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Pauchung Chen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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P003 Does non-Asbestiform talc increase the lung cancer risk? a meta-analysis including chinese studies
Asbestos and Other Fibres, 2016Co-Authors: Che-jui Chang, Pauchung Chen, Hsiaoyu YangAbstract:Background Prior meta-analysis and IARC reviews suggested no significant association between non-Asbestiform talc exposure and increased risks of lung cancer, without including related Chinese literatures. A meta-analysis including eligible Chinese cohorts was performed to update the current evidence. Methods We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, through 2015 for a meta-analysis examining the association between non-Asbestiform talc exposure of workers and increased risks of lung cancer. We also searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database and Wanfang Data, because many studies on talc exposure of workers have been published in Chinese journals only. Data from observational studies were pooled using a general variance based meta-analytic method. The outcome of interest was a summary standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) reflecting the risk of lung cancer death associated with non-Asbestiform talc exposure of workers. Results Seven observational studies with eight cohorts meeting protocol specified inclusion criteria were located via a comprehensive literature search. Analysis for heterogeneity demonstrated the data were heterogeneous (p = 0.0003). Pooling all cohorts yielded a summary SMRs of 1.58 (CI = 1.12–2.22, p = 0.0091, random effect model) for lung cancer among workers exposed to non-Asbestiform talc, showing a 58% increase in stomach cancer mortality for these workers compared to general population. Subgroup analysis for co-exposures contamination showed workers exposed to talc without quartz/radon contamination had a summary SMRs of 2.17 (CI = 1.29–3.66, p = 0.0036, random effect model), and workers exposed to talc with quartz/radon contamination had a summary SMRs of 1.14 (CI = 0.87–1.50, p = 0.3345, random effect model). Conclusion The available observational data showed increased lung cancer risk in workers exposed to non-Asbestiform talc with quartz/radon co-exposures. However, existence of a causal relationship between non-Asbestiform talc without quartz/radon co-exposures and increased risks of lung cancer cannot be established.
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p012 carcinogenetic effects of processing non Asbestiform tremolite asbestos mineral
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2016Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Shenghsiu Huang, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The cancer risk of elongated mineral particles (EMPs) generated from non-Asbestiform asbestos minerals is unclear. Nephrite is regarded as a non-Asbestiform asbestos mineral. The objective of this study was to determine the cancer risk of nephrite. Methods We examined cancer mortality between 1979 and 2011 in Fengtian, where nephrite was mass-produced from 1970 to 1980 and calculated standardised mortality ratios (SMRs). Results: We observed a significantly elevated mortality risk of cancer of the hypopharynx (SMR 2.31; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.65), larynx (SMR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.83), oesophagus (SMR 2.04; 95% CI: 1.62, 2.54), and stomach (SMR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.63). This study analysed the lengths, widths, structures, chemical compositions, aerodynamic diameters, and distributions of EMPs in airways. The majority of the EMPs (68%) were short ( Conclusion This study provides evidence that short EMPs generated from processing nephrite are carcinogenic, and the fraction deposition of EMPs is associated with the mortality risk of cancer.
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carving of non Asbestiform tremolite and the risk of lung cancer a follow up mortality study in a historical nephrite processing cohort
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The health risks associated with exposure to non-Asbestiform asbestos minerals, including nephrite, are unclear. In 1965 nephrite processing began in the town of Fengtian in Taiwan, and the majority of inhabitants were involved in the industry from 1970 until 1980. The objectives of this study were to examine lung cancer deaths and assess the carcinogenic effects of nephrite carving. Methods We studied mortality due to lung cancer (ICD-9 code 162 for cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung) from 1979 to 2011. We calculated the standardised mortality ratio (SMR) for lung cancer using the age- and sex-specific cancer mortality rates in eastern Taiwan as the standard rates. Air samples, bulk samples and a surface sample were analysed. Results Nephrite is a non-Asbestiform asbestos mineral composed of microcrystalline tremolite. During nephrite processing, in personal air samples the average concentration of elongated mineral particles with the morphological characteristics of asbestos fibres was 1.4 f/cm 3 , with rough grinding generating the highest concentrations (4.7 f/cm 3 ). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the air samples contained intact Asbestiform tremolite fibres. The ambient air samples and the wipe sample indicated paraoccupational contamination. The crude mortality rates for lung cancer were higher in Fengtian than in Taiwan for all age groups and both genders. The SMR for lung cancer was 1.28 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.45). Conclusions Nephrite carving may increase the risk of lung cancer. Appropriate medical monitoring is warranted for workers who are exposed to similar materials.
