Eye Irritation Symptoms Research Articles

Formaldehyde Exposure, Health Symptoms and Risk Assessment among Hospital Workers in Malaysia

Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in hospitals as a tissue preservative; histopathology laboratory personnel are therefore among the workers most heavily exposed to formaldehyde. This study measured the formaldehyde exposure through ambient and personal air sampling, assessed the symptoms of poor health as well as estimating the health risk among hospital workers. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study of both histopathology laboratory (exposed) and administration (nonexposed) workers in four hospitals in the Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia. Ambient and personal exposure to formaldehyde was measured using the OSHA 52 and NIOSH 2541 methods, respectively. The 8-hr time-weighted-average formaldehyde concentration was higher in exposed areas (0.25 ± 0.11 ppm) than nonexposed areas (0.08 ± 0.02 ppm). Histopathology workers were exposed to between 140% and 480% higher concentrations of formaldehyde than administration workers. Personal exposure was highest during grossing tasks (0.797 ± 0.436 ppm). A total of 67% of the exposed workers exhibited the same ten health symptoms related to formaldehyde exposure, and 57% of the nonexposed workers reported similar symptoms at their current workplace. Notably, symptoms of eye irritation, headache, drowsiness, and chest tightness were significantly more prevalent (p < 0.05; chi square and Fisher’s exact tests) among the exposed workers than the nonexposed workers. Among those with symptoms, 37% of the exposed workers, and 16% of the nonexposed workers believed that the symptoms were related to their current working environment. The noncancer effect of formaldehyde from air inhalation poses a potential risk of eye irritation among exposed workers. The cancer risk was not significant in both groups. Formaldehyde levels and symptoms of poor health were significantly higher among the exposed group. Exposure and risk could be minimised by strengthening control measures to improve indoor air quality in the workplace.

Trachoma in School Going Children at District Bahawalpur, Pakistan: Incidence and Causes

This study is a pilot collaborative effort between academic and clinical sectors for exploring the incidence of trachoma among school going children in Pakistan ranging from 4-18 years olds from January to June 2019. A three-stage random sampling technique was employed. At stage one, out of five; two tehsils of District Bahawalpur were selected. In the second stage, four union councils from two selected tehsils were selected randomly. In the third and final stage of random sampling, two government schools from each union council were randomly selected from selected union councils. In each school, all willing students wanting a free eye check-up were entertained for initial screening. Anyone having complains regarding eye irritation, redness, watering, pain or vision loss symptoms were screened for trachoma. Out of 16 selected Government schools, seventeen hundred and thirty seven (n=5737) participants were selected ranging from 4 to18 years olds. Data were analyzed using Eviews 7.0. Trachoma was observed in total of 169 cases (74 male, 95 female). 2.94% overall trachoma prevalence was seen (2.39% for male students and 3.59% for females). Female children suffered from higher prevalence of trachoma (1.20%).

Sinais e sintomas relacionados à inalação da fumaça cirúrgica por cirurgiões

Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre a prevalência de sinais e sintomas relacionados à inalação da fumaça cirúrgica e o tempo de atuação desdea formatura dos cirurgiões expostos. Método: Estudo de campo, transversal, descritivo, quantitativo. Os dados foram coletados por uma das pesquisadorasem entrevista individual com 45 cirurgiões, com o auxílio de um instrumento contendo dados sociodemográficos e variáveis referentes aos sinais esintomas relacionados à inalação da fumaça cirúrgica descritos na literatura. Resultados: A amostra foi composta, em sua maioria, de cirurgiões do sexomasculino, com prevalência da clínica de ginecologia e obstetrícia. Não houve significância estatística entre a associação dos sinais e sintomas relacionadosà inalação da fumaça e o tempo de atuação desde a formatura dos cirurgiões expostos (p&gt;0,05). Conclusão: Houve maior prevalência dos sintomasirritação nos olhos e sensação de corpo estranho na garganta entre os cirurgiões com mais de 30 anos na função desde a formatura; 60,0% dos cirurgiõesnão acreditam que os sintomas estejam relacionados à inalação da fumaça cirúrgica. Recomenda-se, para a minimização dos sinais e sintomas, a instalaçãode exaustores de fumaça em salas cirúrgicas e o uso da máscara N95 pelos trabalhadores expostos a esse risco.

