Gregory A. Burr

Epidemiologic investigations of bioterrorism-related anthrax, New Jersey, 2001.

At least four Bacillus anthracis–containing envelopes destined for New York City and Washington, D.C., were processed at the Trenton Processing and Distribution Center (PDC) on September 18 and October 9, 2001. When cutaneous anthrax was confirmed in a Trenton postal worker, the PDC was closed. Four cutaneous and two inhalational anthrax cases were identified. Five patients were hospitalized; none died. Four were PDC employees; the others handled or received mail processed there. Onset dates occurred in two clusters following envelope processing at the PDC. The attack rate among the 170 employees present when the B. anthracis–containing letters were sorted on October 9 was 1.2%. Of 137 PDC environmental samples, 57 (42%) were positive. Five (10%) of 50 local post offices each yielded one positive sample. Cutaneous or inhalational anthrax developed in four postal employees at a facility where B. anthracis–containing letters were processed. Cross-contaminated mail or equipment was the likely source of infection in two other case-patients with cutaneous anthrax.

LEAD EXPOSURE FROM CONVENTIONAL AND COTTAGE LEAD SMELTING IN JAMAICA

A survey was conducted to determine the distribution and determinants of environmental and blood lead levels near a conventional and several cottage lead smelters and to assess the relationship between environmental and blood lead levels in a tropical, developing-country setting. Fifty-eight households were studied in the Red Pond community, the site of the established smelter and several backyard smelters, and 21 households were studied in the adjacent, upwind Ebony Vale community in Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica. Households were investigated, using questionnaires, soil and housedust lead measurements, and blood lead (PbB) measurements from 372 residents. Soil lead levels in Red Pond exceeded 500 parts per million (ppm) at 24% of households (maximum-18,600 ppm), compared to 0% in Ebony Vale (maximum 150 ppm). Geometric mean PbB in Red Pond, where 44% of children <6 years of age had PbB levels ≥ 25 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL), was more than twice that Ebony Vale in all age groups (p < 0.0005). Within Red Pond, proximity to backyard smelters and to the conventional smelter were independent predictors of soil lead (p < 0.05). Soil lead was the strongest predictor of PbB among Red Pond subjects under 12 years of age. The blood lead-soil lead relationship in children differed from that reported in developed countries; blood lead levels were higher than expected for the household-specific soil lead levels that were observed. These data indicate that cottage lead smelters, like conventional ones, are a hazard for nearby residents and that children exposed to lead contamination in tropical, developing countries may be at higher risk for developing elevated blood lead levels than similarly-exposed children in developed countries.

Responding to a Bioterrorist Attack: Environmental Investigation of Anthrax in New Jersey

A bioterrorism attack using the United States postal system to deliver a hazardous biological agent to specific targets created multiple environmental and occupational exposure risks along the path of the anthrax-containing letters. On October 18, 2001, a suspected case of cutaneous anthrax was confirmed in a postal worker from the Trenton Processing and Distribution Center where at least four suspect letters were postmarked. Over the next three weeks, a team of investigators collected samples at 57 workplaces in New Jersey as part of a comprehensive environmental investigation to assess anthrax contamination as a result of this bioterrorist attack. A total of 1369 samples were collected with positive sample results found in two mail processing and distribution centers, six municipal post offices, and one private company. This large-scale epidemiological and public health investigation conducted by state and federal agencies included environmental evaluations utilizing general industrial hygiene principles. Issues of sampling strategy, methods, agency cooperation and communication, and site assessment coordination are discussed.

Coccidioides Exposure and Coccidioidomycosis among Prison Employees, California, United States

Responding to a request by corrections agency management, we investigated coccidioidomycosis in prison employees in central California, a coccidioidomycosis-endemic area. We identified 103 cases of coccidioidomycosis that occurred over 4.5 years. As a result, we recommended training and other steps to reduce dust exposure among employees and thus potential exposure to Coccidioides.

Relationship Between Soil Lead Levels and Blood Lead Levels Among Children Living Near a Lead Smelter in Jamaica

AbstractA survey was conducted to determine the distribution and determinants of environmental and blood lead levels near a conventional and several cottage lead smelters and to assess the relationship between environmental and blood lead levels in a tropical, developing-country setting. Fifty-eight households were studied in the Red Pond community, the site of the established smelter and several backyard smelters, and 21 households were studied in the adjacent, upwind Ebony Vale community in Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica. Elevated levels of lead in soil and housedust and elevated blood lead levels in children were largely confined to the Red Pond community. In that community, soil lead was the strongest predictor of PbB among Red Pond subjects under 12 years of age. The blood lead—soil lead relationship in children differed from that reported in developed countries; blood lead levels were higher than expected for the household- specific soil lead levels that were observed.

Evaluating optical hazards from plasma arc cutting

ABSTRACT The Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health evaluated a steel building materials manufacturer. The employer requested the evaluation because of concerns about optical radiation hazards from a plasma arc cutting system and the need to clarify eye protection requirements for plasma operators, other employees, and visitors. The strength of the ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation (light), and infrared radiation generated by the plasma arc cutter was measured at various distances from the source and at different operating amperages. Investigators also observed employees performing the plasma arc cutting. Optical radiation above safe levels for the unprotected eyes in the ultraviolet-C, ultraviolet-B, and visible light ranges were found during plasma arc cutting. In contrast, infrared and ultraviolet-A radiation levels during plasma arc cutting were similar to background levels. The highest non-ionizing radiation exposures occurred when no welding curtains were used. A plasma arc welding curtain in place did not eliminate optical radiation hazards to the plasma arc operator or to nearby employees. In most instances, the measured intensities for visible light, UV-C, and UV-B resulted in welding shade lens numbers that were lower than those stipulated in the OSHA Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy table in 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5).[1] Investigators recommended using a welding curtain that enclosed the plasma arc, posting optical radiation warning signs in the plasma arc cutter area, installing audible or visual warning cues when the plasma arc cutter was operating, and using welding shades that covered the plasma arc cutter operators face to protect skin from ultraviolet radiation hazards.

Case Studies: Lead Exposure during Custodial Activities

Abstract Summary: In August 1994 a university in Maryland was selected by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for the evaluation of potential lead exposure during custodial operations, including painting, carpentry, housekeeping, plumbing, and general maintenance. Airborne lead concentrations among 16 university workers surveyed in October 1994 ranged up to 36 μg/m3, expressed as time-weighted averages (TWAs) over the period sampled [23 of 52 air samples collected (44%) had no detectable (ND) lead]. The two highest short-term exposures were during power belt sanding of a painted wooden door (36 μg/m3) and heating lead in an open ladle during a plumbing repair (26 μg/m3). Lead concentrations from four of the five personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples collected on housekeepers performing tasks such as emptying trash receptacles, sweeping floors, and vacuuming carpets were ND (the remaining air concentration was 0.34 μg/m3). All of the PBZ results were below the Occupational...