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Objective: We sought to describe outcomes for three health care workers with natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy reporting illness after exposure to latex paint. Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of medical and occupational histories, diagnostic, treatment, and work recommendations. Outcomes included lost time, workers compensation indemnity costs, and return to work. Results: None of the paints contained NRL Cases 1 and 2 initially were misdiagnosed as suffering allergic reactions to NRL, resulting in 7 and 23 months lost time, $15,790 and $139,000 indemnity costs, respectively, and both failing to return to work. Case 3 was correctly diagnosed as not exposed to NRL, with only several lost days, no indemnity costs, and continued to work. Conclusions: The failure to recognize that synthetic paints do not contain NRL can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate exposure, and work avoidance recommendations and iatrogenic disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart disease is the primary cause of on-duty deaths in firefighters, but little is known about their lipid profile. We evaluated the lipid profile in relation to other cardiovascular disease risk factors in 321 firefighters at a baseline examination. Prospective comparisons were performed for 285 firefighters, who were enrolled in a statewide medical surveillance program, and had complete follow-up data for 4 years. The average cholesterol level in firefighters declined from 224 mg/dL at baseline (1996-1997) to 214 mg/dL at the follow-up examination (P < 0.0001). Conversely, both obesity (body mass index ≥ 30; 34% versus 40%, P = 0.008) and triglycerides (≥ 200 mg/dL; 27% versus 35%, P = 0.047) increased over time. The proportion of firefighters taking lipid-lowering medications increased from 3% at baseline to 12% at follow-up (P < 0.0001). Cholesterol levels declined significantly, and treatment rates for elevated cholesterol increased over time. Despite repeated examinations, a considerable number of firefighters had persistently elevated cholesterol, and only a minority were receiving adequate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that evaluated the association between hypertension and changes in employment status among hazardous materials firefighters in Massachusetts. Measurement of the blood pressure of the firefighters; Examination of the risk of an adverse event before the next follow-up examination based on the blood pressure measurement; Analysis of the prevalence of hypertension among the firefighters; Limitations of the study.

Presents information on a study which determined the use of mercury testing as a diagnostic tool for unexplained medical problems. Methods used in the study; Results and discussion.

Presents a study which analyzed spirometry results for male hazardous materials firefighters from 1996 to 1999 who underwent one or more annual medical surveillance/fitness for duty examinations. Limited potentials of support members for hazardous materials exposure; Comparison between technicians and support members; Factors that support continued annual spirometry testing.

Presents a study which investigated firefighters' hearing relative to general population data to adjust for age-expected hearing loss. Details on the medical examinations performed for firefighters; Analysis of audiograms; Comparison of firefighters' threshold data with those of a highly screened otologically normal population.