Health complaints after a malodorous chemical explosion: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Physical and psychological symptoms are prevalent in populations recently affected by industrial accidents. Follow-up studies of human health effects are scarce, and as most of them focus on residents, little is known about the long-term health effects among workers exposed to malodorous emissions following a chemical explosion. AIMS: To assess whether subjective health complaints (SHC) among workers declined over a 4-year period after an oil tank explosion that emitted malodorous sulphurous compounds. METHODS: A longitudinal survey from 2008 (18 months after the explosion) to 2012, performed using the SHC inventory. Questionnaire data were analysed using a linear mixed effects model. RESULTS: There was a decrease in SHCs among the exposed workers, but they still had significantly more subjective neurological symptoms (P < 0.01) compared with controls, adjusted for gender, age, smoking habits, educational level and proximity to the explosion. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a downward trend in SHCs among exposed workers in the follow-up period, they reported more subjective neurological complaints than controls. Symptoms may be mediated by perceived pollution and health risk perception, and adaptation or anxiety may cause a chronic effect, manifested by a dysfunctional and persistent neuropsychological response.

Can air pollution affect tear film stability? A cross-sectional study in the aftermath of an explosion accident.

BACKGROUND: After an explosion and fire in two tanks containing contaminated oil and sulphur products in a Norwegian industrial harbour in 2007, the surrounding area was polluted. This caused an intense smell, lasting until the waste was removed two years later. The present study reports examinations of tear film break up time among the population. The examinations were carried out because many of the people in the area complained of sore eyes. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between living or working close to the polluted area and tear film stability one and a half years after the explosion. METHODS: All persons working or living in an area less than six kilometres from the explosion site were invited to take part in the study together with a similar number of persons matched for age and gender living more than 20 kilometres away. Three groups were established: workers in the explosion area and inhabitants near the explosion area (but not working there) were considered to have been exposed, and inhabitants far away (who did not work in the explosion area) were considered to be unexposed. A total of 734 people were examined, and the response rate was 76 percent. Tear film stability was studied by assessing non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) using ocular microscopy. In addition Self-reported Break Up Time (SBUT) was assessed by recording the time the subject could keep his or hers eyes open without blinking when watching a fixed point on a wall. Background information was obtained using a questionnaire. Non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-tests with exact p-values and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Both NIBUT and SBUT were shorter among the male exposed workers than among the inhabitants both near and far away from the explosion area. This was also found for SBUT among males in a multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced tear film stability was found among workers in an area where an explosion accident had occurred.

Symptoms, complaints, ocular and nasal physiological signs in university staff in relation to indoor environment - temperature and gender interactions.

UNLABELLED: Symptoms, signs, perceptions, and objective measures were studied in university buildings. Two problem buildings with a history of dampness and complaints were compared with two control buildings. Health investigations among university staff were performed at the workplace (n = 173) including tear film stability [non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) and self-reported break-up time (SBUT)], nasal patency (acoustic rhinometry), nasal lavage fluid analysis [NAL: eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme and albumin] and atopy by total serum IgE and IgE antibodies (Phadiatop). Exposure assessment included inspections, thermal and atmospheric climate at 56 points modelled for all work sites. Multiple regressions were applied, controlling for age and gender. Exposure differences between problem buildings and controls were small, and variations between rooms were greater. Workers in the problem buildings had more general and dermal symptoms, but not more objective signs than the others. Adjusted day NIBUT and SBUT increased at higher night air temperatures, with B (95% CI) 0.6 (0.04-1.2) and 1.3 (-0.02 to 2.5), respectively. Higher relative humidity at mean day air temperature <22.1 degrees C was associated with adjusted NIBUT and SBUT, with B (95% CI) 0.16 (0.03-0.29) and 0.37 (-0.01 to 0.75), respectively. Air velocity below recommended winter values and reduced relative humidity in the range of 15-30% were associated with dry air and too low temperature. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Thermal climate in university buildings may be associated with both perceptions and physiological signs. Reduced night time air temperature, increased difference in air temperature between day and night, and fast changes in air temperature might impair indoor environment. This may have implication for energy-saving policies. It might be difficult to identify the exposure behind, and find the reason why, some buildings are defined as 'problem buildings'.

Pet keeping and dampness in the dwelling: associations with airway infections, symptoms, and physiological signs from the ocular and nasal mucosa.

