Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
physical examination, skin prick test for the PGE compounds (H
2
[PtCl
6
], K
2
[PtCl
4
],
Na
2
[PtCl
6
], IrCl
3
, RhCl
3
, PdCl
2
), and patch test for PGEs. Positive prick test reac-
tions to PGE salts, at various concentrations, were found in 22 (14.4%) of 153
tested workers. Positive patch test reactions to Pt salts, at d 2, were seen in 2 of 153
subjects. The results of this study demonstrate that Pt salts are the most important
allergens among PGEs compounds in the catalyst industry, and that clinical mani-
festations involve both the respiratory system and the skin. Hexachloroplatinic acid
should be considered the most important salt to monitor, using skin prick tests. An
allergic reaction was also observed to Ir and Rh salts in 2 of 22 workers (9%), who
had positive patch test reactions (Cristaudo et al. 2005).
A 5 yr study, with annual monitoring, was also conducted in 159 catalyst
production workers (94.6% of those recruited), 50 craftsmen (92.6% of those
recruited), and 66 control subjects (76.7% of those recruited). Subjects were
assigned to four exposure categories, and were segregated according to job title and
location after the initial survey. The four categories were (1) high levels of Pt (
n
=
115), (2) persistently low levels of Pt (
n
= 51), (3) intermittently low levels of Pt
(
n
= 61), or (4) no Pt (
n
= 48). Exposure assessment of airborne Pt and Pt in the serum
of workers demonstrated clear differences between exposure categories. Smoking
was a risk factor for Pt salt sensitization (in highly exposed subjects) (Merget et al.
2000). Calverley et al. (1995) also observed a definite association between smoking
cigarettes and heightened Pt salt sensitivity. Risk of sensitization was about 8 times
greater for smokers than for nonsmokers. The most typical allergy symptoms to Pt
salts (Linnett 2005; Merget et al. 2000) were tearing, sneezing, rhinitis, shortness
of breath, coughing, skin redness, itching or burning eyes, urticaria, and asthma.
Patients undergoing cancer treatment with Pt-containing medications, dental
patients, as well as hospital personnel, dentists, dental technicians, and workers in
drug manufacturing are exposed to PGEs (Sorsa and Anderson 1996; Nygren etal.
2002; Hann et al. 2005). The therapeutic use of cisplatin is often complicated by
the occurrence of side effects (nephrotoxicity, severe nausea and vomiting, myelo-
toxicity, problems with hearing, and kidney diseases). Research has shown that
some anticancer drugs may cause cancer (International Agency for Research on
Cancer, IARC 1987, 1990). The cis-platin has been classified into the 2A group
(probably carcinogenic to humans) by IARC.
There has also been an increased interest in the mutagenicity and potential car-
cinogenicity of Pt-containing drugs, particularly in relation to on-job exposure.
Medical personnel are occupationally exposed as a result of their constant contact
with and the increasing use of anticancer medications. Several reports have been
published that describe the negative effects of such drugs on the health of personnel
in oncological wards. The observed effects include hair loss, an increase in miscar-
riages, and abnormal fetal development (Sorsa and Anderson 1996). Some studies
have shown elevated levels of Pt in blood or urine in graduate and staff nurses,
compared with control subjects (Nygren and Lundgren 1997).
It has not yet been established whether inhalation of PGEs other than Pt causes
more pronounced allergic reactions than are caused by Pt salts (Cristaudo et al.
2005). However, it was determined that direct contact of metallic Pd to skin may
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