Male Painters Research Articles

DNA damage assessment in the lymphocytes of construction painters by comet assay.

Exposure to chemicals is inevitable for certain occupational groups, particularly in industrial countries. Some cytogenetic tests such as comet assay are effectively utilized to screen genotoxic effects of these chemicals in humans. The purpose of this study has been to assess the DNA damage in construction painters' lymphocytes using the comet assay. Fourteen male construction painters with 1 year of required work experience were randomly selected from the list of Painter Union in Gonabad city, Iran. In addition, 14 healthy male non-painters were randomly selected as controls. The DNA damage degree was determined using a fluorescence microscope and CometScore software. The obtained data were analyzed employing independent t-test using SPSS software v. 14 at the significant level of p < 0.05. All participants were non-smokers and non-alcoholics. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age, weight, height, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The DNA damage in the painter group was significantly greater than that of the control group. Tail length (µm) was 12.63 ± 6.54 versus 2.90 ± 0.84, tail DNA (%) was 4.33 ± 1.84 versus 1.29 ± 0.43, and tail moment (µm) was 1.85 ± 0.98 versus 0.14 ± 0.20 in painter and control groups ( p < 0.001), respectively. The chemicals used in oil paint may increase the DNA damage in painter blood lymphocytes.

Exposure–response relationships between movements and postures of the wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome among male and female house painters: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesTo investigate exposure–response relationships between measured movements and postures of the wrist and the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and any modifications by sex.MethodsIn 2011, we established a historical...

SOFONISBA ANGUISSOLA'S "PONCE PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG MAN"

Previous articleNext article No AccessSOFONISBA ANGUISSOLA'S "PONCE PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG MAN"Liana De Girolami CheneyLiana De Girolami Cheney Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Source Volume 34, Number 4Summer 2015 Sponsored by the Bard Graduate Center, New York Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/686285 Views: 143Total views on this site © 2015 by Ars Brevis Foundation Inc.PDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.

Gene-specific promoter methylation is associated with micronuclei frequency in urothelial cells from individuals exposed to organic solvents and paints.

Sufficient epidemiologic evidence has established an etiologic link between bladder cancer risk and occupational exposure as a painter to organic solvents. Currently, it remains to be established whether gene-specific promoter methylation contributes to bladder cancer development, including by enhancing chromosome breakage or loss. We investigated the effect of chronic exposure to organic solvents and paints on DNA methylation profiles in the promoter regions of four genes (GSTP1, p16(INK4a), APC and CDH1) and micronucleus (MN) frequency in exfoliated urothelial cells from voided urine from Colombian male non-smoking car painters and age-matched unexposed individuals. The exposed group had a higher percentage of individuals with >2 MNs/2000 cells compared with the unexposed group (P=0.04). Gene-specific analysis showed a significantly higher percentage of individuals with methylated GSTP1, p16(INK4a) and APC in the exposed group. Poisson regression analysis indicated that exposed individuals with methylated GSTP1 and p16(INK4a) promoters were more than twofold more likely to have an increase in MN frequency as compared with the reference. Finally, among exposed individuals with GSTP1 and p16(INK4a) methylated promoters, those with a greater age had a higher RR of increased MN frequency compared with younger exposed individuals with methylated promoters. These results support the conclusion that gene-specific promoter methylation may increase MN frequency in a dependent or independent interaction with occupational exposure to organic solvents.

Organic Solvent Exposure: Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity, and Haematotoxicity Assessment amongst Vehicle Spray Painters in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Exposure to different organic solvents have been reported to cause adverse effects on the functional integrity of different tissues in the biological systems.Vehicle spray painters are a group of artisan that could be occupationally exposed to health risk due to the constituents of materials used in spray painting, hence this study was designed to examine the effects of exposure to these solvents on liver, kidney and bone marrow function in this artisan in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 75 Nigerian male vehicle spray painters with age range 28 – 59 years (X 47.5) were recruited for the study. They were classified into 5 groups based on duration of exposure with 15 in each group. Another group of 15 people of different professions of the same age and gender who were not exposed were recruited as control. Blood samples were collected, liver, kidney and bone marrow function parameters were determined using standard techniques. RESULT: Values obtained for total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were significantly higher (P 0.05) in all other liver function parameters between the exposed painter and non-exposed control. Kidney function profiles showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the exposed painters and non-exposed control. Haematological profiles revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) in packed cell volume (PCV) between the exposed painters and non-exposed control, total white blood cell count (WBC) was significantly lower(P<0.05) in exposed painters than in non-exposed control. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the findings of this study neither reveal hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity nor haematotoxicity. Although we observed slight elevations and slight decrease in some of the liver function profiles and WBC respectively among the exposed painters when compared to non-exposed control, the values were within the reference range. Since these painters are constantly exposed to organic solvents from paints and because of adverse effects it may cause on their health without knowing when it may happen, it is important they do period medical check-up.

