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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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Synopsis for April 26, 2002
The MMWR is embargoed until 12 Noon, ET, Thursdays.
- Fixed Obstructive Lung Disease in Formers Workers at a Microwave Popcorn Factory — Missouri, 2000
- Factors Associated With Pilot Fatalities in Work-Related Aircraft Crashes — Alaska, 1990–1999
- Respiratory Illness Among Workers Exposed to Metalworking Fluid Contaminated with Nontuberculous Mycobacteria — Ohio,
2001
| Telebriefing, April 25, 2002 |
| WHO: |
CDC occupational health expert. |
| WHAT: |
To discuss this week's MMWR articles on occupational safety and health. Brief remarks followed by Q/A. |
| WHEN: |
Thursday, April 25, 2002; Noon-12:30 PM ET |
| WHERE: |
At your desk, by toll-free conference line: Dial 866-254-5942
Teleconference name: CDC |
| A full transcript will be available today following the teleconference at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.
This teleconference will also be audio webcast. Listen LIVE online at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.
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Synopsis for April 26, 2002
Fixed Obstructive Lung Disease in Formers Workers at a Microwave Popcorn Factory — Missouri, 2000
Workers involved in mixing and packaging operations at plants that package microwave popcorn may be at risk for obstructive lung disease.
PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations
CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639–3286 |
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Workers involved in mixing and packaging operations at plants that package microwave popcorn may be at risk for obstructive lung disease, based
on findings of an investigation by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at a plant in Missouri. Research is
continuing in efforts to identify the exact cause of the disease, which appears to be linked with high exposures to vapors from flavoring, and
to determine if cases also are occurring among workers at other popcorn plants. NIOSH encourages physicians to report to public health
authorities any cases of potential work-related lung disease among workers exposed to food flavorings. There is no evidence of a risk to
consumers.
Factors Associated With Pilot Fatalities in Work-Related Aircraft Crashes — Alaska, 1990–1999
In Alaska, aviation crashes have surpassed fishing and logging to become the leading cause of occupational fatalities.
PRESS CONTACT:
Diana Bensyl, PhD
CDC, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
(970) 271–5266 |
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During 1990–1999, aircraft crashes in Alaska caused 107 deaths among workers classified as civilian pilots. This is equivalent to 410/100,000
pilots annually; approximately 100 times the mortality rate for all U.S. workers. In response, CDC conducted a study to determine factors
associated with pilot fatalities in work-related aviation crashes in Alaska. Flights that crashed in instrument weather conditions (i.e., poor
visibility) were more likely to be fatal than crashes occurring in conditions with better visibility. The estimated odds of pilot death were
also higher when the crash occurred away from an airport, in darkness, or involved a post-crash fire. Additional pilot training and company
policies that discourage flying in poor weather conditions might help decrease pilot fatalities. The use of a shoulder restraint also showed a
protective effect.
Respiratory Illness Among Workers Exposed to Metalworking Fluid Contaminated with Nontuberculous Mycobacteria — Ohio, 2001
In January 2001, three machinists at an automobile parts manufacturing facility were hospitalized with a
respiratory illness called hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
PRESS CONTACT:
Douglas Trout, MD
CDC, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
(513) 841–4558 |
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Subsequently, union and management representatives requested assistance from CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) in determining the cause of illnesses and preventing further illness. NIOSH investigators found that additional workers were
experiencing similar illnesses at the same facility and that the illnesses were likely related to occupational exposure to the metalworking
fluids used in this facility. Similar illnesses have been documented among workers in other machining plants in the U.S. and Canada. Workers,
unions, manufacturing companies, and private and public health professionals must be educated about appropriate measures to prevent these kinds
of respiratory illnesses.
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