Exposure to volatile organic compounds and airway inflammation

BackgroundExposure to low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ordinary life is suspected to be related to oxidative stress and decreased lung function. This study evaluated whether exposure to ambient VOCs in indoor air affects airway inflammation.MethodsThirty-four subjects from the hospital that had moved to a new building were enrolled. Symptoms of sick building syndrome, pulmonary function tests, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were evaluated, and random urine samples were collected 1 week before and after the move. Urine samples were analyzed for VOC metabolites, oxidative stress biomarkers, and urinary leukotriene E4 (uLTE4) levels.ResultsThe level of indoor VOCs in the new building was higher than that in the old building. Symptoms of eye dryness and eye irritation, as well as the level of a xylene metabolite (o-methylhippuric acid) increased after moving into the new building (p = 0.012, p = 0.008, and p < 0.0001, respectively). For the inflammatory markers, FeNO decreased (p = 0.012 and p = 0.04, respectively) and the uLTE4 level increased (p = 0.005) after the move.ConclusionExposure to a higher level of VOCs in everyday life could affect airway inflammation.

Effect on blood pressure and eye health symptoms in a climate-financed randomized cookstove intervention study in rural India

BackgroundAir pollution from cooking with solid fuels is a potentially modifiable risk factor for increased blood pressure and may lead to eye irritation. ObjectivesTo evaluate whether a climate motivated cookstove intervention reduced blood pressure and eye irritation symptoms in Indian women. MethodsHouseholds using traditional stoves were randomized to receive a rocket stove or continue using traditional stoves. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and self-reported eye symptoms were measured twice, pre-intervention and at least 124 days post-intervention in women > 25 years old in control (N = 111) and intervention (N = 111) groups in rural Karnataka, India. Daily (24-h) fine particle (PM2.5) mass and absorbance (Abs) were measured in cooking areas at each visit. Mixed-effect models were used to estimate before-and-after differences in SBP, DBP and eye symptoms. ResultsWe observed a lower SBP (−2.0 (−4.5, 0.5) mmHg) and DBP (−1.1 (−2.9, 0.6) mmHg) among exclusive users of intervention stove, although confidence intervals included zero. Stacking or mixed use of intervention and traditional stoves contributed to a small increase in SBP 2.6 (−0.4, 5.7) mmHg) and DBP (1.2 (−0.9, 3.3) mmHg). Exclusive and mixed stove users experienced higher post-intervention reductions, on average, in self-reported eye irritation symptoms for burning sensation in eyes, and eyes look red often compared to control. Median air pollutant concentrations increased post-intervention in all stove groups, with the lowest median PM2.5 increase in the exclusive intervention stove group. ConclusionsHealth benefits were limited due to stacking and lower-than-predicted efficiency of the intervention stove in the field. Stove adoption and use behavior, in addition to stove technology, affects achievement of health co-benefits. Carbon-financing schemes need to align with international guidelines that have been set based on health outcomes to maximize health co-benefits from cookstove interventions.

Observation on the effect of applying mitomycin C in transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy

Objective To observe the efficacy of applying mitomycin C(MMC)in transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(TPRK )surgery. Methods A retrospective nonrandomized controlled study. The data of 122 eyes of 61 cases received TPRK surgery were collected and analyzed.All cases were divided into two groups.Group A, 60 eyes of 30 patients, 0.02% MMC sponge was put on to the cornea ablation area during operation for 20-40 s; group B, 62 eyes of 31 cases received surgery without MMC. The follow-up time was 6 months.The incidence of haze formation, cornea epithelium healing and visual acuity of the two groups were observed. Results The eye irritation symptoms of group B was lighter than that of group A, the difference was statistically significant between the two groups (t=7.582, P=0.000). At 3 and 10 days postoperatively corneal epithelium repair were faster, the difference was statistically significant between the two groups(P=0.002, 0.007). The visual acuity at 3, 10 days, 1 and 3 months after surgery was same with that before surgery.The difference was not statistically significant(χ2=0.439, P=0.508; χ2=2.367, P=0.124; χ2=0.370, P=0.543; χ2=0.919, P=0.338). The difference in incidence of haze was not statistically significant between the two groups(χ2=0.726, P=0.190). Conclusion During TPRK surgery without MMC can reduce postoperative eye irritation, and repair corneal epithelium relatively fast, without influence on visual recovery and the incidence of haze. Key words: Keratectomy, transepithelial, photorefractive; Mitomycin C, intraoperative application; Haze, corneal; Visual acuity

