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Liver function among neoprene production workers.

Ward-JB Jr.; Whorton-EB; Gilmer-PR Jr.; Schoen-I

University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston,Texas, 1981 Oct; :1-54

00118735

Liver function was tested in neoprene (9010984) production workers. Blood samples from 81 workers at the Denka Chemical Company (SIC- 2822) in Houston, Texas were analyzed for various proteins and enzymes related to liver function. Information also was obtained on other medical problems of the workers. Increases in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly related to reported alcohol consumption. This precluded evaluation of exposure related effects. However, some trend toward increased values was found among workers in high exposure areas. Other exposure effects included reproductive difficulties, respiratory problems, cardiac disorders, and central nervous system symptoms. The authors suggest that chemical exposures related to neoprene production cause liver function disturbances, and that exposed workers who drink alcohol may be at an even greater risk. They recommended a more comprehensive evaluation of these workers and of the health effects of neoprene exposure.

Health-surveys; Chemical-industry-workers; Liver-disorders; Liver-function; Medical-examinations; Medical-screening; Occupational-medicine

9010-98-4

19811019

1982

PB82-231044

A05

2822

University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston,Texas

TX