| Document ID (ISN) | 78609 |
| CIS number |
02-819 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
1077-3525 - International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health |
| Year |
2001 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Bar-Sela S., Reingold S., Richter E.D. |
| Title |
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a battery-factory worker exposed to cadmium |
| Bibliographic information |
Apr.-June 2001, Vol.7, No.2, p.109-112. 49 ref. |
| Abstract |
A 44-year-old patient died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after nine years of heavy exposure to cadmium (Cd) in a nickel-cadmium battery plant. Two years after starting work, he and co-workers had experienced pruritus, loss of smell, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, cough, shortness of breath, severe headaches, bone pain, and proteinuria. Upper back pain and muscle weakness progressed to flaccid paralysis. EMG findings were consistent with motor neuron disease. Cd impairs the blood-brain barrier, reduces levels of brain copper-zinc superoxide dismutase and enhances glutamate uptake in glial cells. High levels of methallothionein, a sign of exposure to heavy metals, have been found in brain tissue of deceased ALS patients. The effects of Cd on enzyme systems that mediate neurotoxicity and motor neuron disease suggest a relationship between Cd and ALS in this worker. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; cadmium; battery and dry cell manufacture |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
neurotoxic effects; case study; enzyme disturbances; long-term exposure; neuromuscular disorders; electromyography; symptoms |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Israel |
| Subject(s) |
Occupational pathology
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Inorganic substances
Diseases of the nervous system
Manufacturing of electrical appliances and equipment
Cadmium and compounds
|
