Hand-arm vibration syndrome: clinical evaluation and prevention

Article Abstract:

Raynaud's phenomenon was first described in 1862 by Maurice Raynaud. It is characterized by the abnormal constriction of blood vessels in the hands and feet, causing the skin to become pale or blue in color. Raynaud's disease can run in families, is five times more common in women than in men, has an early onset (before 30 years of age), occurs in response to stress or cold temperatures, and can occur with or without other disease or tissue trauma. Exposure to cold temperatures is the primary trigger of the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. The condition can also develop in patients with connective tissue diseases (such as scleroderma, lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis), nerve and muscle diseases (such as poliomyelitis), and in patients who sustain vibration trauma from operating vibrating equipment. Raynaud's phenomenon caused by vibration trauma is often referred to as vibration white finger or hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). HAVS causes symptoms of numbness in the hands or fingers when a vibrating tool is used or during sleep due to decreased sensory nerve conduction. It is also characterized by muscle fatigue and weakness in the hands and arms, and decreased manual dexterity. Blanching attacks (changes in skin color) occur following exposure to cold or damp conditions, are more common in the winter than summer, and can be accompanied by severe pain. Several different clinical tests are required to diagnose HAVS, including blood and urine analyses, nerve conduction tests, and observed changes in blood vessels in response to cold temperatures. To prevent HAVS, the use of vibrating tools should be limited, protective antivibration gloves should be worn, employees should be educated about HAVS, periodic examinations should be performed, and warm clothing should be worn to maintain a high body temperature. Drugs that reduce blood vessel spasms, such as nifedipine, have been effective in improving blood circulation. Sympathectomy (cutting nerves to improve blood flow) is not always effective and is not a common treatment for HAVS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Prevention, Vibration syndrome, Raynaud's disease

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Effect of dust exposure in Ontario cotton textile mills

Article Abstract:

The effect of cotton dust exposure was shown to influence forced expiratory volume during the work period. Pulmonary function testing and factory air sampling were analyzed for a cotton textile worker group and a control group.

Case studies, Measurement, Ontario, Respiration, Pulmonary function tests, Textile factories

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Effect of dust exposure in the cotton felt industry

Article Abstract:

The cotton felt industry has a higher dust levels than the textile industry, but the effect of the dust is less in the felt industry. In both elutriator and cyclone dust measurements dose-response effects were detected.

TEXTILE MILL PRODUCTS, Textile industry

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