title: Health hazards of photography.
abstract: Photographers are exposed to chemical, physical, and psychological hazards during the course of their work. Photojournalists are at physical risk from motor vehicle crashes and work in war zones. Ergonomic risk comes from handling heavy equipment as well as work in awkward postures in dangerous positions. Darkroom exposure to chemical agents may lead to respiratory, allergic, and nervous system disease. Psychological problems come from chaotic work organization. Digital photography may reduce the prevalence of chemical exposure, although it may increase the risk of musculoskeletal illness. Simple hygiene measures may prevent illness in photographers. An increasing number of printed resources is available to professional and amateur photographers; this information may help them protect their health while they enjoy their art.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Forst
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control; D000485:Allergens; D001331:Automation; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants; D020452:Journalism; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D017132:Workplace; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D004396:Coloring Agents; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D007509:Irritants; D012997:Solvents