Symptoms and microenvironmental measures in nonproblem buildings
Article Abstract:
Tightly built buildings, constructed since the 1970s, have generated a new set of complaints, characterized as the ''sick building syndrome'' (SBS). The symptoms associated with SBS include: mucous membrane irritation (of the eyes, ears, nose and throat); neurotoxic signs (headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating); asthma-like symptoms (wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness); dermatologic signs; and odor complaints. The agents of many of these symptoms have been defined and related to specific buildings. Structural elements, environmental conditions, internal atmospheric conditions and especially ventilating systems have each borne the blame for many of these problems. SBS complaints were investigated in a cross-sectional study of 147 office workers, employed in 5 building areas during the summer of 1987. Questionnaires were distributed to the participants who provided demographic and employment data, and information about smoking habits, symptom characteristics, clothing, contact lenses and eyeglasses, computer and office machine usage, and work site conditions. All five building areas had central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and the intensity of their lighting systems was fairly uniform. Internal temperatures showed wide variability. Mucous membrane irritation and neurologic symptoms were associated with volatile organic compounds in the air, wearing layers of clothing, and lighting intensity. Lighting intensity was also related to chest tightness. The findings indicate that SBS may have several causes, each requiring different methods of correction. No conclusions can be drawn from an investigation of one building. To develop broader generalizations necessary for prevention of and remedial actions for SBS, additional studies are necessary. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1991
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Pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in wildland firefighters
Article Abstract:
In the US, it is estimated that there are 80,000 forest or wilderness firefighters. Wildland fires generate large quantities of particulates in the air that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. The extent of exposure to the particulates while fighting a wildland fire depends on the size of the fire, the wind, the terrain and the methods used for putting out the fire, such as spraying with water versus setting backfires. Firefighting is physically demanding and increases the breathing rate, which in turn increases the amount of particulates that are inhaled. Wildland fires tend to burn for long periods of time and it is common for crews to work for 12 to 18 hours per day. During very large fires, camps are established near the fire and the crew is continuously exposed to smoke from the wildland fire. A study was performed to evaluate the pulmonary effects of inhaling smoke from wildland fires. The study included 52 wildland firefighters who work in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California. The firefighters were between the ages of 18 and 45, and they did not smoke. Lung function was evaluated by measuring the amount of air that could be forcefully exhaled from the lungs in one second (FEV1, forced expiratory volume) and the total amount of air that could be exhaled from the lungs following a deep breath (FVC, forced vital capacity). Recent firefighting activity was associated with decreases in both FEV1 and FVC, and was associated with eye irritation, nose irritation, and wheezing. Wearing a cotton bandanna over the nose and mouth, a common practice of firefighters, did not protect against lung symptoms or declines in lung function. It is concluded that more effective methods are needed for protecting the lungs during prolonged periods of firefighting. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1991
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Biochemical and cardiovascular measures in subjects with noise-induced hearing loss
Article Abstract:
A well known hazard in both industrial and military environments is permanent hearing loss due to noise exposure. There is no documented explanation for the fact that one person will experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and another person, exposed to the same condition, will not. Recently, a controversial relationship between NIHL and biochemical and cardiovascular factors has been proposed. To examine this relationship, military men who had been in the service for an average of 20 years were studied; 400 had NIHL and 400 had normal hearing. Mean values of laboratory tests and cardiovascular measures of the group who had NIHL were compared with those from the other group. All subjects underwent a battery of laboratory tests, and specific cardiovascular risk factors, blood pressure, weight and smoking, were noted. The results showed inconclusive or inconsistent biochemical differences between the two groups. However, it was noted that the NIHL group contained more smokers than did the normal hearing group. The overall results showed that in this population neither cardiovascular nor biochemical factors indicated susceptibility to NIHL. The results of this study differ from studies performed on industrial workers, but are similar to other studies performed on military personnel. The difference may be attributable to the military population being younger and more homogeneous, as well as highly motivated and having a positive attitude to their work.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1989
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