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Biomedical subjects

D Norbäck

Publications and source records attributed to D Norbäck.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Symptoms and sense of coherence--a follow-up study of personnel from workplace buildings with indoor air problems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to study prevalence and change of symptoms in buildings with suspected indoor air problems in relation to sense of coherence (SOC), a psychological measure of a life attitude. METHODS: A cohort of 194 subjects initially working in 19 Swedish buildings with indoor environmental problems was followed from 1988 to 1998. Information on 16 symptoms compatible with sick building syndrome (SBS) was gathered by an initial questionnaire mailed between 1988 and 1992. The same symptom questionnaire, as well as Antonovsky's SOC, was administered in a postal follow-up study in 1998. The prevalence of symptoms and the change (incidence) plus reminiscence of symptoms were calculated for individual symptoms and a total symptom score (SC). Bivariate analyses, as well as multiple linear and logistic regression analyses, were applied and adjusted for age, gender, history of atopy and tobacco smoking. RESULTS: SBS was more common in women, younger subjects and those with a history of atopy. A low SOC was related to a higher prevalence of ocular, nasal, and throat symptoms, tiredness, and headache. In addition, subjects with a low SOC developed more symptoms during the follow-up period. Women had a lower SOC value, but there was no relation between SOC and age, smoking, doctor's diagnosed asthma or a history of atopy. Subjects leaving the problem buildings during the follow-up period had a decrease in symptoms and were more often non-smokers, but had the same mean SOC score as those remaining in the same workplace. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that SOC can detect personal vulnerability in relation to suspected environmental stress. Symptoms reported in the buildings with suspected indoor air problems are partly reversible, as indicated by the reduction of symptoms among those leaving these buildings. A multi-disciplinary approach including personality aspects, allergic disorders and indoor exposures should be applied in investigations of buildings with suspected indoor air problems.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Ocular, nasal, dermal and general symptoms among commercial airline crews.

OBJECTIVE: To study symptoms among a commercial cabin crew, in relation to personal risk factors, perceived psychosocial work environment, occupation, and work on intercontinental flights, with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). METHODS: A standardized questionnaire (MM 040 NA) was mailed in February-March 1997 to all Stockholm aircrew on duty in a Scandinavian flight company ( n=1,857), and office workers from the same company ( n=218). During this time, smoking was allowed only on intercontinental flights. The participation rate was 81% ( n=1,513) of the aircrew, and 77% ( n=168) of the office group. Statistical analysis was performed by multiple logistic regression analysis, keeping age, gender, atopy, current smoking, occupation, and perceived psychosocial work conditions simultaneously in the model. RESULTS: The most common symptoms among the aircrew were fatigue (21%), nasal symptoms (15%), ocular symptoms (11%), dry or flushed facial skin (12%), and dermal hand symptoms (12%). The aircrew had more nasal (odds ratio (OR) = 3.12), throat (OR=5.75), and dermal symptoms on the face (OR=2.03), and hands (OR=3.68), than the office workers. The aircrew with a history of atopy had an increase of most symptoms (OR=1.5-3.8), but age, gender, or smoking was not associated with symptoms. Perceived stress due to excess of work was associated with fatigue (OR=7.33), feeling heavy-headed (OR=9.52), headache (OR=5.10), and facial dermal symptoms (OR=3.75), while those crew with better work control and work satisfaction had less fatigue. For most symptoms, there were no differences between different categories onboard, but pilots had fewer ocular (OR=0.28) nasal (OR=0.52), and dermal hand symptoms (OR=0.39). Airline crew that had been on an intercontinental flight the previous week had more complaints of fatigue (OR=1.87), heavy-headedness (OR=1.89), and difficulties concentrating (OR=3.22). CONCLUSION: There was an association between symptoms and work stress, lack of influence on working conditions, atopy, and work on intercontinental flights where smoking was allowed. In view of the increase of civil aviation, the working conditions for aircrews need further attention.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Biomarkers and chemosensory irritations.