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pulmonary fibrosis in workers exposed to non Asbestiform tremolite asbestos minerals
Epidemiology, 2013Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Background:Studies of the health effects of non-Asbestiform asbestos minerals remain inconclusive. Nephrite is a type of non-Asbestiform tremolite mineral. We assessed the risk for pulmonary fibrosis in workers who process nephrite.Methods:A cross-sectional study that included 344 stone workers and
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Pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in workers processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals – a retrospective cohort study
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The hazard of inhaling non-Asbestiform elongated mineral particles is still inconclusive. The objective was to assess the risk of lung fibrosis in workers processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals. Methods A retrospective cohort study was designed. A study cohort of 344 stone workers and their family in Hualien was established in 2010. By health examination and questionnaire, we obtained lifetime occupational history, duration and frequency of exposure to 45 common used ores, smoking and medical history. Survival analysis was applied. The follow-up started from the year of beginning their work at stone and ended in the survey of 2010. At the end of follow-up, the development of pulmonary fibrosis profusion 1/1 or greater with lung crackle was regarded as an event, and subjects without the event were treated as right censored. Results After excluding 12 subjects with history of tuberculosis and occupational history of metal casting and welding, 328 subjects were enrolled for analysis. The mean follow-up year was 25.0 and 8137 person-years were accrued. 17 subjects had fibrosis profusion 1/1 or greater combined with crackles. After adjusting the pack-years of smoking and age, processing nephrite (RR=3.06, p=0.03) and chalcedony (RR=3.42, p=0.03) had higher risk compared with reference group (non-exposure family). Log-rank test found that processing nephrite (p=0.01) and chalcedony (p=0.02) had increased risk. The hazard ratio adjusted for age, sex and pack-year was 3.0 (p=0.04) for processing nephrite and 4.26 (p=0.01) for processing chalcedony. Conclusions Processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals might cause lung fibrosis.
Hsiaoyu Yang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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P003 Does non-Asbestiform talc increase the lung cancer risk? a meta-analysis including chinese studies
Asbestos and Other Fibres, 2016Co-Authors: Che-jui Chang, Pauchung Chen, Hsiaoyu YangAbstract:Background Prior meta-analysis and IARC reviews suggested no significant association between non-Asbestiform talc exposure and increased risks of lung cancer, without including related Chinese literatures. A meta-analysis including eligible Chinese cohorts was performed to update the current evidence. Methods We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, through 2015 for a meta-analysis examining the association between non-Asbestiform talc exposure of workers and increased risks of lung cancer. We also searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database and Wanfang Data, because many studies on talc exposure of workers have been published in Chinese journals only. Data from observational studies were pooled using a general variance based meta-analytic method. The outcome of interest was a summary standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) reflecting the risk of lung cancer death associated with non-Asbestiform talc exposure of workers. Results Seven observational studies with eight cohorts meeting protocol specified inclusion criteria were located via a comprehensive literature search. Analysis for heterogeneity demonstrated the data were heterogeneous (p = 0.0003). Pooling all cohorts yielded a summary SMRs of 1.58 (CI = 1.12–2.22, p = 0.0091, random effect model) for lung cancer among workers exposed to non-Asbestiform talc, showing a 58% increase in stomach cancer mortality for these workers compared to general population. Subgroup analysis for co-exposures contamination showed workers exposed to talc without quartz/radon contamination had a summary SMRs of 2.17 (CI = 1.29–3.66, p = 0.0036, random effect model), and workers exposed to talc with quartz/radon contamination had a summary SMRs of 1.14 (CI = 0.87–1.50, p = 0.3345, random effect model). Conclusion The available observational data showed increased lung cancer risk in workers exposed to non-Asbestiform talc with quartz/radon co-exposures. However, existence of a causal relationship between non-Asbestiform talc without quartz/radon co-exposures and increased risks of lung cancer cannot be established.
