Upper respiratory irritation from controlled exposure to vapor from carbonless copy forms

Exposure to carbonless copy forms has been associated with subjective reports of respiratory and skin irritation, but objective measurements of human reactions to exposure are lacking. Thirty workers with complaints of prior sensitivity to the forms were given brief, controlled exposure to vapors from carbonless forms and from bond paper in random, single-blind fashion. Nasal impedance increased 34% after exposure to carbonless forms (P less than .025) and rose 8% after exposure to plain paper (P greater than .10). However, frequency of symptoms did not differ between the two exposure modes, and was not correlated with the nasal measurements. Quantitation of nasal congestion by this technique may be a sensitive measure of short-term reaction to inhalation of irritants.

Acute-onset sarcoidosis presenting as workplace-related hyperreactive airway disease

Bechtel et al [Am Rev Respir Dis 124:759-761, 1981] have reported a high prevalence of positive methacholine challenge tests in patients with sarcoidosis. We report a patient with sarcoidosis who was identified because of symptoms resulting from exposure to workplace irritants. The presence of hyperreactive airways was confirmed by a positive methacholine challenge.

[Immediate paper prints for publications and exhibits]

A simple method for immediate paper printing of documents with film illustrations uses a contact print of the mask of the original.

Reprints and photocopies as sources of information: how to make the best use of them

The acquisition of information is a permanent endeavour in professional life. The strategies presented here will help dentists to perform this task expediently and with the least cost. A model for requesting reprints is suggested. It has evolved as a result of the writer's experience both as an author and a solicitor of information.

[How to obtain a negative from a video recording]

A. system of reproduction of an ultrasound image is proposed for obtaining easily filed permanent images (on film or paper) from any type of video recording.

Ceramic flask technique for duplicating a complete denture

The possibilities for use of the duplicate denture are many. The duplicate denture serves as an excellent custom tray for the final working impression. If it is acceptable on the existing denture, the vertical dimension of the duplicate denture can be directly transferred to the articulator. If not acceptable, the vertical dimension can be altered and checked intraorally by adding or removing acrylic resin on the occlusal surface of the teeth. Alterations in esthetics, phonetics, and occlusion can easily be achieved and tested by replacing the original teeth of the duplicate denture with stock acrylic resin teeth. Alterations to the duplicate denture with subsequent patient approval prior to construction of a new prosthesis eliminates many problems associated with new dentures.

Duplicating maxillary complete dentures

A technique for duplication of a maxillary complete denture has been presented. This technique requires no special equipment and can be easily completed in the dental office.

Contact urticaria and airway obstruction from carbonless copy paper

A 27-year-old woman experienced pruritus, eye and throat irritation, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and fatigue within half and hour of exposure to carbonless copy paper. On two separate occasions, she was purposely challenged in a controlled-blinded fashion with portions of the carbonless copy paper. This resulted on both occasions in contact urticaria of the hand that held the paper and changes in pulmonary function flow-volume loops characteristic of upper airway obstruction. To determine if alterations in prostaglandin (PG) metabolism might explain these findings, plasma PGF2 alpha and thromboxane B2 (both capable of causing these symptoms) were measured before and during the second exposure period. Both PGF2 alpha and thromboxane B2 increased substantially. We conclude that the cutaneous and respiratory symptoms induced by carbonless copy paper were probably related to PG release.

[Exposure technics for computed scintigrams]

The technique of making copies on radiographic films or on multiformat cameras from computer scintigrams, computer tomograms, digital radiographs or other similar digital images should be carefully studied in order to make the best use of the characteristics of the film. Contrast transfer was studied using a nuclear medicine camera computer system with registration on radiographic film. Possible difficulties in obtaining copies and a simple software arrangement are described, which would influence contrast transmission.

Investigation and control of occupational hazards associated with the use of spirit duplicators

A Health Hazard Evaluation was conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to determine if vapors from duplicating fluid (99% methyl alcohol) used in direct-process spirit duplicating machines were causing adverse health effects among teacher aides, or had been responsible for the deaths of three former teacher aides. Death certificates and autopsy data were obtained and evaluated. A self-administered symptom questionnaire was distributed to current teacher aides (exposed group) and to a comparison group of teachers. Fifteen-minute breathing zone air samples for methyl alcohol vapor were collected at operator stations using an infrared gas analyzer. No information supported the claim that the three deaths were related to methyl alcohol exposure. Teacher aides reported significantly more blurred vision, headache, dizziness, and nausea than the comparison group. Concentrations of airborne methyl alcohol ranged from 365-3080 ppm; 15 of 21 measurements exceeded the NIOSH-recommended 15-minute exposure limit of 800 ppm. A mean 96% reduction in vapor concentration was accomplished using inexpensive enclosures and existing room exhaust systems.