Common Health Effects Research Articles

Caffeine Consumption and Its Potential Health Effects on Saudi Adolescents in Jazan.

Background Caffeine is the most popular product consumedglobally in different types and amounts by various age groups. This study aimed to identify caffeine consumption patterns among adolescents in Jazan and explore related health effects. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jazan on adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age. The consumption of coffee and caffeinated products and their potential health effects were evaluated using a self-reported online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using software for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results A total of 718 participants were enrolled in this study, with the age group of 16-18 years constituting the highest percentage (48.9%). Nearly 94% of the participants consumed coffee or caffeinated products, with 57% consuming the products infrequently. About 6.6% consumed coffee or caffeinated products more than three times daily, and about half of the participants used medium-sized cups. The most consumed type of caffeinated beverage was Arabic coffee, followed by tea, soft drinks, and Nescafe. Education level and age group showed a significant correlation with consumption patterns. The most common health effects of caffeine consumption were headaches, irregular sleep, and nausea, which were statistically related to age group, gender, and comorbid conditions. Conclusions Consumption of coffee and caffeinated beverages was relatively high among adolescents in this study. Further research on the habits of Saudi adolescent consumers, particularly across different areas of the country, is required.

Working conditions of medical staff and psychosocial burden during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the example of a selected hospital

Nursing staff is a professional group with a high risk of developing health-related disorders. Depression, anxiety and insomnia are the most common symptoms reported by healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these factors lead to a decrease in the quality of life, lower professional performance, cognitive abilities and increase the risk of various diseases among medical staff. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between selected aspects of the work environment and the health of nurses. Material and methods The study was conducted among 115 nurses employed in a hospital in the Podkarpackie Province. The study used the diagnostic survey method with the use of the interview technique. The research tool was the author's questionnaire. Results The study shows that the group of nurses did not differ from each other in terms of difficulties in concentrating and making decisions, as well as experiencing fear and anxiety while working with a patient with COVID-19. This may be related to getting used to the specificity of work, the intensity and frequency of long-term patient care. Work in the Temporary Covid Ward was not significantly related to lower mental health ratings, worse sleep quality or insomnia, which was indicated as a rare phenomenon (36.5%). The respondents pointed to a shortage of medical personnel (87.8%) and work in PPE (86.1%). Conclusions The pandemic had an impact on the health of nurses and male nurses during the pandemic. The most common health effects among nurses were dermatological problems caused by disinfection detergents, less often they were problems related to the urinary system. Nurses have knowledge in the field of prevention and taking care of their own health while working in a pandemic. Socio-demographic factors had an impact on the health status of nurses.

Effects of portable computing device usage on posture and health among university students

With the advancements in modern-day technology and the pandemic situation with COVID-19, portable computing devices use has increased and seems to take control of our daily activities. However, the usage of portable computing devices comes with many adverse effects, especially related to the health and posture of the people. Therefore, a study has been conducted to find out the common effects on posture and health that occurred towards university students that are heavy users of the portable computing device to do the assessments throughout their studies. A set of questionnaires and 15 interview questions were designed to gain primary data from the respondents about their responses to the effects. The study's overall findings indicate that most of the Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) respondents agree that the neck, shoulder, and eyes were the most common effect on posture. At the same time, 'ear hearing function', 'brain disorder (Parkinson)' and gadget addiction were common health effects. At the end of the paper, a few recommendations were made to ensure the proper usage of portable computing devices to decrease the severity of the negative effect that can damage their health and posture.