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p012 carcinogenetic effects of processing non Asbestiform tremolite asbestos mineral
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2016Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Shenghsiu Huang, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The cancer risk of elongated mineral particles (EMPs) generated from non-Asbestiform asbestos minerals is unclear. Nephrite is regarded as a non-Asbestiform asbestos mineral. The objective of this study was to determine the cancer risk of nephrite. Methods We examined cancer mortality between 1979 and 2011 in Fengtian, where nephrite was mass-produced from 1970 to 1980 and calculated standardised mortality ratios (SMRs). Results: We observed a significantly elevated mortality risk of cancer of the hypopharynx (SMR 2.31; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.65), larynx (SMR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.83), oesophagus (SMR 2.04; 95% CI: 1.62, 2.54), and stomach (SMR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.63). This study analysed the lengths, widths, structures, chemical compositions, aerodynamic diameters, and distributions of EMPs in airways. The majority of the EMPs (68%) were short ( Conclusion This study provides evidence that short EMPs generated from processing nephrite are carcinogenic, and the fraction deposition of EMPs is associated with the mortality risk of cancer.
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carving of non Asbestiform tremolite and the risk of lung cancer a follow up mortality study in a historical nephrite processing cohort
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The health risks associated with exposure to non-Asbestiform asbestos minerals, including nephrite, are unclear. In 1965 nephrite processing began in the town of Fengtian in Taiwan, and the majority of inhabitants were involved in the industry from 1970 until 1980. The objectives of this study were to examine lung cancer deaths and assess the carcinogenic effects of nephrite carving. Methods We studied mortality due to lung cancer (ICD-9 code 162 for cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung) from 1979 to 2011. We calculated the standardised mortality ratio (SMR) for lung cancer using the age- and sex-specific cancer mortality rates in eastern Taiwan as the standard rates. Air samples, bulk samples and a surface sample were analysed. Results Nephrite is a non-Asbestiform asbestos mineral composed of microcrystalline tremolite. During nephrite processing, in personal air samples the average concentration of elongated mineral particles with the morphological characteristics of asbestos fibres was 1.4 f/cm 3 , with rough grinding generating the highest concentrations (4.7 f/cm 3 ). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the air samples contained intact Asbestiform tremolite fibres. The ambient air samples and the wipe sample indicated paraoccupational contamination. The crude mortality rates for lung cancer were higher in Fengtian than in Taiwan for all age groups and both genders. The SMR for lung cancer was 1.28 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.45). Conclusions Nephrite carving may increase the risk of lung cancer. Appropriate medical monitoring is warranted for workers who are exposed to similar materials.
