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Koenig JQ, Covert DS, Larson TV, Pierson WE. The Effect of Duration of Exposure on Sulfuric Acid-Induced Pulmonary Function Changes in Asthmatic Adolescent Subjects: A Dose-Response Study. Toxicol Ind Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/074823379200800506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the pulmonary effects of varying doses of sulfuric acid, adolescent subjects with asthma were exposed to 35 or 70 μg/m3 sulfuric acid for 45 or 90 min. Exposure was carried out during intermittent moderate exercise. The pulmonary functions measured before and after exposure were FEV1, FVC, and total respiratory resistance. The 45 min exposures were associated with larger decreases in FEV1 (-6% or -3%) than the 90 min exposures (-1% or +2%). Analysis of variance of the change in FEV1 among the exposures revealed that the 45 min exposure to 35 μg/m3 was significant (p = 0.03). The p value for 45 min exposure to 70 μg/m3 was not significant (p = 0.08). Using analysis of variance, neither of the 90 min exposures was associated with a significant decrease in FEV1 compared to air exposure. Also, none of the changes in FVC or RT was significant. When baseline to post-exposure changes were compared for each of the five test atmospheres using paired t tests, both of the 45 min exposures were associated with statistical significance (p < 0.001 for 35 μg/m3 and p < 0.005 for 70 μg/m3). This baseline to post exposure change was not statistically significant for the 90 min exposures. The reason for the lesser effect on pulmonary function at increased exposure duration is not known; it may be due to changes in either varying deposition patterns or changes in buffering capacity of the cells lining the airways. With respect to individual sensitivities to H2SO4, the data showed a significant consistency across test atmospheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Q. Koenig
- Departments of Environmental Health, Civil Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences and Pediatrics University of Washington Seattle, Washington
| | - David S. Covert
- Departments of Environmental Health, Civil Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences and Pediatrics University of Washington Seattle, Washington
| | - Timothy V. Larson
- Departments of Environmental Health, Civil Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences and Pediatrics University of Washington Seattle, Washington
| | - William E. Pierson
- Departments of Environmental Health, Civil Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences and Pediatrics University of Washington Seattle, Washington
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Johansson MKV, Johanson G, Öberg M. Evaluation of the experimental basis for assessment factors to protect individuals with asthma from health effects during short-term exposure to airborne chemicals. Crit Rev Toxicol 2015; 46:241-60. [PMID: 26515429 PMCID: PMC4819830 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2015.1092498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthmatic individuals constitute a large sub-population that is often considered particularly susceptible to the deleterious effects of inhalation of airborne chemicals. However, for most such chemicals information on asthmatics is lacking and inter-individual assessment factors (AFs) of 3-25 have been proposed for use in the derivation of health-based guideline values. OBJECTIVE To evaluate available information in attempt to determine whether a general difference in airway response during short-term exposure between healthy and asthmatic individuals can be identified, and whether current AFs for inter-individual variability provide sufficient protection for asthmatics. METHODS After performing systematic review of relevant documents and the scientific literature estimated differential response factors (EDRF) were derived as the ratio between the lowest observed adverse effect levels for healthy and asthmatic subjects based on studies in which both groups were tested under the same conditions. Thereafter, the concentration-response relationships for healthy and asthmatic subjects exposed separately to four extensively tested chemicals (nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide) were compared on the basis of combined data. Finally, a Benchmark Concentration (BMC) analysis was performed for sulfur dioxide. RESULTS We found evidence of higher sensitivity among asthmatics (EDRF > 1) to 8 of 19 tested chemicals, and to 3 of 11 mixtures. Thereafter, we confirmed the higher sensitivity of asthmatics to sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide. No difference was observed in the case of ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Finally, our BMC analysis of sulfur dioxide indicated a ninefold higher sensitivity among asthmatics. CONCLUSION Although experimental data are often inconclusive, our analyses suggest that an AF of 10 is adequate to protect asthmatics from the deleterious respiratory effects of airborne chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia K. V. Johansson
- Unit of Work Environment Toxicology, Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine,
Stockholm,
Sweden
| | - Gunnar Johanson
- Unit of Work Environment Toxicology, Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine,
Stockholm,
Sweden
| | - Mattias Öberg
- Unit of Work Environment Toxicology, Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine,
Stockholm,
Sweden
- Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center,
Södertälje,
Sweden
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Abstract
Inhalation of acid aerosol or aspiration of acid solution evokes a stimulatory effect on airway C-fiber and Aδ afferents, which in turn causes airway irritation and triggers an array of defense reflex responses (e.g., cough, reflex bronchoconstriction, etc.). Tissue acidosis can also occur locally in the respiratory tract as a result of ischemia or inflammation, such as in the airways of asthmatic patients during exacerbation. The action of proton on the airway sensory neurons is generated by activation of two different current species: a transient (rapidly activating and inactivating) current mediated through the acid-sensing ion channels, and a slowly activating and sustained current mediated through the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptor. In view of the recent findings that the expression and/or sensitivity of TRPV1 are up-regulated in the airway sensory nerves during chronic inflammatory reaction, the proton-evoked irritant effects on these nerves may play an important part in the manifestation of various symptoms associated with airway inflammatory diseases.