Feminists and Formalists

‘Abstracts come in from the cold’, announced an Auckland Star headline on 9 April 1974. The article was about the Petar/James Gallery, a dealer gallery established two years previously by an ambiti...

Sex differences in muscular load among house painters performing identical work tasks.

The present study aimed to estimate possible differences in upper body muscular load between male and female house painters performing identical work tasks. Sex-related differences in muscular load may help explain why women, in general, have more musculoskeletal complaints than men. In a laboratory setting, 16 male and 16 female house painters performed nine standardised work tasks common to house painters. Unilateral electromyography (EMG) recordings were obtained from the supraspinatus muscle by intramuscular electrodes and from the trapezius, extensor and flexor carpi radialis muscles by surface electrodes. Relative muscular loads in %EMGmax as well as exerted force in Newton, based on ramp calibrations, were assessed. Sex differences were tested using a mixed model approach. Women worked at about 50% higher relative muscular loads than men in the supraspinatus and forearm muscles at all percentiles and in all tasks. Women exerted about 30% less force in the trapezius muscle at the 50th percentile. Female house painters had a higher relative muscular load than their male colleagues without exerting more force. The effects of a higher relative muscular load accumulated over years of work may in part explain why musculoskeletal complaints in the upper body occur more frequently among women than men.

293 Sex differences in muscular load among house painters performing identical work tasks

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to estimate possible differences in upper body muscular load between male and female house painters performing identical work tasks. Sex-related differences in muscular...

Occupation and mortality related to alcohol, drugs and sexual habits

To identify opportunities for targeted prevention, we explored differences in occupational mortality from diseases and injuries related to alcohol consumption, sexual habits and drug abuse. Using data on all deaths among men and women aged 16-74 years in England and Wales during 1991-2000, we derived age- and social class-standardized proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) by occupation for cause of death categories defined a priori as potentially related to alcohol consumption, sexual habits or drug abuse. The highest mortality from alcohol-related diseases and injuries was observed in publicans and bar staff (both sexes) and in male caterers, cooks and kitchen porters and seafarers. Male seafarers had significantly elevated PMRs for cirrhosis (179), 'other alcohol-related diseases' (275), cancers of the liver (155), oral cavity (275) and pharynx (267) and injury by fall on the stairs (187). PMRs for human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were particularly high in tailors and dressmakers (918, 95% CI: 369-1890, in men; 804, 95% CI: 219-2060, in women) and male hairdressers (918, 95% CI: 717-1160). Most jobs with high mortality from HIV/AIDS also had more deaths than expected from viral hepatitis. Of seven jobs with significantly high PMRs for both drug dependence and accidental poisoning by drugs, four were in the construction industry (male painters and decorators, bricklayers and masons, plasterers, and roofers and glaziers). Our findings highlight major differences between occupations in mortality from diseases and injuries caused by alcohol, sexual habits and drug abuse. Priorities for preventive action include alcohol-related disorders in male seafarers and drug abuse in construction workers.

Elevated blood lead levels and cytogenetic markers in buccal epithelial cells of painters in India