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pulmonary fibrosis in workers exposed to non Asbestiform tremolite asbestos minerals
Epidemiology, 2013Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Background:Studies of the health effects of non-Asbestiform asbestos minerals remain inconclusive. Nephrite is a type of non-Asbestiform tremolite mineral. We assessed the risk for pulmonary fibrosis in workers who process nephrite.Methods:A cross-sectional study that included 344 stone workers and
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Pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in workers processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals – a retrospective cohort study
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The hazard of inhaling non-Asbestiform elongated mineral particles is still inconclusive. The objective was to assess the risk of lung fibrosis in workers processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals. Methods A retrospective cohort study was designed. A study cohort of 344 stone workers and their family in Hualien was established in 2010. By health examination and questionnaire, we obtained lifetime occupational history, duration and frequency of exposure to 45 common used ores, smoking and medical history. Survival analysis was applied. The follow-up started from the year of beginning their work at stone and ended in the survey of 2010. At the end of follow-up, the development of pulmonary fibrosis profusion 1/1 or greater with lung crackle was regarded as an event, and subjects without the event were treated as right censored. Results After excluding 12 subjects with history of tuberculosis and occupational history of metal casting and welding, 328 subjects were enrolled for analysis. The mean follow-up year was 25.0 and 8137 person-years were accrued. 17 subjects had fibrosis profusion 1/1 or greater combined with crackles. After adjusting the pack-years of smoking and age, processing nephrite (RR=3.06, p=0.03) and chalcedony (RR=3.42, p=0.03) had higher risk compared with reference group (non-exposure family). Log-rank test found that processing nephrite (p=0.01) and chalcedony (p=0.02) had increased risk. The hazard ratio adjusted for age, sex and pack-year was 3.0 (p=0.04) for processing nephrite and 4.26 (p=0.01) for processing chalcedony. Conclusions Processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals might cause lung fibrosis.
Rueihao Shie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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p012 carcinogenetic effects of processing non Asbestiform tremolite asbestos mineral
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2016Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Shenghsiu Huang, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The cancer risk of elongated mineral particles (EMPs) generated from non-Asbestiform asbestos minerals is unclear. Nephrite is regarded as a non-Asbestiform asbestos mineral. The objective of this study was to determine the cancer risk of nephrite. Methods We examined cancer mortality between 1979 and 2011 in Fengtian, where nephrite was mass-produced from 1970 to 1980 and calculated standardised mortality ratios (SMRs). Results: We observed a significantly elevated mortality risk of cancer of the hypopharynx (SMR 2.31; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.65), larynx (SMR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.83), oesophagus (SMR 2.04; 95% CI: 1.62, 2.54), and stomach (SMR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.63). This study analysed the lengths, widths, structures, chemical compositions, aerodynamic diameters, and distributions of EMPs in airways. The majority of the EMPs (68%) were short ( Conclusion This study provides evidence that short EMPs generated from processing nephrite are carcinogenic, and the fraction deposition of EMPs is associated with the mortality risk of cancer.
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carving of non Asbestiform tremolite and the risk of lung cancer a follow up mortality study in a historical nephrite processing cohort
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The health risks associated with exposure to non-Asbestiform asbestos minerals, including nephrite, are unclear. In 1965 nephrite processing began in the town of Fengtian in Taiwan, and the majority of inhabitants were involved in the industry from 1970 until 1980. The objectives of this study were to examine lung cancer deaths and assess the carcinogenic effects of nephrite carving. Methods We studied mortality due to lung cancer (ICD-9 code 162 for cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung) from 1979 to 2011. We calculated the standardised mortality ratio (SMR) for lung cancer using the age- and sex-specific cancer mortality rates in eastern Taiwan as the standard rates. Air samples, bulk samples and a surface sample were analysed. Results Nephrite is a non-Asbestiform asbestos mineral composed of microcrystalline tremolite. During nephrite processing, in personal air samples the average concentration of elongated mineral particles with the morphological characteristics of asbestos fibres was 1.4 f/cm 3 , with rough grinding generating the highest concentrations (4.7 f/cm 3 ). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the air samples contained intact Asbestiform tremolite fibres. The ambient air samples and the wipe sample indicated paraoccupational contamination. The crude mortality rates for lung cancer were higher in Fengtian than in Taiwan for all age groups and both genders. The SMR for lung cancer was 1.28 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.45). Conclusions Nephrite carving may increase the risk of lung cancer. Appropriate medical monitoring is warranted for workers who are exposed to similar materials.