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Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of the substances currently on the list in the annex to Commission Directive 96/3/EC as acceptable previous cargoes for edible fats and oils - Part II of III. EFSA J 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Reed RB, Ladner DA, Higgins CP, Westerhoff P, Ranville JF. Solubility of nano-zinc oxide in environmentally and biologically important matrices. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2012; 31:93-9. [PMID: 21994124 PMCID: PMC4713012 DOI: 10.1002/etc.708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Increasing manufacture and use of engineered nanoparticles is leading to a greater probability for release of engineered nanoparticles into the environment and exposure to organisms. In particular, zinc oxide (ZnO) is toxic, although it is unclear whether this toxicity is due to the zinc oxide nanoparticles, dissolution to Zn(2+) , or some combination thereof. The goal of this study was to determine the relative solubilities of both commercially available and in-house synthesized ZnO in matrices used for environmental fate and transport or biological toxicity studies. Dissolution of ZnO was observed in nanopure water (7.18-7.40 mg/L dissolved Zn, as measured by filtration) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI-1640) (∼5 mg/L), but much more dissolution was observed in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, in which the dissolved Zn concentration exceeded 34 mg/L. Moderately hard water exhibited low Zn solubility, likely because of precipitation of a Zn carbonate solid phase. Precipitation of a Zn-containing solid phase in RPMI also appeared to limit Zn solubility. Equilibrium conditions with respect to ZnO solubility were not apparent in these matrices, even after more than 1,000 h of dissolution. These results suggest that solution chemistry exerts a strong influence on ZnO dissolution and can result in limits on Zn solubility from precipitation of less soluble solid phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Reed
- Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
| | - David A. Ladner
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher P. Higgins
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
| | - Paul Westerhoff
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - James F. Ranville
- Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
- Corresponding Author: James F. Ranville, Colorado School of Mines, Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, CO 80401, Phone: (303) 273-3004, Fax: (303) 273-3629,
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Anees W, Blainey D, Moore VC, Robertson K, Burge PS. Differentiating occupational asthmatics from non-occupational asthmatics and irritant-exposed workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2011; 61:190-5. [PMID: 21525070 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqr023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) records have been recommended as a first-line investigation in workers suspected as having occupational asthma (OA). AIMS To determine which PEF variability index best differentiates workers with OA from non-occupational asthmatics and unaffected irritant-exposed workers. METHODS PEF was measured at least four times daily for at least 3 weeks in three groups of subjects: (i) forty healthy grain-exposed farmers and dockers, (ii) forty-two consecutive workers with independently confirmed OA and (iii) forty-eight non-occupational asthmatics. Indices of PEF variability were compared between groups. RESULTS The difference in mean PEF between rest and work periods best separated the occupational asthmatic workers from the others. The upper 95% confidence limit of this index for grain-exposed workers was 2.8% of predicted PEF (16 l/min) and 3.3% (15 l/min) for non-occupational asthmatics. Sensitivity for diagnosing OA using this index was 70%. An increase in diurnal variation on workdays of >7% had a sensitivity of only 27% for the diagnosis of OA. The difference between maximum PEF on workdays and minimum PEF on rest days had a sensitivity of <10% against non-occupational asthmatic controls. CONCLUSIONS Difference in mean PEF between workdays and rest days is the best simple index for differentiating subjects with OA from those with non-OA or irritant-exposed healthy subjects. Differences >16 l/min are unlikely to be due to significant irritant exposure in healthy workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Anees
- Occupational Lung Disease Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK
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Kuykendall JR, Shaw SL, Paustenbach D, Fehling K, Kacew S, Kabay V. Chemicals present in automobile traffic tunnels and the possible community health hazards: a review of the literature. Inhal Toxicol 2009; 21:747-92. [PMID: 19555229 DOI: 10.1080/08958370802524357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Dozens of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds can be detected in vehicle exhaust, along with numerous metals and oxides of sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon. While the adverse effects of these chemicals have been extensively studied surrounding open roadways, the hazards to local residents and commuters resulting from the presence of tunnel emission chemicals are less well known. Commuters and workers within tunnels are also exposed to tunnel atmospheres, and the risks have only been evaluated to a limited extent. Approximately 50 studies conducted at more than 35 different international traffic tunnels were reviewed in order to characterize the potential health impact on individuals residing near these tunnels. One objective of this article is to identify those chemicals that deserve further study in order to understand the hazards to humans who work in these tunnels, as well as the risks to those in the surrounding community. The second objective is to present the available information regarding the hazards to those living near these tunnels. The published information, for the most part, indicates that the concentration of most toxicants detected in communities exposed to tunnel emissions are below those concentrations that are generally considered to pose either a significant acute or chronic health hazard. However, there have been no comprehensive studies that have evaluated the concentration of all of the relevant toxicants on a real-time basis or using repetitive time-weighted average sampling. Based on our analysis of the existing information appearing in peer-reviewed literature and government reports, additional information on the variation of concentrations of various chemicals over time near the tunnel exits would be helpful. Optimally, these would be better if evaluated in conjunction with traffic magnitude and vehicle type. It would also be useful to further characterize acute exposures to commuters or tunnel workers during times of heavy volume or slow-moving traffic due to accidents within the tunnel structure, when tunnel pollutant levels would be expected to be substantially elevated. A recent review by the Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council also discusses tunnel and air quality in detail (2008). Nearly 300 references are cited.
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Sioutas C, Koutrakis P, Ferguson ST, Burton RM. Development and Evaluation of a Prototype Ambient Particle Concentrator for Inhalation Exposure Studies. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08958379509014470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Schlesinger RB. The health impact of common inorganic components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in ambient air: a critical review. Inhal Toxicol 2007; 19:811-32. [PMID: 17687714 DOI: 10.1080/08958370701402382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ambient air particulate matter (PM) originates as either primary particles emitted directly into the atmosphere from a specific source or as secondary particles produced from atmospheric chemical reactions between precursor gases or between these gases and primary particles. PM can derive from both natural and anthropogenic sources, resulting in a complex chemical mix. The "fine" size mode of ambient PM, designated as PM(2.5), is defined as comprising those particles having aerodynamic diameters below 2.5 microm. While the total mass of PM(2.5) has been associated with adverse human health outcomes, the relationship between these and specific chemical components has not been resolved. This article provides a perspective on the current state of the science concerning health effects from a major group of chemical species found within PM(2.5), namely common inorganic constituents. The specific chemical classes discussed herein are secondary inorganic species, namely, sulfate, nitrate, and acidity, and generally crustal-derived species, namely, phosphate, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, silicon, and aluminum. The article discusses evidence for adverse health effects from inorganic PM(2.5) components within the framework of various caveats surrounding both epidemiology and toxicology assessments. The largest database exists for sulfate, but conclusions that attribute sulfate to health outcomes have not been consistent across all epidemiology studies, and there is a lack of coherence with toxicology studies, which show biological responses only at high levels of exposure. Limited epidemiological and toxicological data for nitrate suggests little or no adverse health effects at current levels. Epidemiological studies specifically identifying crustal components of PM(2.5) suggest that they are not likely, by themselves, to produce a significant health risk, and these components do not have unequivocal biological plausibility from toxicological studies for being significant contributors to adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Schlesinger
- Department of Biology and Health Sciences, Pace University, New York, New York 10038, USA.