OBJECTIVES: A literature review on studies in humans, applying physiological methods to monitor environmentally induced reactions in eyes and upper respiratory tract. The focus was on chemical exposures, but other occupational factors and indoor exposures were included. METHODS: Original articles were gathered from Medline until November 2000, combined with peer-reviewed publications from other sources. RESULTS: Ocular methods included measurement of tear film break-up time (BUT), blink frequency, detection of corneal damage, by vital staining, and cells or inflammatory markers in tear fluid. Nasal methods included acoustic rhinometry, rhinostereometry, and nasal peak expiratory flow. In addition, nasal lavage with isotonic sodium chloride solution was applied to measure concentrations of leucocytes, or biomarkers of secretion or inflammation in nasal lavage fluid (NAL). Most occupational studies were on nasal effects of organic or inorganic dust. There were few studies on occupational exposure to organic solvents or chemical irritants. Some studies demonstrated associations between ocular and nasal physiological response and the indoor environment. Finally, there were some exposure-chamber studies on effects of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Little is known about adaptation at repeated ocular or nasal exposure to irritants. CONCLUSION: Physiological measurements can be valuable complements to symptom registration, but there is a need for standardised investigations. There is a lack of studies on ocular and nasal physiological responses in relation to specific chemical compounds. Experimental studies, with repeated exposure and longer follow-up time on biomarkers, are needed. Finally, there is a need for longitudinal epidemiological studies to elucidate if observed effects should be interpreted as variation within normal physiology, or as early signs of impaired ocular and respiratory health.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed2002

Cabin air quality: indoor pollutants and climate during intercontinental flights with and without tobacco smoking.

The aim was to determine cabin air quality and in-flight exposure for cabin attendants of specific pollutants during intercontinental flights. Measurements of air humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2), respirable particles, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde were performed during 26 intercontinental flights with Boeing 767-300 with and without tobacco smoking onboard. The mean temperature in cabin was 22.2 degrees C (range 17.4-26.8 degrees C), and mean relative air humidity was 6% (range 1-27%). The CO2 concentration during cruises was below the recommended limit of 1000 ppm during 96% of measured time. Mean indoor concentration of NO2 and O3, were 14.1 and 19.2 micrograms/m3, with maximum values of 37 and 66 micrograms/m3, respectively. The concentration of formaldehyde was below the detection limit (< 5 micrograms/m3), in most samples (77%), and the maximum value was 15 micrograms/m3. The mean concentration of respirable particles in the rear part of the aircraft (AFT galley area) was much higher (49 micrograms/m3) during smoking as compared with non-smoking conditions (3 micrograms/m3) (P < 0.001), with maximum values of 253 and 7 micrograms/m3. In conclusion, air humidity is very low on intercontinental flights, and the large variation of temperature shows a need for better temperature control. Tobacco smoking onboard leads to a significant pollution of respirable particles, particularly in the rear part of the cabin. The result supports the view that despite the high air exchange rate and efficient air filtration, smoking in commercial aircraft leads to a significant pollution and should be prohibited.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2001

Sick building syndrome in relation to building dampness in multi-family residential buildings in Stockholm.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to study relationships between symptoms compatible with sick building syndrome (SBS) on one hand, and different indicators of building dampness in Swedish multi-family buildings on the other. METHODS: In Stockholm, 609 multi-family buildings with 14,235 dwellings were identified, and selected by stratified random sampling. The response rate was 77%. Information on weekly symptoms, age, gender, population density in the apartment, water leakage during the past 5 years, mouldy odour, condensation on windows, and high air humidity in the bathroom was assessed by a postal questionnaire. In addition, independent information on building characteristics was gathered from the building owners, and the central building register in Stockholm. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied, and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated, adjusted for age and gender, population density, and selected building characteristics. RESULTS: Condensation on windows, high air humidity in the bathroom, mouldy odour, and water leakage was reported from 9.0%, 12.4%, 7.7% and 12.7% of the dwellings, respectively. In total 28.5% reported at least one sign of dampness. All indicators of dampness were related to an increase of all types of symptoms, significant even when adjusted for age, gender, population density, type of ventilation system, and ownership of the building. A combination of mouldy odour and signs of high air humidity was related to an increased occurrence of all types of symptoms (OR = 3.7-6.0). Similar findings were observed for a combination of mouldy odour and structural building dampness (water leakage) (OR = 2.9 5.2). In addition, a dose-response relationship between symptoms and number of signs of dampness was observed. In dwellings with all four dampness indicators, OR was 6.5, 7.1, 19.9, 5.8, 6.1, 9.4, 15.0 for ocular, nasal, throat, dermal symptoms, cough, headache and tiredness, respectively. CONCLUSION: Signs of high air humidity, as well as of structural building dampness, are common in multi-family buildings in Stockholm. Reports of building dampness in dwellings is related to a pronounced increase of symptoms compatible with the SBS, even when adjusted for possible confounding by age, gender, population density, and building-related risk factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Acoustic rhinometry and lavage biomarkers in relation to some building characteristics in Swedish schools.

