003. Response was obtained from 214 (10.

Isocyanate exposure in bathtub refinishing: à propos a case of occupational asthma.

Work-related asthma in a bathtub refinishing technician prompted measurements of isocyanate exposure in this operation. Very high levels of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) oligomer, up to 8500 microg/m3 NCO, were found during top varnish spray-painting, whereas the levels of HDI monomer were substantially lower. The results suggest that only full-piece, self-contained respirators would suffice to protect technicians from serious pulmonary disease.

Cobalt release from glazed earthenware: Observations in a case of lead poisoning.

In a case of lead poisoning caused by a Greek jug, high levels of whole blood cobalt were also recorded. Cobalt was probably released from the underglaze dye by juice stored in the jug. The element was rapidly eliminated from the circulation and no signs of cardiotoxicity were observed in the patient.

Lead poisoning from souvenir earthenware.

A case of massive lead poisoning from juice contained in a Greek earthenware jug as well as six satellite cases of high lead exposure of similar origin is reported. The intoxicated patient was successfully treated with dimercaptosuccinic acid. Ceramic producers should adhere to the longstanding European legislation.

Exposure to low molecular weight isocyanates and formaldehyde in foundries using hot box core binders.

Emissions from a chemical core binder system (Hot Box) based on a formaldehyde-carbamide resin have been investigated. The binder is used in some Swedish die-casting foundries. During core-making and casting, low molecular monoisocyanates, in particular methyl isocyanate (MIC) and isocyanic acid (ICA), were identified.

Occupational molybdenum exposure and a gouty electrician.

Background: Molybdenum is an essential trace element and a component of xanthine oxidase, which catalyses the formation of urate. The toxicity of molybdenum in humans is considered to be low, but hyperuricaemia and gout-like symptoms have been observed sporadically.

Methods: A case of hyperuricaemia and gouty arthritis in a young man with occupational exposure to molybdenum is described.