Læknablaðið - 15.04.1980, Blaðsíða 18

80
LÆKNABLADIÐ
abatement system. Usually a composite of
new techniques is required. It must be monitor-
ed for effectiveness even after it works well so
as to maintain the negligible level of exposure
to the toxic agent.
Generally respirators and masks, local pre-
breathing filtering are less effective because of
discomfort to breathing, poor fit and forget-
ting to use them as compared to environmen-
tal controls. However, in extremely dusty
situations with one or two workers exposed,
as in cleaning air handling equipment, flues,
etc, complete air supplies at pressure supplied
to hoods or skirts compressed from a clean
filtered source are effective and economical.
Each occupational situation has its own
peculiar problems so that the general rules
need to be applied with insight and their effect
on the worker’s lung function and symptoms
monitored for effectiveness. Concurrent air
monitoring then establishes no effect levels
for continuous monitoring thereafter.
Finally the effectiveness of abatement stra-
tegy or its failure is demonstrated by a
plateauing of decrement of function on
prospective follow-up, using a worker panel
and the most sensitive and reliable tests.
Frequently the process of analysis of effect and
abatement must be repeated or recycled as
factory processes are modified or new agents
introduced. As experience is gained it works
more quickly and with greater effectiveness.
In a country such as Iceland worker’s
experience with silica, asbetos and chemical
toxins is relatively brief, that is still within the
latent period for clinical recognition. Strategy
should aim at reduction of levels to below
standards used in the United States, Nordic
countries and Great Britain coupled to sur-
veillance for early manifestations of disorder.
It would be tragic to repeat the mistakes of
the past here hesitating when total preventa-
tion is still possible.
ANNOUNCEMENT
on the courses to be held in 1980, arranged by the Institute of
Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland, and sponsored by the
Nordic Council of Ministers.
Nordic participants will be given preference,
however, a limited number of researchers
from outside Nordic countries can be accep-
ted.
The laguage of all the courses will be
English.
For further information, please, write to
the course secretary, Ms. Outi Teperi.
Institute of Occupational Health
Haartmaninkatu 1
SF-00290 HELSINKI 29 FINLAND
tel. (09)413 622
Course fee:
The fee for Nordic participants will be USD
50, and for others USD 300. The fee does not
include meals or accommodations.
International course on occupational respiratory
diseases
Date: 22 — 26 September 1980
Location: Hanasaari Cultural Centre.
Deadline for applications: 12 May 1980.
Applications should be sent to the secretary.
Advanced course on occupational accident
research
Date: 29 September — 3 oktober 1980
Location: Hotel Haikko, Porvoo, Finland
Deadline for the applications: 19 May.
Applications should be sent to the secretary.
Advanced course of chentical agents in industrial
hygiene
Date: 24 — 28 November 1980
Location: Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki,
Finland
Deadline for the applications: 20 June 1980.
Applications should be sent to the secretary.