It has been suggested that certain building factors can be associated with specific exposures, such as dampness, chemical emissions and dust. The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between some selected building factors, on the one hand, and signs of inflammation or obstruction in the upper airways on the other. Acoustic rhinometry and nasal lavage were used in a field study among 234 school personnel in 12 randomly selected schools (participation rate 84%). Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), lysozyme, albumin and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were analyzed in the lavage fluid. Building related factors selected for the study were: roof inclination, fundament, building construction, signs of water damage, floor material, building age, ceiling height, bookcases and plants in the classroom. Control was made for potential confounders. The results indicate a pattern of nasal responses: less patent noses and an inflammatory biomarker response could be related to flat roof and a concrete slab fundament, factors that are known risk factors for water leakage, building dampness and possibly microbial growth. A reduced nasal patency without an inflammatory biomarker response was related to factors associated with plasticizers and dust. Positive effects were observed for plants in the classroom and in older buildings.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Irritants and allergens at school in relation to furnishings and cleaning.

In order to study the influence of furnishings and cleaning on the indoor air quality at school, 181 randomly chosen classrooms were investigated. The amounts of open shelves, textiles and other fittings were noted, data were gathered on cleaning routines, and a number of pollutants were measured in the classrooms. In classrooms with more fabrics there was more settled dust and the concentration of formaldehyde was higher. Classrooms with more open shelves had more formaldehyde, and more pet allergens in settled dust, and classrooms with a white board, instead of a chalk board, were less dusty. Classrooms mainly cleaned through wet mopping had more airborne viable bacteria but less settled dust than classrooms mainly cleaned by dry methods. In rooms where the desks and curtains were more often cleaned, the concentrations of cat and dog allergen in settled dust were lower. It is concluded that furnishings and textiles in the classroom act as significant reservoirs of irritants and allergens and have an impact on the indoor air quality at school.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2001

Sign of eye irritation in female hospital workers and the indoor environment.

The relationships between indoor environment factors and signs of eye irritation were studied in a sample of female personnel with (n = 112) and without (n = 64) mucous membrane symptoms working in 36 nursing departments at geriatric hospitals in the municipality of Trondheim, Norway. The indoor climate was characterised by high room temperature (interquartile range 23.0-23.7 degrees C), low relative air humidity (interquartile range 17-26%) and high outdoor airflow rate, as indicated by low indoor levels of carbon dioxide (interquartile range 490-650 ppm). An altered microbial flora was observed in nine of the departments, and Aspergillus fumigatus was found in three of these. Five of the hospitals were situated in urban parts of the municipality near roads with heavy traffic. In the initial analyses decreased tear-film stability (BUT) was observed in subjects working in departments with increased dust settlement rate (P = 0.03), in hospitals situated in urban areas with heavy traffic (P < 0.001), and in subjects working in departments with presence of A. fumigatus (P = 0.04). Increased conjunctival staining (CS) was related to alteration of the microbial flora. In the final multivariate analyses statistically significant relationships were observed between BUT and dust settlement rate and urban vicinity of workplace and between CS and alteration of the microbial flora.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Experimental exposure to propylene glycol mist in aviation emergency training: acute ocular and respiratory effects.

