Trace metal content in deep-water sharks from the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Trace metals were analyzed in the muscle and other organs from several species of deep-water sharks (particularly Centrophorus granulosus and Galeus melastomus) from 1280 to 1500 m depth in the eastern Mediterranean between 1985 and 1991. As has been shown with other pelagic fish, there was a significant correlation between specimen size and the mercury concentration in the muscle as well as in the liver and kidneys. For a given size, the level of mercury in sharks from the eastern Mediterranean was considerably higher compared with the same species caught off the west coast of Italy. There was no significant correlation between the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe in the muscle (or other organs) and body size. The overall trace metal content was considerably higher in the specimens from the eastern Mediterranean compared with the same species from the N. E. Atlantic. It is suggested that these higher-than-expected trace metal levels might be due to a relatively high trace metal content in the waters of the region or to the unusual physiology of these fish, possibly related to the extreme oligotrophic conditions in the area.     

Work-related deaths in Washington State, 1998-2002

INTRODUCTION: In Washington State, 87 workers are killed each year, on average, while in work status. To understand these incidents and to assist in focusing on and development of potential prevention measures, they must be well characterized. METHODS: Work-related fatalities between the years 1998 and 2002 are described by the demographics of the victims, types of incidents, the victims' occupations, and industries and location in which they worked. RESULTS: Motor vehicle- and machinery-related incidents accounted for nearly 33% and 14% of the incidents, respectively. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining (n=87), and construction (n=83) had the most fatalities. Fatality rates per 100,000 workers for these industries were 25.7 and 8.7, respectively, compared to the state-wide average of 3.1 fatalities/100,000 workers. DISCUSSION: These data indicate numerous areas for prevention of work-related traumatic injuries and fatalities.     

Observations on the suitability of the aethalometer for vehicular and workplace monitoring

A field study was undertaken to evaluate the suitability of the aethalometer, an instrument capable of performing near-real-time measurement of low-level (10-1,000 ng/m3) airborne combustion products, for vehicular and workplace monitoring. Several technical limitations were identified: (1) there was no ready means for external calibration of optical measurements; (2) airflow rates were unstable; (3) effective range of concentrations was limited; and (4) the aethalometer demonstrated sensitivity to movement and vibration. Unless addressed, these limitations will restrict future uses of the aethalometer for vehicular and workplace monitoring.     

Technology use and psychosocial factors in the self-reporting of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms in call center workers

PROBLEM: Evidence exists to suggest that working with computer terminals and keyboards is associated with the development and exacerbation of a range of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Research has suggested that psychosocial factors may be of more importance than computer use factors in the development of MSDs in the computing workplace. METHOD: A questionnaire-based study was undertaken to test this hypothesis in a sample of 67 call center workers. A Spearman's rho was performed on the data, as well as chi(2) tests on the individual variables. RESULTS: It was found that overall, computer use factors were significantly associated with self-reporting of MSD symptoms, whereas psychosocial factors had no such association. However, certain individual psychosocial factors emerged as having a significant association with MSD symptoms. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that specific areas of call center work have associations with poor worker health and possible long-term MSD problems. These areas appear to be workload and particular management-worker relations, rather than computer use. SUMMARY: This suggests that the relationship among computer use, psychosocial factors, and MSD is a complex area that would benefit from more research. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: This study raises issues about the importance of psychosocial and organizational factors and employee welfare in the call center working environment.