Comparative study between smokers and nonsmokers regarding dry eye

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between smoking and dry eye in the adult population. Patients and methods A total of 500 male patients, 250 smokers and 250 nonsmokers, were recruited for this study in the period between May 2015 and April 2016. In addition to history taking and general examination, all participants were asked about eye irritation symptoms and were subjected to slit lamp and fundus examination. Schirmer 2 test, using topical anesthesia, tear break-up time (TBUT), and rose bengal staining were done for all study participants. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the age of patients in both groups. The mean age of smokers was 41.44±7.55 years, whereas in nonsmokers it was 39.97±7.59 years. Schirmer 2 test values were significantly lower in smokers compared with nonsmokers (P=0.017). In smokers, the mean value of Schirmer 2 test was 13.91±6.81 mm, whereas in nonsmokers it was 16.58±7.41 mm. TBUT values of the smokers were significantly lower in smokers than in nonsmokers (P=0.035). It averaged 11.9±5.8 s in smokers and 14.9±5.5 s in nonsmokers. The rose bengal staining scores did not differ between the two groups (P=0.467). Additionally, a linear negative correlation was detected between smoking index of smokers and their Schirmer 2 test and TBUT values. The eye irritation indices of the smokers were statistically higher than those of the nonsmokers (P=0.0007). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that smoking affects the tear film secretion and stability. In addition, it causes eye irritation symptoms, and so smokers are more likely to have dry eyes and severity of dry eye is more in smokers than in nonsmokers.

Respiratory, Dermal, and Eye Irritation Symptoms Associated with Corexit™ EC9527A/EC9500A following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Findings from the GuLF STUDY.

Background:The large quantities of chemical oil dispersants used in the oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) work following the Deepwater Horizon disaster provide an opportunity to study associations between dispersant exposure (Corexit™ EC9500A or EC9527A) and human health.Objectives:Our objectives were to examine associations between potential exposure to the dispersants and adverse respiratory, dermal, and eye irritation symptoms.Methods:Using data from detailed Gulf Long-term Follow-up ( GuLF) Study enrollment interviews, we determined potential exposure to either dispersant from participant-reported tasks during the OSRC work. Between 27,659 and 29,468 participants provided information on respiratory, dermal, and eye irritation health. We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) to measure associations with symptoms reported during the OSRC work and at study enrollment, adjusting for potential confounders including airborne total hydrocarbons exposure, use of cleaning chemicals, and participant demographics.Results:Potential exposure to either of the dispersants was significantly associated with all health outcomes at the time of the OSRC, with the strongest association for burning in the nose, throat, or lungs [adjusted PR (95% CI: 1.42, 1.82)], tightness in chest [ (95% CI: 1.37, 1.81)], and burning eyes [ (95% CI: 1.35, 1.64). Weaker, but still significant, associations were found between dispersant exposure and symptoms present at enrollment.Conclusions:Potential exposure to Corexit™ EC9527A or EC9500A was associated with a range of health symptoms at the time of the OSRC, as well as at the time of study enrollment, 1–3 y after the spill. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1677

Madarosis: a qualitative study to assess perceptions and experience of Australian patients with early breast cancer treated with taxane-based chemotherapy.

Eyebrow and eyelash loss (madarosis) is a common and distressing side effect of chemotherapy for which no protective strategies have yet been developed. The purpose of this study was to develop an overview of perceptions and experiences of women undergoing taxane-based treatment for early breast cancer. A total of 25 women with a diagnosis of invasive early breast cancer participated in a focus group (n=5), ages ranging from 35 to 64 (median 50), all had completed therapy with a taxane-based chemotherapy treatment. This focus group used targeted questions to explore participants' perceptions and experience of madarosis during and following chemotherapy and identified issues associated with impact of madarosis on quality of life (QoL). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify important issues experienced by participants. Seven themes emerged from the data: (1) timing of regrowth and permanent changes, (2) meaning/importance of eyebrow/eyelashes, (3) preparedness/information given, (4) impact of the hair loss of self, (5) impact of hair loss on others, (6) physiological side effects of loss of eyebrows/eyelashes, and (7) management of loss of eyebrows/eyelashes. In addition, participants noted physical symptoms of eye irritation during their treatment that they attributed to madarosis. This study highlights the significant impact of madarosis on patients, providing the first published analysis of patient's attitude and perception of eyelash and eyebrow loss during chemotherapy. Further research in this area is required and will be benefitted from the development of a dedicated instrument/questionnaire that can capture and measure the impact of madarosis on QoL and allow development of clinical trial strategies.