OBJECTIVES: Propylene glycol (PG) (1-2 propanediol; CAS No 57-55-6) is a low toxicity compound widely used as a food additive, in pharmaceutical preparations, in cosmetics, and in the workplace-for example, water based paints, de-icing fluids, and cooling liquids. Exposure to PG mist may occur from smoke generators in discotheques, theatres, and aviation emergency training. Propylene glycol may cause contact allergy, but there is sparse information on health effects from occupational exposure to PG. METHODS: Non-asthmatic volunteers (n=27) were exposed in an aircraft simulator to PG mist over 1 minute, during realistic training conditions. Geometric mean concentration of PG was 309 mg/m3 (range 176-851 mg/m3), with the highest concentrations in the afternoon. The medical investigation was performed both before and after the exposure (within 15 minutes). It included an estimate of tear film stability break up time, nasal patency by acoustic rhinometry, dynamic spirometry, and a doctor's administered questionnaire on symptoms. RESULTS: After exposure to PG mist for 1 minute tear film stability decreased, ocular and throat symptoms increased, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) was slightly reduced, and self rated severity of dyspnoea was slightly increased. No effect was found for nasal patency, vital capacity (VC), FVC, nasal symptoms, dermal symptoms, smell of solvent, or any systemic symptoms. Those exposed to the higher concentrations in the afternoon had a more pronounced increase of throat symptoms, and a more pronounced decrease of tear film stability. In four subjects who reported development of irritative cough during exposure to PG, FEV1 was decreased by 5%, but FEV1 was unchanged among those who did not develop a cough. Those who developed a cough also had an increased perception of mild dyspnoea. CONCLUSION: Short exposure to PG mist from artificial smoke generators may cause acute ocular and upper airway irritation in non-asthmatic subjects. A few may also react with cough and slight airway obstruction.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Asthma symptoms in relation to building dampness and odour in older multifamily houses in Stockholm.

SETTING: Respiratory symptoms and hay fever in adults in relation to the indoor environment. OBJECTIVES: To study relationships between reports on respiratory symptoms and hay fever and building dampness and odours in older multifamily dwellings. DESIGN: A questionnaire study in a random sample of 231 multifamily buildings built before 1961, which included 4224 apartments. The response rate was 77% (n = 3241). Information on building characteristics was gathered from building owners and the central building register in Stockholm. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied, adjusting for age, sex, current smoking, population density, type of ventilation and ownership. RESULTS: In total, 22% reported at least one sign of dampness, and 32% reported odour in the dwelling. All types of odours were more common in damp buildings. Reports on dampness and odours were related to asthma symptoms and current cough, even when adjusting for potential confounders. A combination of odour and signs of high air humidity was related to an increase in asthma symptoms (OR = 2.82; 95%CI 2.70-2.95) and current cough (OR = 5.29; 95%CI 4.99-5.62). Similar findings were observed for a combination of odour and history of water leakage in the last 5 years, with an increase in asthma symptoms (OR = 3.59; 95%CI 3.37-3.82) and current cough (OR = 2.86; 95%CI 2.61-3.14). There was a dose-response relationship between respiratory symptoms and the number of signs of dampness. An association was also observed between dampness and a history of pollen allergy. CONCLUSIONS: Signs of high indoor air humidity, water leakage and odours were common, and related to respiratory symptoms. Exposure to odorous compounds from building dampness may be significant with respect to respiratory symptoms and possibly atopic sensitisation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Incidence of asthma diagnosis and self-reported allergy in relation to the school environment--a four-year follow-up study in schoolchildren.

SETTING: In schools, the indoor air quality is often poor and there is growing concern about its impact on the pupils' health. OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of asthma diagnosis and self-reported allergy in schoolchildren in relation to the school environment. DESIGN: Data on asthma and allergies were collected through a postal questionnaire answered in 1993 and 1997 by 1347 (78%) pupils (initially aged 7-13 years) in 39 randomly chosen schools. Indoor pollutants were measured in about 100 classrooms in 1993 and 1995. Relationships between indoor pollutants and incidence of asthma diagnosis and self-reported allergy were studied by multiple logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, atopy and smoking. RESULTS: The incidence of asthma diagnosis was higher in pupils attending schools with more settled dust and more cat allergen (Fel d 1) in this dust. Incidence of self-reported furry pet allergy was higher in schools with more respirable particles. Among children without a history of atopy, a new asthma diagnosis was more common at higher concentrations of formaldehyde and total moulds in the classroom air. CONCLUSION: A school environment with more dust, cat allergen, formaldehyde and moulds may affect the incidence of asthma and sensitivity to furry pets in schoolchildren.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Indoor air pollutants in schools: nasal patency and biomarkers in nasal lavage.