Lead, a major contaminant, is highly used in paint manufacturing due to its anticorrosive properties. Recent reports indicated high lead content among Indian paints used for commercial purposes. Painters are continuously exposed to these lead containing paints during painting of both commercial as well as residential buildings. Lead is well-known for its genotoxicty in occupational workers; however, in Indian painters the genotoxic effects of lead have not been reported to date. Therefore we aimed to study the genotoxic end points in painters due to their long-term exposure to these high lead-containing Indian paints. Study group selection was made after a questionnaire administration, which included questions about lifestyle and medical history to exclude exposure to the other potential sources of genotoxics. Blood and buccal cell samples were obtained from 30 male painters and from a similar number of age-matched controls of same location with no occupational exposure to lead. Blood lead levels (Pb-B) were measured in painters and controls. Micronucleus (MN) frequencies and nuclear changes, i.e., karyorrhexis, karyolysis, broken egg, and binucleated, were investigated in buccal epithelial cells. Painters had significantly (P < 0.01) greater lead levels in blood than the control group. MN frequencies and nuclear changes in buccal epithelial cells were also significantly (P < 0.01) elevated in painters as compared with control subjects. Regression analysis also revealed significant (P < 0.01) association of Pb-B with all the genotoxic endpoints in painters. Cytogenetic damage was significantly associated with Pb-B as no other co-founding factors (smoking, alcohols) showed significant difference between both groups. Lead is widely used in paints which may serve as potential source of exposure among painters due to their long-term engagement with paints. Our results clearly demonstrated genotoxicity among the exposed population as evident from increase micronucleus frequencies, frequent nuclear changes, and apoptosis. Many studies had previously related nuclear change events in buccal epithelial cells with the progression of different carcinomas. Furthermore in-depth investigations with larger sample size are needed to provide evidence to this effect. Here, we report cytogenetic toxicity to the exposed population by the high lead containing paints from India for the first time. Frequent, high and unregulated use of lead in paints may cause genetic mutation and may accelerate cytogenetic damage which may further lead to different carcinomas in painters. These findings need to be considered and necessary steps should be taken to protect the occupational workers engaged with these high lead-containing paints. The use of lead in paints is completely unregulated in India and routine surveillance of paints for lead content is still lacking. These paints are readily available in markets and are also used in other products (jewelry, miniblinds) which could be exported to other countries including United States and Europe. Serious consideration should be given to the inclusion of regulations and bans on the use of lead in paints. Moreover, attention should also be paid towards the use of various protective measures (face-masks, hand gloves, and separate clothes) by the workers as safe work practices during working periods.

Assessment of erythrocyte acetylcholine esterase activities in painters

Thirty-five male painters in the age group of 20–50 years occupationally engaged in domestic and commercial painting for 5–12 years having blood lead levels (BLL) ≤40 μg/dl were subjected to the determination of acetyl choline esterase (AChE) levels both in plasma and red blood cell (RBC) lysate. BLL were determined using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that BLL were 7.7 times higher in the painters as compared with that of the control group. Significant decreases in RBC and plasma AChE were observed in the exposed group in comparison with controls. RBC and plasma AChE showed a decrease of 18.4% and 18%, respectively, in the exposed group. The findings also indicated a significant negative correlation of both RBC and plasma AChE activities with BLL. The marked reduction observed in both RBC and plasma AChE activity may account for disruption of cholinergic function and result in neurotoxicity among the painters.

Oxidative Stress in Painters Exposed to Low Lead Levels

Lead toxicity is a public health problem particularly to the children and to occupationally exposed adults. Evidence is mounting successively regarding the adverse health effects of lead at low levels. This study was undertaken to assess the antioxidant status of lead-exposed residential and commercial painters of Lucknow city in Uttar Pradesh, India.Thirty-five painters aged 20 to 50 years who had blood lead levels <or=400 microg L(-1) were selected for the study from a population of 56 male painters initially screened for blood lead. The control group included an equal number of subjects of the same age group without any occupational exposure to lead. We studied the association between low lead level exposure and antioxidant status and found that blood lead levels in painters were approximately seven times as high as in controls [(219.2+/-61.9) microg L(-1) vs. (30.6+/-10.1) microg L(-1), respectively]. Among the biomarkers of lead toxicity a significant decrease in the level of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase [(9.13+/-4.62) UL(-1) vs. (39.38+/-5.05) UL(-1)] and an increase in the level of zinc protoporphyrin [(187.9+/-49.8) microg L(-1) vs. (26.4+/-5.5) microg L(-1)] were observed in painters compared to controls. Among antioxidant enzymes, painters showed a significant decrease in catalase [(56.77+/-11.11) UL(-1) vs. (230.30+/-42.55) UL(-1)] and superoxide dismutase [(0.64+/-0.19) UL(-1) vs. (2.68+/-0.62) UL(-1)] compared to controls. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) that were expressed in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents. Concentration of MDA in plasma was higher in painters than in controls [(7.48+/-1.31) nmol mL(-1) vs. (3.08+/-0.56) nmol mL(-1)]. Significant changes were also observed in reduced and oxidised glutathione levels. The strong association between blood lead levels and oxidative stress markers in this population suggests that oxidative stress should be considered in the pathogenesis of lead-related diseases among people with low level environmental exposure to lead.