A Survey on Consumer Awareness on Proper Usage of Edible Oils in North-Western and Western Provinces in Sri Lanka

Purpose: Lack of the consumer awareness on edible oil usage is an important question to be addressed since the awareness on preserving the quality of oil assists in preventing harmful health effects. The main objective of this study was to determine consumer awareness on storage conditions and proper usage to preserve the oil quality. Moreover, the study evaluated the consumers' awareness on the health effects of edible oils. Research Method: An online survey was conducted using 295 participants from North-Western and Western provinces, Sri Lanka. The data was analysed using-Pearson correlation, chi-square and factor analysis. Findings: The main findings suggested that a majority of respondents (96.6 %) used coconut oil as the frying oil. The respondents showed inadequate knowledge on proper storage: 12 % did not practice any precautionary storage methods, while 53 % of the respondents were particularly aware on common health effects and 58 % was aware on proper usage of oil. The results showed that consumers from North-Western and Western provinces in Sri Lanka were not sufficiently knowledgeable on proper storage of edible oil which can lead to adverse health effects. Research Limitations: It is beyond the scope of the study to address the awareness of the consumers on proper usage of oil in other provinces in Sri Lanka. Orginality/Value: The study facilitates identifying the misconduct of consumers in using edible oil and thereby obtains the status of consumer awareness on proper usage practices of edible oil.

Personal protective equipment used by obstetricians and obstetric nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mansoura, Egypt.

Background: This study was done to describe the pattern of personal protective equipment (PPE) use, associated factors, and adverse events among obstetricians and obstetric nurses in obstetrics & gynecology departments. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Obstetrics & Gynecology departments in three hospitals (physician & nurses n=252) using an online Google form including demographic and occupational health data, type of available personal protective equipment during usual care, CS and emergency labor, infection control measures and hazards of full PPE use. Results Full PPE use was 37.7% during CS and 34.9% during emergency labor. The significant predictors of wearing full PPE during CS were daily work hours > 8 hours and receiving formal training about PPE use. During CS & emergency labor most of HCws used sterile gloves and sterile fluid resistant gowns and surgical mask.to less extent used face shields or tight fitting googles and one tenth (11.8%) only used N95. The most common health effects of full PPE use was sense of heat (79.5%) .Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic more vigorous respiratory (N95 mask) and eye protection is required during aerosol-generating procedures. Formal training is an evident predictor for full PPE use.

Personal protective equipment used by obstetricians and obstetric nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mansoura, Egypt

Background: This study was done to describe the pattern of personal protective equipment (PPE) use, associated factors, and adverse events among obstetricians and obstetric nurses in obstetrics & gynecology departments. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Obstetrics & Gynecology departments in three hospitals (physician & nurses n=252) using an online Google form including demographic and occupational health data, type of available personal protective equipment during usual care, CS and emergency labor, infection control measures and hazards of full PPE use. Results Full PPE use was 37.7% during CS and 34.9% during emergency labor. The significant predictors of wearing full PPE during CS were daily work hours > 8 hours and receiving formal training about PPE use. During CS & emergency labor most of HCws used sterile gloves and sterile fluid resistant gowns and surgical mask.to less extent used face shields or tight fitting googles and one tenth (11.8%) only used N95. The most common health effects of full PPE use was sense of heat (79.5%) . Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic more vigorous respiratory (N95 mask) and eye protection is required during aerosol-generating procedures. Formal training is an evident predictor for full PPE use.

Personal protective equipment used by obstetricians and obstetric nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mansoura, Egypt

Background: This study was done to describe the pattern of personal protective equipment (PPE) use, associated factors, and adverse events among obstetricians and obstetric nurses in obstetrics & gynecology departments. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Obstetrics & Gynecology departments in three hospitals (physician & nurses n=252) using an online Google form including demographic and occupational health data, type of available personal protective equipment during usual care, CS and emergency labor, infection control measures and hazards of full PPE use. Results Full PPE use was 37.7% during CS and 34.9% during emergency labor. The significant predictors of wearing full PPE during CS were daily work hours > 8 hours and receiving formal training about PPE use. During CS & emergency labor most of HCws used sterile gloves and sterile fluid resistant gowns and surgical mask.to less extent used face shields or tight fitting googles and one tenth (11.8%) only used N95. The most common health effects of full PPE use was sense of heat (79.5%) . Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic more vigorous respiratory (N95 mask) and eye protection is required during aerosol-generating procedures. Formal training is an evident predictor for full PPE use.

