ABSTRACT
The occupational hazards associated with exposure to 2 per cent glutaraldehyde have been assessed in medical and nursing staff working in an endoscopy unit. Eight of the nine staff were affected and the clinical manifestations included watering of eyes, rhinitis, dermatitis, respiratory difficulties, nausea and headache. The atmospheric concentrations of glutaraldehyde were assessed and the effect on clinical manifestations is discussed. Glutaraldehyde is an irritant and sensitiser. Guidelines for those exposed to the compound are discussed to prevent, monitor and manage any health hazard.
Subject(s)
Aldehydes/adverse effects , Asthma/chemically induced , Dermatitis, Occupational/chemically induced , Glutaral/adverse effects , Occupational Diseases/chemically induced , Asthma/diagnosis , Asthma/prevention & control , Dermatitis, Occupational/diagnosis , Dermatitis, Occupational/prevention & control , Endoscopy , Environmental Monitoring , Hospital Departments , Humans , Occupational Diseases/diagnosis , Occupational Diseases/prevention & controlABSTRACT
An occupational health department in a district general hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne screened 487 women of childbearing age for rubella immunity who were prospective employees and whose immunity state was unknown. Ninety per cent of these women were immune. Of the 51 who were found to be susceptible, 29 accepted vaccination.
Subject(s)
Immunization , Mass Screening/methods , Occupational Health Services , Rubella/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , England , Female , Humans , Immunity , Rubella/immunologyABSTRACT
The quality of contents of general practice records was assessed by retrieving clinical information pertaining to hypertension in 171 consecutive records, and the quality of communication storage was assessed by seeking evidence of tuberculin skin tests or BCG vaccination, or both, in 298 consecutive records. There was no mention of urine analysis and blood test results in 43.3% and no record of fundal examination in 61.4% of the records of patients with hypertension. Electrocardiography was performed in 67.8% and chest x ray examination was done in 65.5% of these patients. These observations have importance for patient care, education, and research. The information regarding tuberculin skin test or BCG immunization, or both, was not available in 78% of the records. Reassessment of the individuals, however, showed that 89% of the studied population had had the test or vaccination, or both. There was thus a deficiency in communication and storage.
Subject(s)
Family Practice , Medical Records/standards , BCG Vaccine , England , Humans , Hypertension/prevention & control , Information Systems , Tuberculin TestABSTRACT
Tuberculosis immunization status was assessed in 2,501 individuals seeking employment in a district general hospital between January 1979 and December 1981. For 587 (23 per cent) of the employment seekers there was no evidence of BCG vaccination and nor were any of them aware of having had a tuberculin skin test at school. Tuberculin skin tests (Heaf's test) on these 587 individuals showed no reaction in 163 (28 per cent) and a strong (grade 4) reaction in 50 individuals. Only five of the individuals with grade 4 reaction to Heaf's test needed chemotherapy. During the same period, 43 patients with tuberculosis were in contact with 1,568 members of the hospitals's staff.The management of occupational contact is described and the need to rescreen the population at risk is discussed.