Respiratory, ocular and skin health in recreational and competitive swimmers: Beneficial effect of a new method to reduce chlorine oxidant derivatives

BackgroundChlorine by-products may irritate the eyes, nose, skin and airways of swimmers and may cause chronic airway inflammation. ObjectiveTo assess the salutary effects on swimmers health of a new method of water disinfection. MethodsRecreational (n=320) and competitive swimmers (n=53) participated in the study. The first part of the study (Phase A) was carried out while using the current standard method. The second part (Phase B) began 8 weeks after the new method had been introduced. Total oxidants in air and chlorine species in water were assessed by standard methods. All swimmers completed a questionnaire on health complaints. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was used to monitor the levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in airway from competitive swimmers. ResultsThe new system resulted in a 75% and 39% reduction in the concentration of total oxidants and of nitrogen trichloride respectively in the air of the swimming pool. With the new system recreational swimmers experienced fewer symptoms of cough and irritation of the eyes, nose and skin. A decrease in eye irritation symptoms was also noted by competitive swimmers. The baseline concentration of CysLTs in EBC decreased significantly in Phase B with respect to Phase A. ConclusionsThe new method markedly reduced the levels of irritant oxidant substances in the pool atmosphere that resulted in a reduction of eye, nose, skin and cough complaints in recreational swimmers, and eye irritation in competitive swimmers. It was also associated with reduced CysLT levels in the airways of competitive swimmers.

Eye and skin irritation tests using deep sea water-extracted minerals

Deep sea water (DSW) contains many inorganic materials and minerals, which are extracted for use in diverse fields. However, before application, safety tests should be performed. In the present study, two DSW-extracted minerals were analyzed: calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). Eye and skin irritation tests of DSW-extracted Ca and Mg were performed according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea. These two types of mineral extracts caused no symptoms of eye and skin irritation when compared to the control. These results suggest that DSW-extracted minerals caused no irritation in the eyes and on the skin, and could be safely applied to these areas.

Clinical observation on intracorneal injection of different anti-fungal drugs for the treatment of fungal keratitis caused by injury due to chestnut

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of injection of different anti-fungal drugs in corneal stroma for the treatment of fungal keratitis caused by injury due to chestnut stab. Methods Eighty-three eyes of 83 cases of fungal keratitis caused by chestnut were randomly divided into three groups. The etiological results of all cases were obtained by fungal culture. After corneal debridement, patients in group A, group B and group C received the injection of fluconazole, amphotericin B and voriconazole in corneal stroma respectively on the basis of using 5% natamycin eye drops. The effect of the treatments for the three groups were observed. Results The first pathogenic bacteria was the Alternaria of the pathogen accounting for 34.9% (29 cases), followed by Fusarium 30.1% (25 cases) and Aspergillus 15.7% (13 cases). The cure rates of three groups were 70.3% (19/27), 76% (18/25) and 90.3% (28/31) respectively. The average cure rate of group C was higher than that of group A and B, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=5.349, 4.895; P=0.021, 0.027). There was no statistically significant difference in the cure rate between group A and B (χ2=0.027, P=0.869). The cure time of group C was (22.48±8.36)d which was shorter than that of group A (27.40±3.97)d and group B (28.76±5.12)d and the differences were statistically significant (t=2.544, 3.006; P=0.014, 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in the cure time between group A and B (t=1.069, P=0.290). Two cases in group B suffered eye irritation symptoms, and the symptom disappeared after the use of Diclofenac Sodium eye drops for two days. No adverse reactions during the treatment occurred in the remaining cases. All cases were followed up for 1-3 months and no puncture tract scar formed or no recurrent case happened. Conclusion The main pathogenic bacteria of fungal keratitis by chestnut stab are Alternaria and Fusarium. The injection of fluconazole, amphotericin B and voriconazole respectively in corneal stroma can bring better curative effect, especially the voriconazole and for severe cases the curative effect of voriconazole is better than that of fluconazole and amphotericin B. Key words: Keratitis, fungal; Chestnut stab; Etiological examination; Antifungal drugs; Injection, in corneal stroma

