Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure Among Opencast Miners in Namibia with the Use of Electronic Dosimeters: A Feasibility Study.

The lack of information on exposure of opencast mineworkers to solar ultraviolet radiation, a group I carcinogen, was addressed. The feasibility of using electronic dosimeters in the determination of exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation was investigated. The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of measuring the occupational exposure of opencast mineworkers to solar ultraviolet radiation using electronic dosimeters.

In Vitro Permeation of Metals through Human Skin: A Review and Recommendations.

During the last few decades, the interest in skin permeation of, specifically, metals has increased with the in vitro method utilizing diffusion cells as the prominent method of investigating permeability. This review provides a systematic synopsis focused on an in vitro diffusion cell method utilizing human skin and examines the differences in experimental design as this could influence the results obtained. The permeation of metals such as chromium, cobalt, copper, gold, lead, mercury, nickel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, silver, titanium, and zinc are discussed.

Assessment of dermal exposure and skin condition of workers exposed to nickel at a South African base metal refinery.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess dermal exposure of cell workers to nickel at a South African base metal refinery and to characterize their skin condition by measuring the skin hydration and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) indices.

Methods: The skin hydration index of the index finger, palm, neck, and forehead was measured before, during and at the end of the shift. The TEWL index was measured before and at the end of the shift.

Cardiovascular reactivity patterns elicited by the cold pressor test as a function of aging.

Background And Aims: The cold pressor test has been widely used in previous cardiovascular reactivity studies as a predictor of hypertension. However, the influence of the physical adaptations of the arterial wall with increasing age on reactivity has not been delineated.

Methods: 64 men divided into 5 different age groups participated in a laboratory protocol consisting of submerging one hand in ice water for one minute while changes in blood pressure were continuously measured.