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pulmonary fibrosis in workers exposed to non Asbestiform tremolite asbestos minerals
Epidemiology, 2013Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Background:Studies of the health effects of non-Asbestiform asbestos minerals remain inconclusive. Nephrite is a type of non-Asbestiform tremolite mineral. We assessed the risk for pulmonary fibrosis in workers who process nephrite.Methods:A cross-sectional study that included 344 stone workers and
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Pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in workers processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals – a retrospective cohort study
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The hazard of inhaling non-Asbestiform elongated mineral particles is still inconclusive. The objective was to assess the risk of lung fibrosis in workers processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals. Methods A retrospective cohort study was designed. A study cohort of 344 stone workers and their family in Hualien was established in 2010. By health examination and questionnaire, we obtained lifetime occupational history, duration and frequency of exposure to 45 common used ores, smoking and medical history. Survival analysis was applied. The follow-up started from the year of beginning their work at stone and ended in the survey of 2010. At the end of follow-up, the development of pulmonary fibrosis profusion 1/1 or greater with lung crackle was regarded as an event, and subjects without the event were treated as right censored. Results After excluding 12 subjects with history of tuberculosis and occupational history of metal casting and welding, 328 subjects were enrolled for analysis. The mean follow-up year was 25.0 and 8137 person-years were accrued. 17 subjects had fibrosis profusion 1/1 or greater combined with crackles. After adjusting the pack-years of smoking and age, processing nephrite (RR=3.06, p=0.03) and chalcedony (RR=3.42, p=0.03) had higher risk compared with reference group (non-exposure family). Log-rank test found that processing nephrite (p=0.01) and chalcedony (p=0.02) had increased risk. The hazard ratio adjusted for age, sex and pack-year was 3.0 (p=0.04) for processing nephrite and 4.26 (p=0.01) for processing chalcedony. Conclusions Processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals might cause lung fibrosis.
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pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in workers processing ores containing quartz and non Asbestiform minerals a retrospective cohort study
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Hsiaoyu Yang, Rueihao Shie, Pauchung ChenAbstract:Objectives The hazard of inhaling non-Asbestiform elongated mineral particles is still inconclusive. The objective was to assess the risk of lung fibrosis in workers processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals. Methods A retrospective cohort study was designed. A study cohort of 344 stone workers and their family in Hualien was established in 2010. By health examination and questionnaire, we obtained lifetime occupational history, duration and frequency of exposure to 45 common used ores, smoking and medical history. Survival analysis was applied. The follow-up started from the year of beginning their work at stone and ended in the survey of 2010. At the end of follow-up, the development of pulmonary fibrosis profusion 1/1 or greater with lung crackle was regarded as an event, and subjects without the event were treated as right censored. Results After excluding 12 subjects with history of tuberculosis and occupational history of metal casting and welding, 328 subjects were enrolled for analysis. The mean follow-up year was 25.0 and 8137 person-years were accrued. 17 subjects had fibrosis profusion 1/1 or greater combined with crackles. After adjusting the pack-years of smoking and age, processing nephrite (RR=3.06, p=0.03) and chalcedony (RR=3.42, p=0.03) had higher risk compared with reference group (non-exposure family). Log-rank test found that processing nephrite (p=0.01) and chalcedony (p=0.02) had increased risk. The hazard ratio adjusted for age, sex and pack-year was 3.0 (p=0.04) for processing nephrite and 4.26 (p=0.01) for processing chalcedony. Conclusions Processing ores containing quartz and non-Asbestiform minerals might cause lung fibrosis.
Bice Fubini - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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POTENTIAL TOXICITY OF NONREGULATED Asbestiform MINERALS: BALANGEROITE FROM THE WESTERN ALPS. PART 1: IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A, 2005Co-Authors: Chiara Groppo, Maura Tomatis, Francesco Turci, Elena Gazzano, Dario Ghigo, Roberto Compagnoni, Bice FubiniAbstract:In the Italian western Alps, asbestos mineralization (both chrysotile and tremolite amphibole) takes place from serpentinites, together with other less common Asbestiform minerals not regulated by the current legislation. In the context of a study on the evaluation of the asbestos risk in this area, the possible role played by the associated Asbestiform minerals in the overall toxicity of the airborne fraction has been examined. The first mineral investigated was balangeroite [(Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+,Mn2+)42Si16O54(OH)36], an iron-rich Asbestiform contaminant of chrysotile from the Balangero mine (Piedmont), which crystallizes as rigid and brittle fibers. In order to prepare a sample in a form appropriate for chemical and cellular tests, the fibers were separated from the rock and comminuted without damage to their crystalline structure and surface state (as confirmed by X-ray diffraction [XRD] and ultraviolet–visible [UV-Vis] spectroscopy). The first properties examined were durability in simulated body fluids (Ga...
