Allergic Symptoms in Workers in Out-Patient Card

Abstract

As workers in the out-patient card storage room of a university hospital complained frequent allergic symptoms (such as runny nose, sneeze, cough, eye itching, eye redness, and also asthma like symptoms), particularly during work periods, this cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the extent, severity, and cause of these allergic symptoms. Datas were collected by walkthrough survey and self-administrated questionnaires during 10 – 17 January 2006. Study results, showed that the work area was poorly ventilated, with molds on the air-vent slits. Some areas were dusty. Average room humidity and temperature were 46 percent and 20.4 °c respectively, whereas the recommended standards for these parameters according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) were 30 – 60 percent and 22.8 – 25 °c respectively. The concentrations of airborne particulate matter less than 10 and 2.5 µm, as well as airborne fungi were well within the recommended standards. Concerning workers health, 36 out of totally 45 workers (80 percent) complained nose fullness, runny nose, and sneezing, while 28 workers (62.2 percent) experienced throat itching, dry throat, and hoarseness of voice. The frequencies of symptoms were minimal to moderate, affecting 20 – 30 workers (44.5 – 66.7 percent) during weekdays and 16 – 18 workers (35.6 – 40.0 percent) during the weekends. Among those with the symptoms during weekdays, 30 (66.7 percent) reported the symptoms during working hours. In conclusion, the raised temperature of work area up to the standard level is recommended, and cause of allergic symptoms among workers need further investigation