A cross sectional study on, prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome and its health effects, in reproductive age women (15-45 years) in a rural area, Telangana, India

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome causes irregular menstrual cycles, excessive body or facial hair and polycystic ovaries. Prevalence ranges from 2.2% to 26% globally, as it is not defined precisely. This is a community based study in the reproductive age women (15-45years) to correctly assess prevalence of PCOS and health effects in women with PCOS. Material and Methods: Cross sectional study done in 624 Reproductive age women (15-45 years) in a rural area. Data collected by interview method, clinical examination of which 182 women (with signs suggestive of PCOS) got biochemical and ultrasound to establish diagnosis of PCOS and health effects were studied. Data analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Prevalence of PCOS was 72(11.5%). Infertility followed by psychosocial problems was the most common health effects. Conclusion: Although infertility was seen in 73.6% of women with PCOS, only 18% received treatment in the past, due to under diagnosis and lack of accessibility.

Risk factors of schistosomiasis and the health effect among patients attending Alkalakla Health Centre - Khartoum State-Sudan (2018)

Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis) is the most prevalent parasitic disease after malaria in terms of socioeconomic and public health importance in the developing world and is listed as a Neglected Tropical disease (NTD). Objectives of the study are to identify the risk factors of schistosomiasis and its health effect among patients attending Algubba Health Center and Algalaa health Center in Al kalakla area (September 2017 to January 2018) to set recommendations according to the results. Methods and Material: - 150 patients were selected for the study by cross-sectional descriptive convenience study. Questionnaire is the main source of obtaining data & information. Data were entered and analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results: - The age group of the participants between (5 to 14) years old 64%, most of them are males 92%, educational level is secondary 80%, live in bricks houses 72. 7%, , the monthly income is medium (1000 to 2000 SD)41.3%, the family head are self-employed represents 54%, respondents have access to the house electricity constitute98%, about 32.7% of the study group live near to the river, regularly swim in the river constitute 93.3%, activities of respondents near the river for the swimming 49.3%. Most of the study population the symptoms appeared before one month 59.3%, suffer from urinary schistosomiasis 86.7%, the proportion of those who have negative health impacts due to schistosomiasis 45.3%, suffer from loss of weight.40% of population study are not agree that schistosomiasis associated with other diseases,96%of respondents have the knowledge about schistosomiasis, and 64% of them received the information from the health education program. In conclusions, it is clear that swimming, house near to the river, age sex (male), and loss of body weight is the most common health effects due to schistosomiasis. The researcher recommended: to the health authority that health education programs should be conducted for the community about sanitation practices (no urination and defecation in water sources), the school health programs should be activated in schools as risk group for adolescent boys, making an especial program for detection and treatment of sick people, and repeating & regular chemotherapy to those at risk of infection, control of the intermediate host snail should be continuing.

Exploring Shared Effects of Multisensory Impairment, Physical Dysfunction, and Cognitive Impairment on Physical Activity: An Observational Study in a National Sample.

Multisensory, physical, and cognitive dysfunction share age-related physiologic disturbances and may have common health effects. We determined whether the effect of multisensory impairment on physical activity (PA) is explained by physical (timed up and go) or cognitive (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire) dysfunction. A National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project participant subset (n = 507) underwent objective sensory testing in 2005-2006 and wrist accelerometry in 2010-2011. We related multisensory impairment to PA using multivariate mixed-effects linear regression and compared the effect magnitude after adjusting for physical then cognitive dysfunction. Worse multisensory impairment predicted lower PA across three scales (Global Sensory Impairment: β = -0.04, 95% confidence interval [-0.07, -0.02]; Total Sensory Burden: β = -0.01, 95% confidence interval [-0.03, -0.003]; and Number of Impaired Senses: β = -0.02, 95% confidence interval [-0.04, -0.004]). Effects were similar after accounting for physical and cognitive dysfunction. Findings suggest that sensory, physical, and cognitive dysfunction have unique mechanisms underlying their PA effects.

The Role of Biogenic Amines in Nutrition Toxicology: Review

Biogenic amines, which are responsible for the realization of many physiological conditions of our body, are compounds that can be produced by microorganisms especially in fermented foods with high protein content. They can have harmful effects on human health only when taken in high amounts with food. However, in individuals with impaired anti-toxic metabolism, which is responsible for detoxification, even lower amounts may cause toxic effects. The most common health effects are nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, various allergic reactions, abdominal pain and death in more severe cases. For these reasons, legislations on biogenic amines in foods have been established with some restrictions. Food producers have been asked to comply with these legislations. However, despite all precautions, biogenic amines in foods have not been completely removed. Further research is still needed to find effective solutions to prevent biogenic amine formation. In addition, consumers need to be made aware of this issue.

The Health Impacts of Toxic Remnants of War on Civilian Populations: A Scoping Review

Introduction:An estimated two billion people are currently affected by war, with civilian populations increasingly exposed to the hazards of armed conflict. While the effect of explosive remnants of conflict is well documented, the impacts of the toxic remnants of war on civilian health are less well understood.Methods:This study was a scoping review examining the human health impacts of exposure to toxic remnants of war. Toxic remnants of war refer to any toxic or radiological substances arising from military activities. In this study, however, the focus was limited to the health effects of exposure to toxic substances and explosive by-products from munitions fired, dropped, or abandoned during conflict. The following databases were searched: Embase PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the methodological quality of studies that met the inclusion criteria.Results:Common toxicants reported on were Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin TCDD, white phosphorus, depleted uranium, lead, mercury, and sulfur mustard. Common health effects included respiratory diseases as well as cutaneous, cardiovascular, reproductive, and congenital effects. Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairments, and decreased quality of life were also commonly reported. The evidence base, however, is mixed with heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures. Lack of baseline data and inadequate exposure models make establishing an adverse causal relationship between an agent and a disease challenging.Discussion:Civilian exposures to toxic remnants of conflict remain understudied and under-addressed. The study suggests assessment of the human health impacts of toxicants should be part of a post-conflict response, especially given the potential long-term intergenerational effects. The current lack of recognition of the human health impacts of toxic remnants of conflict also limits the amount of global resources assigned to post-conflict decontamination.

Awareness of health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes: A cross-sectional study of never-smoked adult primary care patients in Eastern Nigeria.

Background:Cigarette smoking whether actively or passively is a growing public health problem. Despite the wealth of information on the hazards of active cigarette smoking, awareness of the health effects of passive smoking on human population is often neglected in Nigeria.Aim:The study was aimed at describing the awareness of health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes among never-smoked adult primary care patients in Eastern Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A hospital-based study carried out on a cross-section of 500 adult patients in a primary care clinic in Nigeria. Data were collected using pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Exposure to secondhand smoke was defined as exposure to cigarette smoke in a never-smoked adult patient in the previous 1 year. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 for the calculation of percentages for categorical variables. Bivariate analysis involving Chi-square test was used to test for significance of association between categorical variables at P < 0.05.Results:The age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 74 years, with a mean age of 36 ± 12.4 years. There were 180 (36.0%) males with 320 (64%) females, with a sex ratio of 1.8. Awareness of general health effects of secondhand smoke on adults, children, and pregnant women was 95.6%, 92.8%, and 65.2%, respectively. The most common specific health effects the respondents were aware for adults, children, and obstetric population were lung cancer (95.6%), precipitation of asthmatic condition (92.8%), and delivery of small babies (65.2%), respectively. The predominant source of awareness of information was radio (93.6%). Awareness of general health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke on adults (P = 0.041), children (P = 0.031), and obstetrics population (P = 0.02) was significantly associated with exposure status.Conclusion:The most common health effects of secondhand smoke the respondents had highest awareness were lung cancer, precipitation of asthmatic attacks, and delivery of small babies in adults, children, and obstetric population, respectively. Awareness of general health effects on adults, children, and obstetrics population was significantly associated with exposure status. The current level of awareness should be improved while effort should be intensified to address identified areas of low level of awareness.

