ABSTRACT
Some passengers and airline attendants have expressed concern about exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in commercial airlines. Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, odor, and personal sensitivities are often the bases of complaints. Previous studies demonstrate low concentrations of materials, including ETS. Attendants fly some 800 h per year, passengers much less. Based on previous studies and duration of exposures, the absorbed dose of ETS is less than a cigarette equivalent per year. Nicotine absorption of 0.2 to 0.3 mg in 8-10 h flights has been reported as unlikely to have physiologic effects. The retained 'dose' in relation to the hypotheses of risks to health based on the conflicting results of studies on 'passive smoking' are discussed. There are additional confounding factors in aircraft. We consider segregation into smoking and nonsmoking zones to be reasonably effective in meeting the preferences of passengers.
Subject(s)
Aerospace Medicine , Aircraft , Lung Neoplasms/etiology , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects , Environmental Exposure/standards , Humans , Nicotine/analysis , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/analysis , VentilationABSTRACT
Possible adverse health effects of breathing environmental tobacco smoke include lung cancer, respiratory illnesses in young children, decreased pulmonary function, decreased lung growth, allergy to tobacco, and exacerbation of angina. These effects are reviewed to aid informed discussion on this health issue. Some of the constituents of tobacco smoke are found in the home, the outdoor environment, and the workplace in permissible concentrations and are considered unlikely to cause ill health. A double standard, one in the workplace and another for the public, may be evolving for acceptable health risks.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/adverse effects , Respiratory Tract Diseases/etiology , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects , Humans , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
This article describes three cases of lead poisoning and 20 cases of excessive lead absorption in a factory producing inorganic lead compounds. Evidence is presented of a general system failure in that environmental surveys, application of legislation and acceptance of advice by management were ineffective.
Subject(s)
Chemical Industry , Lead Poisoning/etiology , Occupational Diseases/chemically induced , Australia , Humans , Male , Maximum Allowable Concentration , Middle AgedABSTRACT
The photochemical smog conditions in Sydney are related to the effects on health, real and potential. Perspectives are presented with regard to the long-range goals of the World Health Organization, past and current United States Environmental Protection Agency standards, and current New South Wales prudent and actual aspirations in the short and long term. The need for practicable, rather than puritanical, goals in relation to possible adverse health effects is emphasized. The view is expressed that, while no significant ill health will be induced in current and improving atmospheric conditions, the aesthetic appearance of Sydney is unacceptable and therefore is detrimental to the feelings and well-being which are part of health.
Subject(s)
Environmental Health , Smog , Air Pollutants/adverse effects , Australia , Bacterial Infections/etiology , Elasticity , Humans , Lung/drug effects , Respiratory Tract Diseases/chemically induced , Sports MedicineSubject(s)
Behavior/drug effects , Occupational Medicine , Poisoning , Accidents, Occupational/prevention & control , Anesthetics/poisoning , Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/diagnosis , Humans , Mercury Poisoning/diagnosis , Organophosphate Poisoning , Proprioception/drug effects , Trichloroethylene/poisoningABSTRACT
Seventeen paid volunteer subjects were used in a double-blind crossover experiment to investigate the effects of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), alone and in combination with ethanol, on human perceptual, cognitive and motor performance. DSCG (40 mg) had little effect when given alone. When administered with ethanol (0-75 g/kg), DSCG did not significantly modify the ethanol-induced decrement in performance except in the complex reaction time test.
Subject(s)
Cognition/drug effects , Cromolyn Sodium/pharmacology , Ethanol/pharmacology , Motor Skills/drug effects , Perception/drug effects , Adolescent , Adult , Clinical Trials as Topic , Depression, Chemical , Drug Interactions , Ethanol/blood , Female , Humans , Male , Placebos , Reaction Time/drug effectsABSTRACT
A total of 13,651 patients diagnosed as suffering from asthma and who were prescribed Intal are reviewed with regard to age and sex. It is found that in infancy and the prepubertal ages, males far outnumber females. There is a changeover during the ages 14 to 20 years to female predominance. At 60 years of age and above there is an equality in proportions by sex. Observations are made on age limitations for Intal therapy. That a hormonal factor or imbalance of hormonal factors is present in asthma is suggested.