Effects of paint particles inhalation on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in industrial painters

The aim of this study was to examine effects of lead (Pb)-based paints on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as an indicator for lipid peroxidation; and on activities of serum antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in industrial painters. A total of 67 male painters and 50 age-matched and gender-matched controls were included in this cross-sectional study. There were 19 smokers and 48 non-smokers in the paint-exposed group and 20 smokers and 30 non-smokers in the control group. Hemoglobin concentrations were lower in painters’ blood compared to controls. The blood Pb concentrations were higher in painters compared to controls. SOD and GPx activities were significantly lower in painters compared to controls. MDA concentration was found to be significantly elevated. Smoking was found to be a major confounder. Data suggest that Pb-based paints affect oxidant parameters in occupationally exposed workers.

Work tasks, chemical exposure and respiratory health in construction painting

There is insufficient knowledge about the role of house painting tasks and chemical exposure in the respiratory health of construction workers. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted of 1,000 Finnish male construction painters and 1,000 carpenters (response rates 60.6% and 60.4%, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression models were adjusted for age, smoking, and atopy. Outdoor painting, more than indoor painting, was associated with asthma-like respiratory symptoms [odds ratios (OR) 2.7-6.5], rhinitis symptoms [OR 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-5.2], asthma (OR 4.7, 95% CI: 1.4-16.1), and chronic bronchitis (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.0-8.4) when compared to carpentry work. Risk factors for respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis were the use of epoxy/urethane paints, putties, and plasters and the use of glues or traditional paints. Water-based paints were not a common cause of symptoms. Special attention should be paid to work methods and personal protection, not only in outdoor painting, but also in all filling, plastering, and sanding tasks. The shift from epoxy/urethane and other solvent-based paints to water-based products should be further encouraged.

Delayed and Competitively Inhibited Excretion of Urinary Hippuric Acid in Field Workers Coexposed to Toluene, Ethyl Benzene, and Xylene

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the metabolic suppression of hippuric acid (HA) occurs in field workers coexposed to toluene, xylene and ethyl benzene. Eleven male spray painters were recruited into this study and monitored for 2 weeks using a repeated-measures study design. The sampling was conducted for 3 consecutive working days each week. Toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene in the air were collected using 3M 3500 organic vapor monitors. Urine samples were collected before and after work shift, and urinary HA, methyl hippuric acid, mandelic acid, and phenylgloxylic acid concentrations were determined. In the first week, toluene concentrations were 2.66 +/- 0.95 (mean +/- SE) ppm, whereas ethyl benzene and xylene concentrations were 27.84 +/- 3.61 and 72.63 +/- 13.37 ppm, respectively, for all subjects. Pre-work shift HA concentrations were 230.23 +/- 37.31 mg/g creatinine, whereas pre-work shift HA concentrations were 137.81 +/- 14.15 mg/g creatinine. Mean urinary HA concentration was significantly greater in the pre-work shift samples than in the pre-work shift samples (p = 0.043). In the second week, toluene concentrations were much lower (0.28 ppm), whereas ethyl benzene and xylene were 47.12 +/- 8.98 and 23.88 +/- 4.09 ppm, respectively, for all subjects. Pre-work shift HA concentrations were 351.98 +/- 116.23 mg/g creatinine, whereas pre-work shift HA concentrations were 951.82 +/- 116.23 mg/g creatinine. Mean urinary HA concentration was significantly greater in the pre-work shift samples than in the pre-work shift samples (p <0.01); a significant correlation (r = 0.565; p = 0.002) was found between pre-work shift urinary HA levels and ethyl benzene exposure. This study showed that urinary HA peak was delayed to next morning for workers coexposed to toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene; xylene and ethyl benzene probably played competitive inhibitors for metabolism of toluene. The study also presumed that urinary HA became the major metabolite of ethyl benzene at the end of work shift, when the exposure concentrations of ethyl benzene were 2.0 times those of xylene.

Field protection effectiveness of chemical protective suits and gloves evaluated by biomonitoring

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of protective suits and gloves by biomonitoring. Methods: Fifteen male spray painters at a ship coating factory were studied for two weeks. Workers wore no...