The Health Effects and Keep Down of Whole Body Vibration

Vibration was defined that oscillation of the body according to the reference point. The tools that are used in industry and are the source of vibration cause diseases. For this reason, the vibration has been one of the factors that affect the health and of the most widely researched in the field of ergonomics. The perceived intensity and health effects of vibration depend on the vibration frequency, intensity, direction, acceleration, duration of exposure, vibration affects the region, age, gender, posture, distance from the source person, activity, time of day and the person\'s overall health condition. The one of the most common health effects of whole body vibration is impact on musculoskeletal system. In many studies, indicated that whole-body vibration effect waist, back, shoulder and neck especially. There were varied studies that hormone levels were not changed as well there were varied studies that hormone levels were increased or decreased. There were varied studies about the digestive and circulatory system. In these studies, digestive system complaints, peptic ulcer, gastritis, varicose veins and hemorrhoids were determined frequently. For protection the health effect of vibration, Directives of the European Commission, Turkish Standards, Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise and Vibration Regulations were published. For the control of vibration are need technical and medical measures and education

A Study on Some of the Common Health Effects of Cell-Phones amongst College Students

Background: Cell phones are being used by each and every one today. Their use without any knowledge of their harmful effects is unsafe. Studies on cancers due to electromagnetic radiations from cell phones are available but there is a need to research on the harmful physical and mental effects esp. on rampant users, like college-goers. This study focused on the health effects of cell phone usage amongst students pursuing professional courses in colleges in an urban setting. Materials and methods: College students of both sexes in the age group 17-23 years from urban and rural backgrounds were selected at random (those using cell phones). They were given self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire which included aspects related to few common adverse mental and physical health symptoms attributed to cell phone usage. Results: Expectedly, almost all the subjects (96.1%) possessed cell phones, and used the device for a greater part of the day. Headache was found to be the commonest symptom (51.47%) followed by irritability/anger (50.79%). Other common mental symptoms included lack of concentration and poor academic performance, insomnia, anxiety etc. Among physical symptoms –body aches (32.19%), eye strain (36.51%), digital thumb (13.8%) were found to be frequent. Accidents are caused due to cell phone driving. Suggestions: Less dependence on the device, curtailing time period spent on talking, communicating more by texting, holding the device as much away from the head as possible or using headphones/loudspeaker facility, etc. were some of the take-home messages advocated to the subjects to minimize and prevent the adverse effects.

Health hazards among workers in plastic industry

Styrene is a basic building block for manufacturing thousands of products throughout the world. The present study aimed to (1) detect the presence of styrene and/or its metabolites in the workers in one of the Egyptian plastic factories; (2) demonstrate some common health effects of styrene exposure among the same group by some laboratory investigations and compare them with the unexposed healthy individuals; and (3) correlate the duration of styrene exposure and its level in the blood with the severity of the demonstrated health effects. This study was conducted in one of Egyptian plastic factories. The exposed group was 40 male workers, ranging in age from 18 to 33 years (23.20 ± 4.09), working 12 h/day with 1 day off, and working without any protective equipment. A control group of 50 unexposed healthy males matched with the exposed group for age (21-35 yrs (23.40 ± 4.05)), sex, socioeconomic status, and smoking habit is selected. Written individual consent is obtained from all participants followed by (a) a full medical and occupational history and full clinical examination; (b) ventilatory function tests: forced vital capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV₁)%, FEV₁/FVC%, peak expiratory flow, and mid-expiratory flow 25-75%; (c) analyses of β₂ microglobulin; blood styrene level; and urinary mandelic acid; and (d) cytogenetic study. The study results showed a statistically significant difference between the exposed and the control groups as regard the blood styrene level, urinary mandelic acid level, β₂ microgloblin in urine, and chromosomal study. The study also showed a statistically significant correlation between the duration of styrene exposure and ventilatory function parameters, also between the duration of styrene exposure and some detectable chromosomal aberrations. Our study recommends the implementation of preemployment and periodic medical examinations and health education programs using personal protective equipments and following the recommended allowable concentrations of styrene exposure.

Levels of arsenic in drinking-water and cutaneous lesions in Inner Mongolia.

