Noxious fumes in a medical center: chemical and psychological aspects.
A group of operating room personnel at a medical center in Connecticut reported severe respiratory irritation manifested by either proxysmal cough or throat irritation suggestive of a noxious fume exposure, 13 April 1994. However, persistent complaints on 14 April 1994 were significantly different and more suggestive of a psychological reaction. By careful interviewing, physical examination, toxicological assays, and epidemiological investigation, the true nature of a mixed physiological and psychological episode was delineated. Enlightened management policy enabled rapid restoration of return to work with minimal economic loss.
York
E
E
Health Service, Hartford Hospital, USA.
Hodgson
M J
MJ
Cooper
B W
BW
McKay
C A
CA
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D003237:Connecticut; D003371:Cough / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology; D003376:Counseling; D003625:Data Collection; D015920:Gas Scavengers; D006801:Humans; D009873:Operating Rooms; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D017751:Safety Management
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational