Abstract  The neurobehavioral effects of Hexogen were investigated in 60 exposed workers (with a control group consisting of 32 people) using a neurobehavioral test battery consisting of memory retention, simple reaction time, choice reaction time, letter cancellation and block design. The physical examination results exhibited no significant differences (P > 0.05). Memory quotient and block design scores of the exposed group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.01). The total behavioral test score was in good linear correlation with the symptom score and exposure index (R = 0.5232, P < 0.01), suggesting that long-term low-level exposure (X = 0.407 ± 0.382 mg/m3) to Hexogen affects the behavioral functions of exposed individuals.

Abstract  A cross-sectional spidemiologic study was conducted to investigate a cluster of three cases of systemic lupus erythematosus at one munitions plant. The study demonstrated no excess of autoimmune disease and also failed to identify any abnormalities of the hematologic, hepatic, or renal systems in employees with 8 hour time-weighted exposures to RDX of up to 1.57 mg/m3 (average exposure was 0.28 mg/m3).

Abstract  The lifetime exposures to an extensive list of chemical and other potentially toxic hazards were estimated for all available employees at an ordnance factory by questionnaire-based interview. Exposure histories of 32 (of 33) previously diagnosed as haematologically abnormal (cases) were compared with 322 (of 345) normals (controls). Among 'ordnance factory chemicals', modestly increased odds ratios were observed for men for acetic anhydride (2.8), stearic acid (2.8), and possibly for resorcinol (2.9), TNT (2.4) and hydroxy terminated polybutadene (HTPB) (2.4). Increased odds ratios were also observed in exposures not directly related to ordnance manufacture, including mineral acids, welding fumes, exhaust gases and insecticides. While, small numbers in the case group limit the statistical significance of reported odds ratios, one should be cautious about committing a type II error. These findings may partly explain the previously reported unusual prevalence of haematological abnormalities within the factory.

Abstract  The Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant is a U.S. Department of Defense facility in Grand Island, Nebraska. Before 1973, the site functioned primarily as a plant for the production of artillery shells, bombs, and rockets. At the time of this study, a large part of the installation was leased to local residents for agricultural activities, business interests, and private storage. In 1980, the U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency found onsite soil and groundwater to be contaminated with chemicals used in the production of explosive bombs and rockets. Additonal environmental testing revealed that groundwater contamination had spread off site. In response to residents' concerns about their health, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry conducted a health study to evaluate the general health status of residents. A total of 600 randomly selected residents of the target area and a comparison area were administered a satandardized sumptom and disease prevalence questionnaire and were asked to provide blood and urine specimens for biomedical tests of subclinical organ dysfunction. Seven self-reported health outcomes were found to be approximately twice as likely to be reported by target area participants as by comparison area participants.