Odour as a determinant of persistent symptoms after a chemical explosion, a longitudinal study.
Ind Health
; 55(2): 127-137, 2017 Apr 07.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27916759
ABSTRACT
Foul-smelling environmental pollution was a major concern following a chemical workplace explosion. Malodorous pollution has previously been associated with aggravated physical and psychological health, and in persons affected by a trauma, an incidence-related odour can act as a traumatic reminder. Olfaction may even be of significance in the development and persistence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The present longitudinal study assessed whether perceived smell related to malodorous environmental pollution in the aftermath of the explosion was a determinant of subjective health complaints (SHC) and PTSS among gainfully employed adults, when the malodorous pollution was present, and after pollution clean-up. Questionnaire data from validated instruments were analysed using mixed effects models. Individual odour scores were computed, and the participants (n=486) were divided into high and low odour score groups, respectively. Participants in the high odour score group (n=233) reported more SHC and PTSS than those in the low odour score group (n=253), before and even after the pollution was eliminated. These associations lasted for at least three years after the pollution was removed, and might indicate that prompt clean-up is important to avoid persistent health effects after malodorous chemical spills.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático
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Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales
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Explosiones
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Autoevaluación Diagnóstica
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Odorantes
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
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Observational_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ind Health
Año:
2017
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Noruega