Evaluating the need for close follow-up after removal of a noncomplicated corneal foreign body.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need for close follow-up after removal of noncomplicated corneal foreign bodies. This is an observational prospective cohort study of 60 eyes in noncontact lens wearers with corneal foreign bodies outside the visual axis. Foreign bodies were removed and patients were followed as per the Wills Eye Manual guideline for 1 to 3 days after foreign body extraction, and every 3 to 5 days until resolution of the epithelial defect. Patients were asked to record their symptoms of eye pain, eye irritation, eye redness, and visual acuity on a visual analog scale to monitor symptoms related to development of infectious keratitis. The primary endpoint was resolution of the epithelial defect. The average time to resolution of the epithelial defect was 4.34 ± 1.56 days, with an average of 2.2 ± 1.23 follow-up visits after removal. One patient developed infectious keratitis (1.67%). Symptoms showed a statistically significant improvement in patients who had healed epithelial defects, and a statistically significant worsening in the 1 patient who developed infectious keratitis (sensitivity = 1 and specificity = 0.915). Few noncomplicated injuries develop infectious keratitis. We recommend fewer follow-ups for these injuries. However, if patients develop any worsening in eye pain, irritation, redness, or decrease in their visual acuity, they should return promptly for reassessment.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with nonspecific building-related symptoms in office employees in Japan: relationships between work environment, Indoor Air Quality, and occupational stress.

A nationwide cross-sectional study of 3335 employees was conducted in 320 offices in Japan to estimate the prevalence of building-related symptoms (BRSs) and determine the risk factors related to work environment, Indoor Air Quality, and occupational stress. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. The prevalences of general symptoms, eye irritation, and upper respiratory symptoms were 14.4%, 12.1%, and 8.9%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that eye irritation was significantly associated with carpeting [odds ratio (OR), 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.24-2.41], coldness perception (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13-1.45), and air dryness perception (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.42-1.82). General symptoms were significantly associated with unpleasant odors (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13-1.65), amount of work (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.45), and interpersonal conflicts (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23-1.69). Upper respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with crowded workspaces (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13-1.63), air dryness perception (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.79-2.38), and reported dustiness on the floor (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.16-1.67). Although psychosocial support is important to reduce and control BRSs, maintaining appropriate air-conditioning and a clean and uncrowded workspace is of equal importance.

Managing Sjögren's Syndrome and non-Sjögren Syndrome dry eye with anti-inflammatory therapy.

Dry eye from Sjögren’s syndrome is a multifactorial disease that results in dysfunction of the lacrimal functional unit. Studies have shown changes in tear composition, including inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and metalloproteinase. T-lymphocytes have been shown to increase in the conjunctiva and lacrimal glands in patient and animal models. This inflammation is in part responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease, which results in symptoms of eye irritation, ocular surface epithelial disease, and loss of corneal barrier function. There are a number of anti-inflammatory approaches for treating this disease. The current study reviews details of immune response and anti–inflammatory therapies used to control this disease.

Factors Predicting the Ocular Surface Response to Desiccating Environmental Stress

To identify factors predicting the ocular surface response to experimental desiccating stress. The ocular surfaces of both eyes of 15 normal and 10 dry eye subjects wearing goggles were exposed to a controlled desiccating environment (15%-25% relative humidity and 2-5 L/min airflow) for 90 minutes. Eye irritation symptoms, blink rate, tear meniscus dimensions, noninvasive (RBUT) and invasive tear break-up time, and corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green-dye staining were recorded before and after desiccating stress. Pre- and postexposure measurements were compared, and Pearson correlations between clinical parameters before and after desiccating stress were calculated. Corneal and conjunctival dye staining significantly increased in all subjects following 90-minute exposure to desiccating environment, and the magnitude of change was similar in normal and dry eye subjects; except superior cornea staining was greater in dry eye. Irritation severity in the desiccating environment was associated with baseline dye staining, baseline tear meniscus height, and blink rate after 45 minutes. Desiccation-induced change in corneal fluorescein staining was inversely correlated to baseline tear meniscus width, whereas change in total ocular surface dye staining was inversely correlated to baseline dye staining, RBUT, and tear meniscus height and width. Blink rate from 30 to 90 minutes in desiccating environment was higher in the dry eye than normal group. Blink rate significantly correlated to baseline corneal fluorescein staining and environmental-induced change in corneal fluorescein staining. Ocular surface dye staining increases in response to desiccating stress. Baseline ocular surface dye staining, tear meniscus height, and blink rate predict severity of ocular surface dye staining following exposure to a desiccating environment.