UNLABELLED: The aim was to utilize data from a study of occupational indoor environments to analyze symptoms and physiological signs in relation to the home environment. A medical investigation was performed at the workplace among university staff (n = 173) from four university buildings in Bergen, in March 2004. Tear film break up time (BUT) was measured by two methods. Nasal patency was measured by acoustic rhinometry. Nasal lavage fluid analysis (NAL) included eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP); myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme and albumin. Atopy was assessed by total serum IgE and specific IgE (Phadiatop). Totally 21%, 21%, 18%, 11%, and 27% had weekly ocular, nasal, facial dermal symptoms, headache and tiredness, respectively, 15% had a damp dwelling, and 20% had a cat or dog. Multiple linear or logistic regressions were applied, controlling for age gender, smoking, and environmental factors. Building dampness was associated with increased NAL-lysozyme (P = 0.02) and an increase of airway infections [odd ratio (OR) = 3.14, P = 0.04]. Pet keeping was associated with difficulties to concentrate (OR = 5.10, P = 0.001), heavy headedness (OR = 4.35, P = 0.004), four more days with tiredness per month (P = 0.04), and less airway infections (OR = 0.32; P = 0.02). In conclusion, pet keeping was associated with more central nervous system (CNS)-symptoms but less airway infections. Dampness in the dwelling may have inflammatory effects on the airway mucosa, possibly mediated via increased infection proneness. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The main health focus on pet keeping has been allergen exposure. Our study indicates that effects on airway infections and other types of symptoms should also be considered. The findings support the view that measures should be taken to reduce building dampness in dwellings.

Increased urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in engine room personnel exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

BACKGROUND: Previous investigations indicate that engine room personnel on ships are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from oil and oil products, with dermal uptake as the major route of exposure. Several PAH are known carcinogens and mutagens. AIMS: To investigate the urinary excretion of a marker for oxidative DNA damage, 8-hydroxydeoxy-guanosine (8OHdG), in engine room personnel, and to study the association between 8OHdG and 1-hydroxypyrene (1OHP), a biological marker for PAH exposure. METHODS: Urine samples were collected from engine room personnel (n = 36) on 10 Swedish and Norwegian ships and from unexposed controls (n = 34) with similar age and smoking habits. The exposure to oils, engine exhaust, and tobacco smoke 24 hours prior to sampling was estimated from questionnaires. The urinary samples were frozen for later analyses of 8OHdG and 1OHP by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Excretion in urine of 8OHdG (adjusted to density 1.022) was similar for controls (mean 18.0 nmol/l, n = 33), and for those who had been in the engine room without skin contact with oils (mean 18.7 nmol/l, n = 15). Engine room personnel who reported skin contact with oil had increased excretion of 8OHdG (mean 23.2 nmol/l, n = 19). The difference between this group and the unexposed controls was significant. The urinary levels of ln 1OHP and ln 8OHdG were significantly correlated, and the association was still highly significant when the effects of smoking and age were accounted for in a multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that exposure to PAH or possibly other compounds from skin contact with oils in engine rooms may cause oxidative DNA damage.

Prevalence of airway symptoms among hairdressers in Bergen, Norway.

OBJECTIVE: To assess respiratory symptoms among hairdressers in Norway. METHODS: The study was based on a questionnaire sent to 100 hairdressers (91% responding) and 95 office workers (84% responding). The questionnaire sought information about allergy, respiratory symptoms in the past year, and symptoms after exposures to different types of pollutants, working conditions, and smoking habits. A population based control group was established because the hairdressers and office workers differed in age and smoking habits. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the past year did not differ significantly between hairdressers and office workers after adjusting for age, atopy, and smoking. The hairdressers over 40 years of age reported significantly more symptoms-such as wheezing and breathlessness-in the past year than the office workers of the same age. Compared with the population based control group, both hairdressers younger than 30 and those over 40 reported more symptoms-such as breathlessness in the past year. The oldest hairdressers reported such symptoms as wheezing and breathlessness more often than did the younger hairdressers. These differences in breathlessness were significant after adjusting for smoking and wheezing. The same trend was not found among the office workers. The hairdressers reported significantly more wheezing, breathlessness, runny eyes, and blocked or runny nose from exposure to hair dyes, permanent oils, bleaching powder, and other chemicals used in a hairdressing salon, compared with the office workers. Prevalence of symptoms during exposure to other types of generel pollutants was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hairdressers are exposed to low levels of various irritating chemicals every day. The prevalences of acute symptoms related to the exposure of hairdressers to hairdressing chemicals are very high. Hairdressers, especially the oldest hairdressers, have more asthma-like symptoms than the control groups.

