An investigation of respiratory symptoms and spirometry parameters in pathological laboratories employees

authors:

avatar ali naserbakht 1 , * , avatar Khosro Sadeghniat 2

Occupational Medicine Specialist, Karaj School of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran.
Associate Professor of Occupational Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran.
Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: Vol.13, issue 5; e93917
published online: May 26, 2011
article type: Short Communication
received: April 23, 2010
accepted: July 13, 2010

how to cite: naserbakht A, Sadeghniat K. An investigation of respiratory symptoms and spirometry parameters in pathological laboratories employees. Zahedan J Res Med Sci. 2011;13(5):e93917. 

Abstract

Background: Formaldehyde is a chemical active material with stabilizer and disinfectant applications in pathology laboratories. One of its side-effects is respiratory problems which were studied in this research.
Materials and Method: Thirty-eight subjects exposed to formaldehyde and 23 unexposed personals at pathological laboratories were studied with regard to their respiratory symptoms and functions. “Exposure Questionnaire”, spirometry and environmental measurement were used for this purpose.
Results: Nasal and throat burning were achieved the highest incidence and other symptoms including hoarseness, cough and dyspnea in exposure group, respectively. Many symptoms were significantly associated with time-pattern and/or exposure intensity.
Conclusion: Unchanged spirometric values could be due to intermittent exposure. However, regarding to the high incidence rate of respiratory symptoms and high concentration of the formaldehyde in laboratories, effective ventilation.

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References

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