Evaluation of dermal absorption and protective effectiveness of respirators for xylene in spray painters

To determine the contribution of dermal absorption on the total exposure dose and the performance of respirators in the field for xylene in spray painters. Eighteen male spray painters worked at shipyard were recruited for this study. The subjects were monitored during a 3-day-work period using a repeated-measures study design. Personal exposure to xylene outside and inside mask were collected using two 3 M model 3500 organic vapor monitors, respectively. Urine was collected before and after the work shift and urinary methyl hippuric acid (MHA) was determined. Total 98 of air and urine samples were obtained, respectively. Air sampling results showed that workers were primarily exposed to xylene and ethyl benzene. Xylene and ethyl benzene concentrations outside the mask were 52.6+/-63.7 (mean+/-SD) and 33.2+/-32.4 ppm, and concentrations inside the mask were 2.09+/-2.74 and 1.79+/-2.16 ppm, respectively. The median workplace protection factors of respirators for xylene and ethyl benzene were 25.0 and 17.4, respectively. On average, workers could reduce xylene inhalation by 96% and ethyl benzene inhalation by 94% for wearing respirators. A significant correlation (R(2)=0.935; P<0.001) was found between the WPFs for xylene and ethyl benzene. Total urinary MHA concentration was 240.2+/-42.3 (mean+/-SE) mg/g creatinine, whereas urinary MHA via skin absorption was estimated to be 202.1+/-40.1 mg/g creatinine. The contribution of dermal absorption to the total exposure dose of xylene was 64+/-4.3%. The present study showed that inhalation of solvent vapors in workers decreased as a result of wearing respirators and dermal exposure became the main contributor to the total body burden of solvents. Because workers had different attitude and behavior to wear respirators, the measured workplace protection factors varied. It is therefore equally important to prevent from being exposed to solvents through skin for shipyard spray painters.

Dermal Absorption of Solvents as a Major Source of Exposure Among Shipyard Spray Painters

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relevance of inhalational and dermal exposure to solvents in shipyard spray painters. Special emphasis was placed on the spatial distribution of dermal exposure and absorption across different regions of the body. Fifteen male spray painters were recruited for this study. The subjects were monitored during a 3-day work period using a repeated-measures study design. Air and dermal exposure of solvents were collected each day. Urine was collected before and after the work shift. Air samples showed that the workers were primarily exposed to ethylbenzene and xylene. The concentrations of ethylbenzene and xylene outside the workers' masks were 59.2 +/- 10.4 (mean +/- standard error [SE]) ppm and 29.4 +/- 4.70 ppm, whereas those inside the masks were 7.91 +/- 17.4 ppm and 3.83 +/- 8.22 ppm, respectively. The average mass of ethylbenzene and xylene across the different body regions inside the block units of assembled ships were 305.1 +/- 63.9 mg and 165.6 +/- 34.1 mg. The quantity was, on average, 5.8 and 5.1 times higher than those collected outside the blocks. In both measurements, the highest exposure mass was found on the upper legs, and the lowest exposure mass was found on the back. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to transform the variables of dermal exposure for all investigated body regions into only one principal component. Multiple regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between dermal exposure to xylene (PCA dermal xyl) and urinary methylhippuric acid (MHA) levels, adjusting for air xylene exposure (R2=0.491, P<0.05). :The present study indicated that dermal exposure to xylene significantly increased the urinary levels of MHA, suggesting that dermal exposure to solvents was an important route among spray painters.

Interstitial pneumonia caused by inhalation of fumes of nickel and chrome

Two male industrial painters were admitted to hospital with dry cough and dyspnoea on exertion following a tank coating operation using a high-temperature spray paint consisting of a nickel-chromium alloy. Both patients showed hypoxaemia, peripheral leukocytosis, high levels of serum cytokines and bilateral ground-glass opacities on a chest CT scan. They were diagnosed with interstitial pneumonia caused by inhalation of nickel and chrome fumes and successfully treated with corticosteroid. These are rare cases of interstitial pneumonia associated with nickel/chromium inhalation.

Adverse reproductive outcomes among male painters with occupational exposure to organic solvents

Objectives: To assess the risks of reproductive disorders and birth defects in offspring of male painters with exposure to organic solvents, and to determine the shape of the dose-response relationship....