Exposure to organic solvents among car painters in Bergen, Norway.

Car painters are exposed to organic solvents during their work. Several sets of official regulations have therefore been adopted in Norway in recent years to reduce the exposure. This study evaluated some of the effects of these regulations, by measuring the levels of exposure to organic solvents in six car-painting garages and relating them to the limit values in Norway. Both stationary and personal monitoring were performed. In addition, the occurrence of acute symptoms in the nervous system, skin and upper airways, the use of personal protective equipment and the workers' satisfaction with the ventilation were determined using the results of a questionnaire survey among the car painters from 11 car-painting garages (N=28). A control group of unexposed workers (N=18) was used for comparison. All air samples showed low levels of exposure, far below the limit values. The highest levels were found for toluene; about half the limit value in two garages (11.5 and 12.5 ppm). No significant difference was found between the exposed and unexposed workers in the frequency of acute symptoms. Most workers reported to always use gloves, overalls and respiratory protective equipment during the car painting. The study indicates that the exposure to organic solvents is low in the examined car-painting garages, and the risk of adverse health effects related to organic solvents is probably low in these workplaces.

[Skin reaction after St Lucia holiday celebration]. / Hudreaksjon etter luciafeiring.

A 37-year-old man developed contact dermatitis on the front head after being exposed to dripping candles. The candles were placed in a crown on his head as he played St. Lucia in the traditional Lucia Day (13th December) pageant, trying to entertain the administrative staff of the University of Bergen where he was employed. Afterwards he washed his head with a soap he normally did not use. Probably the contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to the soap, but it is difficult to say whether the reaction was irritative or allergic. A similar case has not been reported earlier. It is of importance that noone stops celebrating the Lucia Day. However, proper precautions must be taken, with routines for avoiding exposure to stearine or unfamiliar soaps on the head of Lucia.

Chemical exposure in hairdresser salons: effect of local exhaust ventilation.

Although several studies demonstrate adverse health effects among hairdressers that may be related to their working environment, relatively few studies have described the chemical exposure levels in hairdresser salons. This paper shows the exposure level of isopropanol, ethanol, toluene, phenylendiamines, diaminotoluene and ammonia in six hairdresser salons, and the effect of local exhaust ventilation on these exposure levels. Stationary measurements were performed at the mixing location in the hairdresser salons. At this location isopropanol was found to be in the range from 0.7-15 mg/m3, ethanol in the range from 4-36 mg/m3 and toluene from 0.04-0.11 mg/m3. The range of ammonia in the same area was from 0.1-1.2 mg/m3. Personal monitoring of the hairdresser showed an exposure level of ammonia in a range from 0.3-10 mg/m3. Phenylendiamines and diaminotoluene were not detected. The exposure level was significantly lower in the salons with local exhaust ventilation than in the salons with no ventilation.

Assessment of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in engine rooms by measurement of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene.

OBJECTIVE: Machinists have an increased risk of lung cancer and bladder cancer, and this may be caused by exposure to carcinogenic compounds such as asbestos and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the engine room. The aim of this study was to investigate the exposure of engine room personnel to PAHs, with 1-hydroxypyrene in urine as a biomarker. METHODS: Urine samples from engine room personnel (n = 51) on 10 ships arriving in different harbours were collected, as well as urine samples from a similar number of unexposed controls (n = 47) on the same ships. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene was quantitatively measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The exposure to PAHs was estimated by a questionnaire answered by the engine room personnel. On two ships, air monitoring of PAHs in the engine room was performed at sea. Both personal monitoring and area monitoring were performed. The compounds were analysed by gas chromatography of two types (with a flame ionisation detector and with a mass spectrometer). RESULTS: Significantly more 1-hydroxypyrene was found in urine of personnel who had been working in the engine room for the past 24 hours, than in that of the unexposed seamen. The highest concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene were found among engine room personnel who had experienced oil contamination of the skin during their work in the engine room. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed a significant relation between the concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene, smoking, and estimated exposure to PAHs. No PAHs were detected in the air samples. CONCLUSION: Engine room personnel who experience skin exposure to oil and oil products are exposed to PAHs during their work. This indicates that dermal uptake of PAHs is the major route of exposure.