The most common health effects from drinking-water containing dissolved arsenic are skin abnormalities and lesions that are typically diagnosed as keratosis and pigment disorder. It was previously reported that the prevalence of cutaneous lesions was about 44% in arsenic-affected villages. However, there has been little research on the relationship between levels of arsenic in drinking-water and cutaneous lesions in Inner Mongolia. One study examined the association between the prevalence of keratosis and levels of arsenic exposure and the relationship between pigment disorder and levels of arsenic exposure among villagers aged 18 years or older in the arsenic-affected village of Hetao Plain in Inner Mongolia, PR China. The study included 227 participants who were affected by cutaneous lesions and 221 participants who were not affected by cutaneous lesions diagnosed in 1996 and 1998. Well-water drunk by the participants was collected to analyze arsenic content. Adjusting for age, sex, and smoking, logistic regression was applied to calculate the risks that arsenic in drinking-water will lead to cutaneous lesions. The results from the logistic regression showed that, with the increase of arsenic concentration in water, the risk of pigment disorder also increased (odds ratio [OR]=5.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-83.24 for 50-199 microg/L; OR=10.97, 95% CI 1.50-79.95 for 200-499 [microg/L; OR=10.00, 95% CI 1.39-71.77 for > or = 500 microg/L (p=0.000), but the association between risk of keratosis and levels of arsenic was not significant (p=0.346). The findings suggest that keratosis is an early feature of arsenic poisoning, and the development of pigment disorder depends on higher doses of arsenic intake rather than keratosis. Further studies are needed to confirm that cutaneous lesions and other adverse health effects occur at low levels of arsenic exposure.

Arsenic-Induced Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects in Human Keratinocytes, Melanocytes and Dendritic Cells

Arsenical keratosis and skin cancer are among the most common health effects associated with acute and chronic exposures to arsenic. This study examines the acute and chronic dose-responses of arsenic in established human cell lines using keratinocytes (HaCaT), melanocytes (CRL1675) and dendritic cells (THP-1 + A23187). Chronic conditions were established by treating the three cell lines with at least 8 passages in 0.2 microg/mL arsenic trioxide. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the fluorescein diacetate assay after 72 hrs of exposure. Single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) was used to measure DNA damage. Acute exposure to arsenic had LD10 and LD25 values of 0.38 microg/mL and 3.0 microg/mL for keratinocytes; 0.19 microg/mL and 0.38 microg/mL for melanocytes; and 0.38 microg/mL and 0.75 microg/mL for dendritic cells. Cytotoxicity assays for chronically exposed cells resulted in LD10, and LD25 values of 0.4 microg/mL and 0.8 microg/mL for keratinocytes; 0.10 microg/mL and 0.20 microg/mL for melanocytes; and 0.10 microg/mL and 1.0 microg/mL for dendritic cells. The Comet assay showed that arsenic was highly genotoxic to the three cell lines. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in DNA cleavage were observed between acute and chronic exposures. In acute exposure arsenic genotoxicity was more severe with dendritic cells while melanocytes were more sensitive to arsenic cytotoxicity. Similarly, chronically exposed dendritic cells showed the maximum genotoxic damage while melanocytes were more sensitive to arsenic cytotoxicity. In conclusion, this research shows that arsenic is dermatotoxic, showing a high degree of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity to skin cells.

Indoor Air Pollution: An Update for the Clinician

Indoor air pollution can cause various health effects. The sources of indoor air contaminants include environmental tobacco smoke, combustion products, building materials and furnishings, cleaning agents, business machines, biologic agents, and radon. Common health effects that are usually reversible include cough, chest tightness, mucus membrane irritation, and sore throat. Certain specific lung diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, Legionella pneumonia, and lung cancer have been associated with specific indoor air pollutants. Other illnesses related to indoor air are of a nonspecific nature, e.g., sick building syndrome, with more subtle irritative and neuropsychologic symptoms. Diagnosing problems related to indoor air is challenging and depends primarily on a careful history. Efforts to reduce indoor pollutants such as improved ventilation, preventing indoor penetration of outdoor pollutants, source removal, and behavior modification measures can be helpful in treating individual patients. The most effective measures to manage indoor air problems use a multidisciplinary approach, with the involvement of public health professionals, local building engineers, and occupational medicine practitioners. Clin Pulm Med 2000;7(3):128-133