A Novel Surgical Technique for the Treatment of Giant Fornix Syndrome

To describe a novel surgical treatment for patients with chronic relapsing conjunctivitis, corneal epitheliopathy, and ptosis secondary to giant fornix syndrome. A retrospective case series was performed looking at the presence or absence of preoperative symptoms of eye irritation, tearing, blurry vision, and discharge in 6 patients diagnosed with giant fornix syndrome. Their examination findings were noted, and all patients underwent an extensive conjunctivoplasty with resection of redundant forniceal conjunctiva with subconjunctival antibiotics. Final visual acuity, symptoms, and examination findings were noted with a minimum follow up of 9 months. Six patients were treated from November 2009 to November 2011. Duration of symptoms ranged from 3 to 40 months. Four patients were women while 2 were men, with age ranging from 61 to 85 years. Common symptoms were severe mucopurulent discharge, eye redness, tearing, and irritation with examination findings of severe conjunctival discharge and injection, corneal epitheliopathy, upper eyelid ptosis, and a deep upper and lower eyelid fornix. Most patients had undergone previous treatments with topical and/or oral antibiotics or steroids. All patients underwent surgical intervention using the surgical technique to be described with resolution of their symptoms, and even an improvement of 2 or more lines of best corrected visual acuity (3 of 5 patients). The authors' novel surgical technique helps restore the abnormal anatomy found in patients with giant fornix syndrome and thus, helps resolve chronic relapsing conjunctivitis and surface disease associated with this often underdiagnosed condition. Further studies are needed to evaluate the risk of entropion and dry eye syndrome due to the modification of the posterior lamella.

Office Workers’ Sick Building Syndrome and Indoor Carbon Dioxide Concentrations

This study attempted to determine whether any association exists between sick building syndrome (SBS) and indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. We evaluated SBS among 111 office workers in August and November 2003. The environmental conditions in the office, including CO2 concentrations, temperature, relative humidity, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), were continuously monitored. The most prevalent symptoms of the five SBS groups were eye irritation and nonspecific and upper respiratory symptoms. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) models show that workers exposed to indoor CO2 levels greater than 800 ppm were likely to report more eye irritation or upper respiratory symptoms.

Health effects following the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption: a cohort study

ObjectivesThe study aimed to determine whether exposure to a volcanic eruption was associated with increased prevalence of physical and/or mental symptoms.DesignCohort, with non-exposed control group.SettingNatural disasters like volcanic eruptions constitute...

Associations between respiratory illnesses and secondhand smoke exposure in flight attendants: A cross-sectional analysis of the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute Survey.

BackgroundSecondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) is associated with increased risk of respiratory illness, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Prior to smoking bans on airlines in the late 1980s, flight attendants were exposed to a significant amount of SHS. In the present study, we examine associations between flight attendant SHS exposure and development of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular disease.MethodsBetween December 2006 and October 2010, three hundred sixty-two flight attendants completed an online questionnaire with information regarding experience as a flight attendant, medical history, smoking history, and SHS exposure. Rates of illnesses in flight attendants were compared with an age and smoking history matched population sample from NHANES 2005-2006. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of reported medical conditions and pre-ban years of exposure.ResultsCompared with the sample from NHANES 2005-2006, flight attendants had increased prevalence of chronic bronchitis (11.7% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.05), emphysema/COPD (3.2% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.03), and sinus problems (31.5% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.002), despite a lower prevalence of medical illnesses including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart failure, cancer, and thyroid disease. Amongst flight attendants who reported never smoking over their lifetimes, there was not a significant association between years of service as a flight attendant in the pre-smoking ban era and illnesses. However, in this same group, there was a significantly increased risk of daily symptoms (vs. no symptoms) of nasal congestion, throat, or eye irritation per 10-year increase of years of service as a flight attendant prior to the smoking ban (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.41 - 3.24).ConclusionsFlight attendants experience increased rates of respiratory illnesses compared to a population sample. The frequency of symptoms of nasal congestion, throat or eye irritation is associated with occupational SHS exposure in the pre-smoking ban era.