James Dahlgren

Cluster of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with an oil field waste site: a cross sectional study

BackgroundThis is a community comparison study that examines persons living in a subdivision exposed to petroleum products and mercury.MethodsWe compared their health status and questionnaire responses to those living in another community with no known exposures of this type.ResultsPristane house dust among the exposed homes was higher than in the comparison communities. The exposed subdivision has higher ambient air mercury levels compared to the control community. The prevalence of rheumatic diseases (OR = 10.78; CI = 4.14, 28.12) and lupus (OR = 19.33; CI = 1.96, 190.72) was greater in the exposed population compared to the unexposed. A higher prevalence of neurological symptoms, respiratory symptoms and several cardiovascular problems including stroke (OR = 15.41; CI = 0.78, 304.68) and angina (OR = 5.72; CI = 1.68, 19.43) was seen.ConclusionThere were statistically significant differences in B cells, Natural Killer Cells, gamma glutamyl transferase, globulin and serum calcium levels between control and exposed subjects.

Health effects on nearby residents of a wood treatment plant

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the health status of nearby residents of a wood treatment plant who had sustained prolonged low-level environmental exposure to wood processing waste chemicals. METHODS A population of 1269 exposed residents who were plaintiffs or potential plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the wood treatment plant were evaluated by questionnaire for a health history and symptoms. A representative sample of 214 exposed subjects was included in the analysis. One hundred thirty-nine controls were selected from 479 unexposed volunteers and matched to the exposed subjects as closely as possible by gender and age. Subjects and controls completed additional questionnaires and were evaluated by a physician for medical history and physical examination, blood and urine testing, neurophysiological and neuropsychological studies, and respiratory testing. Environmental sampling for wood processing waste chemicals was carried out on soil and drainage ditch sediment in the exposed neighborhood. RESULTS The exposed subjects had significantly more cancer, respiratory, skin, and neurological health problems than the controls. The subjective responses on questionnaires and by physician histories revealed that the residents had a significantly greater prevalence of mucous membrane irritation, and skin and neurological symptoms, as well as cancer. (Exposed versus unexposed, cancer 10.0% versus 2.08%, bronchitis 17.8% versus 5.8%, and asthma by history 40.5% versus 11.0%) There were significantly more neurophysiologic abnormalities in adults of reaction time, trails A and B, and visual field defects. CONCLUSIONS Adverse health effects were significantly more prevalent in long-term residents near a wood treatment plant than in controls. The results of this study suggest that plant emissions from wood treatment facilities should be reduced.

Self-Reported Health Effects among Community Residents Exposed to Perfluorooctanoate

Serious health effects due to perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) exposure are suspected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of nearby residents, with prolonged exposure to PFOA in their drinking water. A population of 566 white residents who were plaintiffs or potential plaintiffs in a lawsuit was evaluated by questionnaire for health history and symptoms. Standardized Prevalence Ratios were estimated using National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) data files for comparison rates. The exposed subjects reported statistically significant greater prevalence of angina, myocardial infarction, and stroke (SPR = 8.07, 95% C.I. = 6.54 − 9.95; SPR = 1.91, 95% C.I. = 1.40 − 2.62, and SPR = 2.17, 95% C.I. = 1.47 − 3.21, respectively), chronic bronchitis, shortness of breath on stairs, asthma (SPR = 3.60, 95% C.I. = 2.92 − 4.44; SPR = 2.05, 95% C.I. = 1.70 − 2.46; SPR = 1.82, 95% C.I. = 1.47 − 2.25, respectively), and other serious health problems. The increased prevalence of adverse health effects may be due to PFOA. Further study is needed.