Jeffrey H Mandel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Mesothelioma and other lung disease in taconite miners; the uncertain role of non-Asbestiform EMP.
Toxicology and applied pharmacology, 2018Co-Authors: Jeffrey H Mandel, Nnaemeka U. OdoAbstract:Abstract The purpose of this paper was to assess the role of non-Asbestiform amphibole EMPs in the etiology of mesotheliomas and other lung disease in taconite (iron ore) miners. Increased mesothelioma rates have been described in Minnesota taconite workers since the late 1990s. Currently, over 100 cases have been reported by the Minnesota Department of Health within the complete cohort of miners in Minnesota. Geologic sampling has indicated that only the eastern part of the iron range contains non-Asbestiform amphibole elongate mineral particles (EMPs), in close proximity to the ore. This type of EMP has been less studied and also exists in talc and gold mining. A series of investigations into the state's taconite industry have been recently completed. Results from a cohort mortality study indicated an SMR of 2.77 (95% CI = 1.87–3.96) for mesothelioma. In a case-control study, the odds ratio for mesothelioma for high vs. low EMP exposure was 2.25 (5% CI = 1.13–4.5) but EMPs in this study were counted by phase contrast microscopy. Odds ratios were not elevated in mines located in the eastern part of the Mesabi iron range. The overall findings suggest that mesothelioma in taconite miners is related to EMP exposure. Because of the way EMPs were counted, results from these studies cannot allow a firm conclusion about the association between EMP exposure and the reported excess mesothelioma.
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a review of mortality associated with elongate mineral particle emp exposure in occupational epidemiology studies of gold talc and taconite mining
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2016Co-Authors: Jeffrey H Mandel, Bruce H Alexander, Gurumurthy RamachandranAbstract:Background Mining of gold, taconite, and talc may involve exposure to elongate mineral particles (EMP). The involved EMPs are typically non-Asbestiform, include dimensions that regulatory definitions exclude, and have been less studied. Methods A review of the literature was undertaken for this exposure and occupational epidemiological studies that occur in gold, talc, and taconite mining. Results Quantitative EMP exposure information in these industries is incomplete. However, there are consistent findings of pneumoconiosis in each of these types of mining. A recent case-control study suggests a possible association between this exposure and mesothelioma. Lung cancer is inconsistently reported in these industries and is an unlikely outcome of non-Asbestiform EMP exposure. There is evidence of cardiovascular mortality excess across all of these types of mining. Conclusions Non-malignant respiratory disease and cardiovascular mortality have been consistently increased in these industries. Further investigation, including additional insights for the role of non-Asbestiform EMP, is warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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increased lung cancer mortality in taconite mining the potential for disease from elongate mineral particle exposure
Chemical Research in Toxicology, 2016Co-Authors: Jeffrey H Mandel, Gurumurthy Ramachandran, Bruce H AlexanderAbstract:Taconite mining involves potential exposure to non-Asbestiform amphibole mineral fiber. More recent studies have demonstrated increased mortality from respiratory cancers and heart disease among workers in the taconite industry. This finding is not consistent with recent exposure assessment findings, nor is the toxicology of this mineral suggestive of neoplastic disease. The understanding of respiratory disease in taconite mining is hampered by the lack of exposure data to Asbestiform mineral fibers that occurred in the 1950s and 1960s. Other industries with similar mineral exposure have not demonstrated definitive associations with respiratory cancer, although non-malignant respiratory disease is a consistent finding in epidemiological studies.
