Authors
Morgan-MS; Camp-JE
Source
J Occup Med 1986 Jun; 28(6):415-419
Abstract
An experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions in order to quantify upper respiratory congestion in clerical workers reporting prior sensitivity when exposed to carbonless copy paper (CCP). Measurement of the nasal contribution to the work of breathing was used to quantify the acute irritation of the nasal passages. Posterior rhinomanometry was used to determine the flow/pressure characteristics of the nose. Twenty eight subjects recruited from a population of workers classified as secretarial or clerical were given controlled exposure to vapors from two sets of three page blue dye CCP forms and from plain bond paper. Results of plain paper exposure indicated no significant changes in either phase. In subjects with a history of allergy, changes in nasal function were reported after exposure to both paper types, but only the change after CCP exposure was statistically significant (paired t-test, P less than 0.05). Nasal aerodynamic response to CCP vapor was significant even with low levels of hydrocarbon exposure. Objective changes were measured in the absence of consistent subjective complaints. The authors conclude that physiological measurements may be more sensitive and consistent than symptomatology in detecting the effects of exposure to respiratory irritants at low concentrations.
Keywords
JOCMA6; NIOSH-Grant; NIOSH-Publication; Aldehydes; Allergic-reactions; Inhalants; Organic-vapors; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Occupational-respiratory-disease; Office-workers
Document Type
Journal Article
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-T15-OH-07087
Priority Area
Pulmonary-system-disorders
Source Name
Journal of Occupational Medicine
Performing Organization
Environmental Health University of Washington Environmental Health Dept Seattle, Wash 98195