BACKGROUND: There is growing concern about the respiratory health aspects of the indoor air quality in schools. METHODS: A standardized investigation, including nasal lavage (NAL), measurement of the nasal cavity by acoustic rhinometry, and hygienic measurements of airborne pollutants, was performed in classrooms, outside the pollen season. All 279 school personnel working in the main buildings of 12 randomly selected primary schools in an urban community in central Sweden (Uppsala) were invited to enroll in the study; 234 (84%) participated. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme, and albumin were analyzed in NAL fluid. Crude statistical analysis, as well as multiple regression analysis, was performed, controlling for room temperature, age, sex, current smoking, and a history of atopy. RESULTS: Most classrooms (83%) did not meet the Swedish ventilation standards. A lower degree of nasal patency was found at higher concentrations of respirable dust, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde, and total molds, and in the presence of Aspergillus spp. in the classroom air. The most consistent findings were observed for formaldehyde, NO2, and Aspergillus spp., related to both decreased nasal patency and increase of ECP and lysozyme in NAL. The presence of yeast was associated with an increase of ECP and lysozyme in NAL, but was not related to nasal patency. CONCLUSIONS: Ventilation flow was below current hygienic standards in the classrooms. Air pollutants in the classroom air may influence nasal patency and inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2000

Development of a multiple regression model to identify multi-family residential buildings with a high prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS).

The aim was to develop a multiple logistic regression model to identify multi-family houses with an increase of sick building syndrome (SBS). In Stockholm, 609 multi-family buildings with 14,235 dwellings were selected by stratified random sampling. The response rate was 77%. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied, adjusting for ownership of the building, building age and size, age, gender, and atopy. Females, subjects with allergy, those above 65 yr, and those in new buildings reported significantly more SBS. Subjects owning their own building reported less SBS, but the relationship between ownership and building age was strong. A regression model, including factors with a high explanatory value was developed. According to the model, 5% of all buildings built before 1961, 13% of those built 1976-1984, and 15% of those built 1985-1990 would have significantly more SBS than expected. In conclusion, SBS is related to personal factors, building age, and ownership of the building. To identify multi-family buildings with more SBS than expected, it is necessary to adjust for ownership and population characteristics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Changes in the ocular and nasal signs and symptoms of aircrews in relation to the ban on smoking on intercontinental flights.

OBJECTIVES: This study determined the influence of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in aircraft on measured and perceived cabin air quality (CAQ), symptoms, tear-film stability, nasal patency, and biomarkers in nasal lavage fluid. METHODS: Commercial aircrews underwent a standardized examination, including acoustic rhinometry, nasal lavage, and measurement of tear-film break-up time. Eosinophilic cationic protein, myeloperoxidase, lysozyme, and albumin were analyzed in the nasal lavage fluid. Inflight investigations [participation rate 98% (N=39)] were performed on board 4 flights, 2 in each direction between Scandinavia and Japan. Scandinavian crew on 6 flights from Scandinavia to Japan participated in postflight measurements after landing [participation rate 85% (N=41)]. Half the flights permitted smoking on board, and the other half, 0.5 months later, did not. Hygienic measurements showed low relative air humidity on board (2-10%) and a carbon dioxide concentration of <1000 ppm during 99.6% of the cruising time. RESULTS: The smoking ban caused a drastic reduction of respirable particles, from a mean of 66 (SD 56) microg/m3 to 3 (SD 0.8) microg/m3. The perceived CAQ was improved, and there were fewer symptoms, particularly ocular symptoms, headache and tiredness. Tear-film stability increased, and nasal patency was altered. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high air exchange rate and spatial separation between smokers and nonsmokers, smoking in commercial aircraft may cause significant air pollution, as indicated by a large increase in respirable particles. This ETS exposure is associated with an increase in ocular and general symptoms, decreased tear-film stability, and alterations of nasal patency.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2000

