A cross-sectional study of sensory-motor neuropsychological function among sewage plant and sewage net workers exposed to hydrogen sulphide when handling wastewater.

Objectives: Workers at sewage treatment plants are exposed to a complex mixture of toxins, including hydrogen sulphide (H2S). An issue of concern among sewage workers, is possible negative nervous system effects from low-level H2S exposure. Empirical neuropsychological evidence indicates both that low-dose exposure to H2S exposure affects the nervous system, and the contrary, that such exposure may facilitate nervous system function, since H2S is an endogenously produced central nervous system (CNS) gasotransmitter.

Low-voltage electrical accidents, immediate reactions and acute health care associated with self-reported general health 4 years later.

Background And Aims: Electricians frequently experience low-voltage electrical accidents. Some such accidents involve long-term negative health consequences. Early identification of victims at risk for long-term injury may improve acute medical treatment and long-term follow-up.

Patients with low-voltage electric shock referred to an Emergency Department.

Background: Patients exposed to electricity are often referred to the Emergency Department, but guidelines differ as to how they should be managed. In this article, we describe patients with low-voltage electric shock in the Emergency Department at St Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital.

Material And Method: Retrospective data from patients referred to the Emergency Department following low-voltage electric shock (< 1,000 V) in the period 1.

Risk of Fatigue Among Airline Crew During 4 Consecutive Days of Flight Duty.

Airline crew are being exposed to extended workdays and compressed work periods, with quick returns between duties, implying a heightened physiological and psychological strain that may lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue. The aim of the study was assessment of the effect of an extended day of flight duty and a compressed work week with regard to recovery, cumulative fatigue, and neurobehavioral performance. We followed 18 pilots and 41 cabin crewmembers during four consecutive days of flight duty, comprising a total of ≥ 39 h, where the first day was ≥ 10 h.

Endotoxin and Hydrogen Sulphide Exposure and Effects on the Airways Among Waste Water Workers in Sewage Treatment Plants and Sewer Net System.

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether airborne exposure to endotoxins, hydrogen sulphide (H2S), and inhalable particles negatively impacts the respiratory system and inflammatory blood proteins in sewage plant and sewer net system workers and, further, to determine dose-response associations between exposure and health outcomes.

Methods: In total, 148 waste water workers (WWWs) from urban and rural sewage plants and the sewer net system participated. One hundred and twenty-one workers were exposed to sewage, 46 from sewage plants and 75 from the sewer net system.

Fluctuations in heart rate variability of health care workers during four consecutive extended work shifts and recovery during rest and sleep.

The aim of this study was to investigate fluctuations in heart rate variability (HRV), which reflect autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and potential psychological and physical strain, among 24 health care workers during work and sleep during four consecutive extended work shifts. Data included 24/36/12 h of HRV measurements, two logbooks, and a questionnaire. A cross-shift/cross-week design was applied.

Self-reported symptoms and neuropsychological function among tunnel workers previously exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine possible exposure-related symptoms and neuropsychological changes among tunnel workers previously exposed to grout containing acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide.

Methods: In a cross sectional study, 44 male tunnel workers previously exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide during grouting operations were exam-in-ed with neuropsychological tests, 2-10 years after last exposure. The control group consisted of 49 male tunnel workers with no history of acrylamide exposure.

Nerve conduction, visual evoked responses and electroretinography in tunnel workers previously exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide containing grouting agents.

The study examines possible persisting effects on the peripheral nervous system and visual system in tunnel workers previously exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide during grouting work. We compared neurophysiological function in 44 tunnel workers previously exposed during grouting operations (2-10 years post exposure), with 49 tunnel workers with no history of exposure to acrylamide. Nerve conduction velocities (NCV), distal delay, F-response and amplitude in median and ulnar nerves of the right arm, peroneal, sural and tibial nerves of the right leg, visual evoked response (VER) and electroretinography (ERG) were measured.

Colour vision and light sensitivity in tunnel workers previously exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide containing grouting agents.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine possible persisting visual system effects in tunnel workers previously exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide during grouting work.

Material And Methods: Visual field light sensitivity threshold and colour vision has been examined among 44 tunnel workers 2-10 years after exposure to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide containing grouting agents. Forty-four tunnel workers not involved in grouting operations served as control group.

Chromosome aberrations in tunnel workers exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine chromosome aberrations in 25 tunnel workers exposed to acrylamide-containing grout in injection work.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 25 exposed and 25 unexposed tunnel workers matched for age, gender, and smoking habits. Whole blood was cultured for 50-53 hours according to conventional methods.

Effects on the peripheral nervous system of tunnel workers exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide.

Objectives: This study evaluates the possible toxic effects on the peripheral nervous system of tunnel workers exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide during grouting work.

Methods: Symptoms and nerve conduction velocities (NCV) were recorded for 24 tunnel workers 4 and 16 months after the cessation of exposure during grouting operations. Fifty tunnel workers not involved in grouting operations served as referents.

[Acute and chronic injuries after electrical accidents].

Background: Electrical accidents are potentially fatal incidents with effect on the cardiovascular, nerve and musculoskeletal systems and on the skin (burns). The electrical engineering industry points out that the follow-up of injured persons from site of accident to hospital is quite random. This paper gives a review of the current literature and proposes guidelines for the follow-up of victims of electrical accidents.

[Incidence and prevention of occupational electrical accidents].

Background: The Norwegian Directorate for Fire and Electrical Safety receives an annual total of 50 reports of injuries caused by electricity, while the Labour Inspection Authority receives 150 reports. The underreporting is, however, considerable. In this article we estimate the Incidence of occupational electrical accidents and describe the legislation regulating the reporting of injuries from electrical accidents.