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Background: Occupational exposure to irritants is associated with chronic bronchitis. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether repeated peak exposures with respiratory symptoms, gassings, to sulphur dioxide (SO2) and other irritant gases could increase the risk of chronic bronchitis.Methods: The study population comprised 3,060 Swedish pulp mill workers (84% males) from a cohort study, who completed a comprehensive questionnaire with items on chronic bronchitis symptoms, smoking habit, occupational history, and specific exposures, including gassings. 2,037 have worked in sulphite mills. Incidence rates and hazard ratios (HRs) for the observation period, 1970-2000, in relation to exposure and the frequency of repeated gassings to SO2 and other irritant gases were calculated.Results: The incidence rate for chronic bronchitis among workers with repeated gassings was 3.5/1,000 person-years compared with 1.5/1,000 person-years among unexposed workers (HR 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-3.1). The risk was even higher in the subgroup with frequent gassings (HR 3.2, 95% CI 2.0-5.2), particularly among never-smokers (HR 8.7, 95% CI 3.5-22).Conclusions: Repeated gassings to irritant gases increased the incidence of chronic bronchitis in our study population during and after work in pulp mills, supporting the hypothesis that occupational exposures to irritants negatively affect the airways. These results underscore the importance of preventive actions in this work environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the theory of a paperless workplace and its possible implementation in Extension, based on the advantages and disadvantages involved. Despite decades of discussion, many organizations, including Extension, have still failed to fully implement a paperless system. Paper is an integral part of our work; however, with budgetary cutbacks and the "going green" move, we need to reevaluate our dependency on hard copy documents. Consider the benefits of a paperless workplace and impacts of implementation for Extension and the community we serve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4 workers developed hand dermatitis in an automated starch modification process plant, 2,3-epoxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (EPTMAC), a quaternary ammonium compound used as a cationizing chemical, produced allergic reactions an all 4 patients, They had only been in contact with EPTMAC for a short time before developing dermatitis, which indicates that EPTMAC is a strong sensitizer. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy showed the feature of an allergic patch test. An industrial hygiene project was initiated at the factory to prevent new cases. It revealed many risks of skin contact with the process chemicals. Thus an automated process does not guarantee protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]