Risk of beryllium sensitization in a low‐exposed former nuclear weapons cohort from the cold war era

Mikulski, Marek A.; Leonard, Stephanie A.; Sanderson, Wayne T.; Hartley, Patrick G.; Sprince, Nancy L.; Fuortes, Laurence J.

doi:10.1002/ajim.20913

Cited by 15 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 42 publications

(60 reference statements)

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“…The study population was an elderly group of former weapons assembly and research and development workers who, for the most part, based on the qualitative IH assessment were not heavily exposed to beryllium, asbestos, or silica. 17,27 The etiology of observed fibrotic changes is likely to represent a mix of age and undetermined exposures. These findings confirm ILO system as a valid tool in the detection of clinically relevant pulmonary abnormalities resulting from exposures at work.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Lower limit of normal based spirometric abnormalities associated with radiographic abnormality in an elderly cohort at low risk for exposure

Mikulski

Gerke

Newell

et al. 2016

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Background: Although the relation between radiographic abnormalities and spirometric impairment in people with asbestosis has been studied extensively, the extent of spirometric impairment associated with milder radiographic abnormalities is not established. Objective: To test associations between mild radiographic abnormalities and Lower Limit of Normal (LLN)-based spirometry interpretation. Methods: Spirometry and CXRs were collected for 1,026 at low risk of exposure to pneumoconiotic agents participants in a medical screening program. Results: Individuals with each type of isolated or combined International Labour Organization (ILO) abnormalities had up to over sixfold statistically significant increase in odds of LLN-based restrictive pattern physiology (OR = 1.96, 95%CI 1.03-3.73 for parenchymal to OR = 6.09, 95%CI 1.94-19.10 for parenchymal and pleural) compared to those with normal films. Conclusions: The findings from this study confirm the association of mild profusion abnormalities with clinically relevant, LLN-based lung function abnormalities.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…17 Former nuclear weapons' workers from an assembly plant and a federal research laboratory were invited for spirometry, posteroanterior chest X-ray, and non-fasting blood panels. Testing was offered on a three-to-five-year basis with most recent results used for analysis.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lower limit of normal based spirometric abnormalities associated with radiographic abnormality in an elderly cohort at low risk for exposure

Mikulski

Gerke

Newell

et al. 2016

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health

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“…Mikulski and colleagues examined both Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DOD) workers employed at a nuclear weapons facility where exposure largely occurred through machining and grinding of 1–2% beryllium copper-beryllium alloy tools [23,24]‥ Although only 6% of the DOE workers were considered to have higher exposure, 2.3% of them had BeS, (OR=4.58 compared to lowest exposure workers). Among the DOD workers, prevalence of BeS was 1.5%.…”

Section: Review Of Lpt Uses To Assess Biologic Responses To Various Amentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of lymphocyte proliferation tests in assessing occupational sensitization and disease

Hines

Pacheco

Maier

2012

Current Opinion in Allergy &Amp; Clinical Immunology

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Purpose of Review Lymphocyte proliferation testing (LPT) is used in diagnosing occupationally-acquired delayed-type hypersensitivity. It has been used in beryllium-health effects, and it role is expanding in metal allergy. It may find application in diagnosis of other sensitizers. Recent findings Use of the beryllium LPT (BeLPT) in medical surveillance identifies beryllium sensitization at low exposure with chronic beryllium disease (CBD) that leads to physiologic impairment and need for immunosuppressive medications. New studies indicate that both beryllium exposure and genetic variation are associated with increased risk of CBD. Borderline positive BeLPTs warrant inclusion into diagnostic algorithms. Furthermore, use of LPTs to diagnose metal allergy is being proposed in diagnosis of chromium allergy and hypersensitivity to surgical implants. New occupational sensitizers continue to be identified including metalworking fluids, the sterilizing agent ortho-phthalaldehyde and the solvent parachlorobenzotrifluoride. Use of LPT in occupational surveillance to these agents, and other known sensitizers may play expanding roles. Summary Lymphocyte proliferation testing serves a valuable role in diagnosing occupational sensitization, as demonstrated with beryllium-health effects, as cases continue to be found at low exposure levels. The use of LPTs in diagnosing contact allergy is expanding, and new applications may be identified in human and animal studies.

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“…In 1958, the first nuclear weapon component: the plutonium pit, “the core of a nuclear weapon” [Vickers and Wehring, 1999] containing “the fissile material that begins the fission chain reaction” [NIOSH, 2006a], was brought to the plant [NIOSH, 2004]. Manufacture of these nuclear weapons was originally shared with a sister plant, located in Iowa; however, following the closure of this plant in 1975 [Norris and Arkin, 1992; Mikulski et al, 2011], all production moved to the Texas facility. Since then it has been the only facility in the US to assemble and disassemble nuclear weapons [Vickers, 2011].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hypothyroidism among former workers of a nuclear weapons facility

et al. 2011

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Risk of beryllium sensitization in a low‐exposed former nuclear weapons cohort from the cold war era

Abstract: These results confirm the need to screen workers using beryllium alloy tools in other industries and for consideration of altering work practices.

Cited by 15 publications

References 42 publications

Lower limit of normal based spirometric abnormalities associated with radiographic abnormality in an elderly cohort at low risk for exposure

Lower limit of normal based spirometric abnormalities associated with radiographic abnormality in an elderly cohort at low risk for exposure

The role of lymphocyte proliferation tests in assessing occupational sensitization and disease

Hypothyroidism among former workers of a nuclear weapons facility

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