Search

Reviewing medical and epidemiological reports, no definite clinical picture could be expected as a result of a low DMF exposure and experimental research on long term toxicity has always demonstrated some adverse effects but has not been sufficient to define a no-effect level in animals. This study was designed to assess the specificity of symptoms and the relevance of adverse effects as consequence of an exposure to airborne DMF concentration in the range of the present TLV (30 mg/m3 - 10 ppm). For this purpose 100 DMF-exposed workers, with homogeneous characteristics, were compared with 100 matched controls. Both groups were selected by a careful pair-matching. Mean DMF exposure was 22 mg/m3 (range 8-58 mg/m3). Exposed subjects and their matched controls were evaluated clinically and a questionnaire was used for the registration and the comparison of subjective complaints. A laboratory assessment was performed, including transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Statistical analysis was based on McNemar Test procedure. The problem of dietary alcohol intake was particularly investigated. Among symptoms studied, headache, dyspepsia and digestive impairment of hepatic type could be specifically associated with chronic DMF exposure and increased levels of gamma-GT demonstrated minimal hepato-cellular damage, even without ethanol dietary intake. No chronic sickness was diagnosed and the disturbances observed are better considered as indicators of malaise and discomfort due to a toxic effect of DMF, whose consequences are discussed.

The effects produced as a consequence of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident in the population of Como are assessed on the basis of the measurements taken in the environment and on the food. Exposure measurements produced by external radiation and the activities of the different radionuclides introduced into the body, by ingestion and inhalation, made it possible to obtain an estimate of the dose equivalent and its somatic and genetic effects on the population. The results show that such effects may produce 0.5-2 cases of malignant tumour in the next 25 years and 0.2-1 case of genetic damage in the next 60 years and are therefore statistically insignificant.

Summary A study was performed on twenty-five workers exposed to polyurethane varnishes exclusively catalysed with TDI, who developed asthma to this substance. The aim of the study was to establish, using bronchial provocation tests, whether a cross-response to MDI exists. The results were positive but no definitive evidence has been reached because there was cross-response in only 48% of cases. It is interesting, however, that cross-responders did not predominate among the subjects with a late reaction to TDI (P= 0.0038), whereas cross-responders were in the majority among the subjects with a dual reaction to TDI (P= 0.0334). It is possible that the pattern of the asthmatic reaction to BPT with TDI influences the cross-reaction to other isocyanates.

The authors report the results of a multicentric experience based on 1200 urograms performed with nonionic contrast medium. The global diagnostic reliability is evaluated, together with the specific reliability for kidneys, ureters, and bladder, according to the various pathologies. The eventual need of radiographs of completion is showed. In searching for an optimization of the technique for nonionic contrast medium, a panoramic radiograph performed 10' after the end of the injection is pointed out as the key-moment of the test, being extremely rich in information, so as to help defining the most appropriate technique to continue the examination. For its excellent tolerability and high reliability, the nonionic contrast medium is recommended also in routine IVP, not only in risk patients.