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Tunnicliffe WS, Harrison RM, Kelly FJ, Dunster C, Ayres JG. The effect of sulphurous air pollutant exposures on symptoms, lung function, exhaled nitric oxide, and nasal epithelial lining fluid antioxidant concentrations in normal and asthmatic adults. Occup Environ Med 2003; 60:e15. [PMID: 14573726 PMCID: PMC1740413 DOI: 10.1136/oem.60.11.e15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the effects in normal and asthmatic adults of exposure to 200 ppb sulphur dioxide (SO2) and 200 microg/m3 and 2000 microg/m3 aerosols of ammonium bisulphate (AB) and sulphuric acid (SA) (MMD 0.3 microm). METHODS Exposures were placebo controlled, for one hour at rest, double blind in random order. DeltaFEV1 was the primary outcome; secondary outcomes included symptoms, ventilation, exhaled nitric oxide (NO) concentrations, and nasal lavage fluid ascorbic (AA) and uric acid (UA) concentrations. RESULTS There were no significant changes in spirometry or symptoms with any exposure in either group. SO2 exposure was associated with an increased respiratory rate relative to air exposure in the asthmatic group (SO2: 958.9 breaths/hour; air: 906.8 breaths/hour) but the mean volume breathed did not differ significantly (SO2: 318.8 litres; air: 311.4 litres). AB exposures were associated with a significant rise in [NO] in the asthmatic (+1.51 ppb, and +1.39 ppb), but not in the normal group. Mean pre- and post-exposure [AA] tended to be higher in the normal than in the asthmatic group. Within each group, [AA] did not change significantly with any exposure. Post-exposure [UA] were greater than pre-exposure concentrations for all exposures, significantly so in the normal group for all exposures except SO2. There were no significant differences in the mean change in [UA] for any exposure relative to air. CONCLUSIONS The pollutant exposure concentrations employed in this study were generally much greater than ambient. It is unlikely that short lived exposures at lower concentrations would show significant effects, but effects of longer term lower concentration exposures cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Tunnicliffe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK
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Green LC, Crouch EAC, Ames MR, Lash TL. What's wrong with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM(2.5))? Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2002; 35:327-37. [PMID: 12202048 DOI: 10.1006/rtph.2002.1548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Associations between airborne concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) and mortality rates have been investigated primarily by ecologic or semiecologic epidemiology studies. Many investigators and regulatory agencies have inferred that the weak, positive association often observed is causal, that it applies to all forms of airborne PM(2.5), and that current ambient levels of PM(2.5) require reduction. Before implementing stringent regulations of ambient PM(2.5), analysts should pause to consider whether the accumulated evidence is sufficient, and sufficiently detailed, to support the PM(2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard. We take two tacks. First, we analyze the toxicologic evidence, finding it inconsistent with the notion that current ambient concentrations of all forms of fine particulate matter should affect pulmonary, cardiac, or all-cause mortality rates. More generally, we note that the thousands of forms of PM(2.5) are remarkably diverse, yet the PM(2.5) NAAQS presumes them to be identical toxicologically, and presumes that reducing ambient concentrations of any form of PM(2.5) will improve public health. Second, we examine the epidemiologic evidence in light of two related examples of semiecologic associations, examples that both inform the PM-mortality association and have been called into question by individual-level data. Taken together, the toxicologic evidence and lessons learned from analogous epidemiologic associations should encourage further investigation of the association between particulate matter and mortality rates before additional regulation is implemented, and certainly before the association is characterized as causal and applicable to all PM(2.5).
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Tunnicliffe WS, Evans DE, Mark D, Harrison RM, Ayres JG. The effect of exposure to sulphuric acid on the early asthmatic response to inhaled grass pollen allergen. Eur Respir J 2001; 18:640-6. [PMID: 11716168 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.01.00089401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Particulate sulphates, including sulphuric acid (H2SO4), are important components of the ambient aerosol in some areas and are regarded as air pollutants with potentially important human health effects. Challenge studies suggest little or no effect of H2SO4 exposure on lung function in asthmatic adults, although some epidemiological studies demonstrate an effect of acid species on symptoms in subjects with asthma. To date, the effect of H2SO4 on allergen responsiveness has not been studied. The effect of exposure to particulate H2SO4 on the early asthmatic response to grass pollen allergen has been investigated in 13 adults with mild asthma. After establishment of the provocative dose of allergen producing a 15% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEVI) (PD15) for each subject, they were exposed to air, 100 microg m(-3) or 1,000 g x m(-3) H2SO4 for 1 h, double-blind in random order > or =2 weeks apart, through a head dome delivery system 14 h after each exposure subject underwent a fixed-dose allergen challenge (PD15). Ten subjects completed the study. The mean early asthmatic responses (maximum percentage change in FEV1 during the first 2 h after challenge) following air, 100 microg x m(-3) H2SO4, and 1,000 microg m(-3) H2SO4, were -14.1%, -16.7%, and -18.4%, respectively. The difference between 1,000 microg x m(-3) H2SO4 and air was significant (mean difference: -4.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI: -1.2-7.4%, p=0.013). The difference between air and 100 microg m(-3) H2SO4 approached significance (mean difference: -2.6%, 95% CI: 0.0-5.3%, p = 0.051). These results suggest that, at least at high mass concentration, sulphuric acid can potentiate the early asthmatic response of mild asthmatic subjects to grass pollen allergen, although the effect is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Tunnicliffe
- Heartlands Research Institute, Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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Michaels RA. Permissible Daily Airborne Particle Mass Levels Encompass Brief Excursions to the “London Fog” Range, Which May Contribute to Daily Mortality and Morbidity in Communities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1998. [DOI: 10.1080/1047322x.1998.10389562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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