A descriptive study of health problems on car mechanics' hands.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate occupational health problems relating to the hands of car mechanics. A descriptive study was performed among all car mechanics in 22 car repair shops using a self-administered questionnaire. In total, 172 car mechanics returned the questionnaire (92%). Fourteen per cent reported occurrence of white fingers, 24% reported occurrence of paresthesias in hands or arms, 41% reported that dry skin on their hands was often a problem, 46% reported occurrence of hand eczema, and 28% had experienced more than 20 cuts on the hands in the past year. A significant relationship was found between the occurrence of hand eczema and employment for less than 14 years as a car mechanic. This was also found for occurrence of white fingers and cuts on the hands. Further surveillance of the working environment among car mechanics seems to be required.

Exposure of the deck crew to carcinogenic agents on oil product tankers.

Work on deck on eight oil product tankers was examined. The purpose was to evaluate the need for improvement of the working environment to reduce the risk of occupational cancer. Benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic lead compounds were sampled, and the crew answered a questionnaire on acute health effects. By area monitoring, benzene was generally found to be in the range from the detection limit, of 0.01 ppm, up to 1.15 ppm, but one tanker which loaded gasoline with the hatches open had levels up to 55 ppm. Personal monitoring showed exposure levels in the range 0.01-1.15 ppm. The PAH-levels and the levels of organic lead were low. No seamen were observed using respiratory protective equipment. Central nervous system symptoms were reported by the crew with the highest exposures to benzene although benzene may not be the only cause. The exposure to benzene and other hydrocarbons on the deck of oil product tankers ought to be reduced.

Occupational exposure of deck crews to carcinogenic agents on crude oil tankers.

Occupational exposure to carcinogenic agents on the decks on six Norwegian crude oil tankers was examined in five harbors. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the need for improving the working environment on deck on these tankers. Technical arrangements and the work itself on the deck were observed during loading or unloading. Occupational monitoring was performed by active sampling of benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and some aldehydes. The crew answered a questionnaire concerning their work, use of protective equipment, and occurrence of acute symptoms. The levels of air-borne carcinogenic agents were low, probably due to closed loading systems on all tankers. However, the seamen reported discomfort during the work that may be related to other chemical agents in the cargo. The seamen were frequently painting with lead chromate paint without using personal protective equipment. This type of chemical exposure should be evaluated.

[A non-traditional occupational health unit. Evaluation after a year's activity]. / En utradisjonell bransjerettet bedriftshelsetjeneste. Vurdering etter ett års virksomhet.

An Occupational Health Care Unit has been established for 23 car repair workshops. The unit consists of a central unit connected to an Institute of Occupational Medicine, consisting of a coordinating occupational physician, a physiotherapist and an occupational hygienist. This unit cooperates with 11 general practitioners in the district. The unit was evaluated by the employer and one employee in each car repair shop after one year. In general, they were satisfied with their occupational health care, and several improvements to the working environment had been carried out.

[The chemical working environment among car painters in Bergen]. / Kjemisk arbeidsmiljø blant billakkerere i Bergen.

Official guidelines have been prepared for the working environment in Norwegian spraylacquering garages, in order to reduce the incidence of symptoms and diseases related to exposure to organic solvents. 11 garages were visited to see if the guidelines were being followed. All the sprayers (n = 28) were examined by questionnaire about the occurrence of acute symptoms connected to the central nervous system, the skin, the eyes and the airways during work, and about their use of personal protective equipment. All the garages had specially ventilated rooms for the lacquering procedure, and all the workers used personal respiratory protective equipment. The sprayers did not report more acute symptoms than a control group of office workers employed in the same companies.

Chemical exposure of deck crew on product tankers loading the cargo with the hatches open.

Exposure of the deck crew to volatile hydrocarbon compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon PAH compounds was observed and monitored on two Norwegian product tankers. The tankers were loading their cargo with the hatches open during the monitoring period. One of the tankers loaded gas oil. This type of cargo is not volatile, and very low concentrations of the monitored chemical PAH compounds were found on this tanker. The second tanker loaded gasoline. On this tanker high concentrations of hydrocarbon compounds were found; benzene was as high as 55 ppm, toluene was as high as 34 ppm, hydrocarbon compounds in the C5-C7 range were as high as 570 ppm, n-hexane was as high as 25 ppm. The levels of PAH-compounds were low. None of the seamen working on the deck did use respiratory protective equipment during the work. The exposure of the deck crew to volatile hydrocarbon compounds ought to be reduced on product tankers. Better routines concerning the use of respiratory protective equipment is an immediate action which ought to take place. Loading volatile cargo like gasoline with the hatches open should be avoided.