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MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE OF CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB INVESTIGATORS

Authors :
Burgess, JL
Kovalchick, DF
Siegel, EM
McCurdy, SA
Source :
Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology. August, 2000, Vol. 38 Issue 5, 505
Publication Year :
2000

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate risk factors for longitudinal changes in medical surveillance data in law enforcement officers investigating clandestine drug laboratories. Methods: Lab investigators with initial training and at least one annual update and two medical surveillance examinations were eligible for the study. Participants completed a questionnaire evaluating occupational and personal health history. Medical surveillance examinations and administrative records were reviewed. Longitudinal analysis using a first-order random effects model (REM), which is similar to multiple regression, was implemented to identify risk factors for longitudinal changes in pulmonary function ([FEV.sub.1]), and laboratory tests (ALT, AST, hemoglobin, platelets, and WBC). Results: Forty-two (48%) of 88 eligible subjects participated in the study. Participants had an average of 3.8 medical evaluations for the period 1991 to 1998. Average annual decline in [FEV.sub.1] was 0.11 mL/y (range 0.007-0.670). There were no associations between longitudinal changes in [FEV.sub.1], duration of exposure, and extent of respiratory protection used. For ALT, body mass index (coef. 1.38, p = 0.006), minutes spent in level B protection during entry (coef. 0.16, p = 0.008), and minutes spent in level D protection during entry (coef. -0.04, p = 0.017), but not alcohol use, were significant risk factors. For AST age (coef. -0.43, p = 0.023) and minutes spent in level D protection during entry (coef. -0.03, p = 0.024) were significant risk factors. No significant association was found between changes in hematologic parameters and measures of occupational exposure. Conclusions: No association was found between indices of exposure to methamphetamine labs and longitudinal changes in [FEV.sub.1]. Contrary to expectations, ALT and AST decreased with longer periods of unprotected exposure during lab entry.<br />Burgess JL, Kovalchick DF, Siegel EM, McCurdy SA. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; University of Washington, Seattle, WA; University of California, Davis, [...]

Details

ISSN :
07313810
Volume :
38
Issue :
5
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
edsgcl.65484857