Traces of toxaphene components in Swedish breast milk analysed by capillary GC using ECD,electron impact and negative ion chemical ionization MS

Organochlorine compounds related to the insecticide Toxaphene were detected in two large, pooled samples of Swedish human milk collected from mothers living in Uppsala and Stockholm respectively. An analytical procedure was developed to isolate the traces of the polychlorinated terpenes of interest from the large quantity of interfering milk fat. The concentrations of this complex were difficult to estimate using ECD, but possible by negative ion chemical ionization MS. A polychlorinated terpene level of 0.1 mg/kg, on a milk fat basis, was found in the sample of breast milk collected from mothers living in Uppsala.     

Chlorinated terpenes and chlordane components found in fish,guillemot and seal from Swedish waters

Fish samples from the Baltic, the North Sea and lake Vättern have been found to be contaminated with chlorinated terpenes. These compounds were also present in seal and guillemot from the Baltic at the same concentration - about 10 mg per kg fat - as in their prey, the herring. Chlordane-related compounds were also found in all samples. The most common substances were trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane, but differences could be observed between species. These organochlorine pesticides are not used in Sweden and the probable explanation for their presence in a Swedish lake is air transportation.     

Computer Usage With Cold Hands; An Experiment With Pointing Devices

Computers are used in the outdoors and in connection with cold store work. Cold hand and fingers limit data input, as studied here. Six input devices; trackballs, pens, and a mouse were tested by 19 participants in a Fitts’ target acquisition task with 2 target sizes under 2 experimental conditions; warm and cold right hand. Measures were acquisition times, number of errors, participant’s preferences, and observed handling of the devices. Effects of device, target size, and cold were significant. Learning and attempts to improve handgrip were confirmed. Large enough targets, a thick pen, and a mouse make computer work practicable in the cold. Direct visual feedback, as with pen on template with target images, shortened acquisition times by half a second.     

“Hypersensitivity to Electricity” in the Office; Symptoms and Improvement

Nineteen persons “hypersensitive” to electricity and 20 nonafflicted persons were studied for 1 ½ years. The most discernible hypersensitivity symptoms were pricking sensations and redness in the face, but these symptoms were present in only half of the afflicted. Other symptoms were similar to symptoms experienced during office work and this study does not support the idea that electrosensitivity is one single syndrome. The “hypersensitive” persons improved significantly, mainly on neuropsychiatric symptoms, but the skin problems sustained— as did the belief about their cause. The afflicted persons used less conventional medication than the group of the nonafflicted, which suggests a general tendency for attribution to environmental factors.     

Polybrominated aromatic pollutants found in fish in Sweden

Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBBEs) have been found in fish caught in Swedish waters. The maximum level detected in muscular tissue was 0.15 mg/kg (27 mg/kg fat) in a pike (Esox lucius) caught in the south-west part of the country. The liver of the same specimen contained 22 mg PBBEs/kg (110 mg PBBEs/kg fat).