Cabin environment and perception of cabin air quality among commercial aircrew.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study the perception of cabin air quality (CAQ) and cabin environment (CE) among commercial cabin crew, and to measure different aspects of CAQ on intercontinental flights. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was mailed in February-March 1997 to all Stockholm-based aircrew on duty in a Scandinavian flight company (n = 1,857), and office workers from the same company (n = 218). The answers were compared with an external reference group for the questionnaire (MM 040 NA). During this time, smoking was allowed on intercontinental flights, but not on other shorter flights. Smoking was prohibited on all flights after 1 September 1997. The participation rate was 81% (n = 1,513) in the aircrew, and 77% (n = 168) in the office group. Air humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2) and respirable dust were measured during intercontinental flights, during both smoking and nonsmoking conditions. Statistical analysis was performed by multiple logistic regression analysis, keeping age, gender, smoking, current smoking, occupation, and perceived psychosocial work environment simultanously in the model. RESULTS: Air humidity was very low (mean 5%) during intercontinental flights. In most cases (97%) the CO2 concentration was below 1,000 ppm. The average concentration of respirable particles was 67 microg x m during smoking conditions, and 4 microg x m(-3) during non-smoking conditions. Complaints of draftiness, too high temperature, varying temperature, stuffy air, dry air, static electricity, noise, inadequate illumination, and dust were more common among aircrew as compared with office workers from the same company. Female crew had more complaints on too low temperature, dry air, and dust. Current smokers had less complaints on stuffy air and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Younger subjects and those with atopy (childhood eczema, allergy to tree or grass pollen, or furry animals) reported more complaints. Reports on work stress and lack of influence on working conditions were strongly related to perception of a poor cabin environment. Flight deck crew had more complaints about inadequate illumination and dust, but less complaints about other aspects of the cabin environment, as compared with flight attendants. Aircrew who had been on a flight the previous week, where smoking was allowed, had more complaints on dry air and ETS. CONCLUSION: Complaints about work environment seems to be more common among aircrew than office workers, particularly draft, stuffy air, dry air, static electricity, noise, inadequate illumination and dust. We could identify personal factors of importance, and certain conditions that could be improved, to achieve a better perception of the cabin environment. Important factors were work stress, lack of influence on the working conditions, and environmental tobacco smoke on some longer flights. The hygienic measurements in the cabin, performed only on intercontinental smoking flights, showed that air humidity is very low onboard, and tobacco-smoking onboard leads to significant pollution from respirable dust.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Influence of personal factors on nasal patency and lavage biomarkers in white-collar workers.

Large biological variability between subjects has been shown for both acoustic rhinometry and nasal lavage biomarker concentrations, but relatively little is known about the influence of personal factors on these techniques. The aim was to evaluate if nasal symptoms, acoustic rhinometric measurements and nasal lavage fluid biomarkers are related to age, gender, smoking, atopy or asthma. A standardized nasal investigation was applied in 411 white-collar workers, belonging to three occupational groups: school personnel (n = 234), office workers (n = 89) and hospital workers (n = 88). Lavage fluid analysis included determination of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme and albumin. Females had smaller nasal dimensions in the anterior part of the nose (p < 0.001), and lower lavage fluid concentrations of ECP (p = 0.004), MPO (p = 0.002), and albumin (p = 0.01). Rhinometric dimensions or lavage fluid biomarker concentrations were not related to age, smoking, atopy or asthma. Some differences in rhinometric and biomarker measurements were observed between the occupational groups, and adjustment was made for occupation. Rhinometric measures and lavage biomarkers were consistently interrelated, which suggests a combined mucosal swelling and inflammatory reaction. This indicates a potential usefulness of a combined use of acoustic rhinometry and lavage biomarkers to study nasal mucosal reactions.

Albumins↗
PubMed2000

Asthma symptoms in relation to measured building dampness in upper concrete floor construction, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol in indoor air.

SETTING: Asthma symptoms in adults in relation to the indoor environment. OBJECTIVES: To study the relationships between current asthma symptoms (wheeze or attacks of breathlessness) and the indoor environment and dampness in hospitals. DESIGN: A study among personnel (n = 87) in four geriatric hospitals in winter. Indoor air pollutants, dampness in the concrete floor, and allergens in settled dust were measured. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied, adjusting for age, sex, atopy, and dampness in the participants' own dwellings. RESULTS: Current asthma symptoms were reported by 17%, and 8% had doctor's diagnosed asthma. Asthma symptoms were more common (adjusted odds ratio = 8.6; 95% confidence interval 1.3-56.7) in two buildings with signs of dampness-related degradation of di(ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor material, detected as presence of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2-32 microg/m3) in indoor air (CAS nr 104-76-7). Asthma symptoms were related to higher relative humidity in the upper concrete floor construction, and ammonia in the floor. The newest hospital, built by an anthroposophic society, had low levels of dampness and few asthma symptoms (4%). Cat (Fel d1) and dog allergens (Can f1) were found in dust from all buildings (geometric mean 340 ng/g and 2490 ng/g, respectively). House dust mite allergens (Derp1, Derf1, or Derm1) were found in 75% of all samples (geometric mean 130 ng/g). There was no relationship between allergen levels and asthma symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma symptoms may be related to increased humidity in concrete floor constructions and emission of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, an indicator of dampness-related alkaline degradation of plasticiser DEHP. Moreover, geriatric hospitals can be contaminated by significant amounts of cat, dog and mite allergens.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