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Query: UMLS:C0018681 (headache)
 56,091 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Patients reporting sensitivity to multiple chemicals at levels usually tolerated by the healthy population were administered standardized questionnaires to evaluate their symptoms and the exposures that aggravated these symptoms. Many patients were referred for medical tests. It is thought that patients with chemical sensitivity have organ abnormalities involving the liver, nervous system (brain, including limbic, peripheral, autonomic), immune system, and porphyrin metabolism, probably reflecting chemical injury to these systems. Laboratory results are not consistent with a psychologic origin of chemical sensitivity. Substantial overlap between chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome exists: the latter two conditions often involve chemical sensitivity and may even be the same disorder. Other disorders commonly seen in chemical sensitivity patients include headache (often migraine), chronic fatigue, musculoskeletal aching, chronic respiratory inflammation (rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, asthma), attention deficit, and hyperactivity (affected younger children). Less common disorders include tremor, seizures, and mitral valve prolapse. Patients with these overlapping disorders should be evaluated for chemical sensitivity and excluded from control groups in future research. Agents whose exposures are associated with symptoms and suspected of causing onset of chemical sensitivity with chronic illness include gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, pesticides (especially chlordane and chlorpyrifos), solvents, new carpet and other renovation materials, adhesives/glues, fiberglass, carbonless copy paper, fabric softener, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, carpet shampoos (lauryl sulfate) and other cleaning agents, isocyanates, combustion products (poorly vented gas heaters, overheated batteries), and medications (dinitrochlorobenzene for warts, intranasally packed neosynephrine, prolonged antibiotics, and general anesthesia with petrochemicals). Multiple mechanisms of chemical injury that magnify response to exposures in chemically sensitive patients can include neurogenic inflammation (respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary), kindling and time-dependent sensitization (neurologic), impaired porphyrin metabolism (multiple organs), and immune activation.
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PMID:Profile of patients with chemical injury and sensitivity. 916 75

Fifteen bus drivers, operating diesel converted trolley buses, experienced symptoms including watery and itchy eyes, rhinorrhea, and headaches. A total of 49 buses were labeled as "problem buses" and operators refused to drive them. An investigation identified high fungal counts in some problem buses (> 70,000 colony forming units [CFU]/m3; n = 3) compared with control buses (< 220 CFU/m3; n = 4). The predominant species were Penicillium and Cladosporium (1/1). Remedial measures, including washing with a 0.17% solution of sodium hypochlorite and an ozone treatment, were not successful. Because fungal species are heat sensitive, two buses were subjected to a heat treatment of 55 degrees C for 4 hours. In one bus the fungal spores of Cladosporium appeared to be more heat sensitive than the spores of Penicillium. At this point the interior of one bus was completely renewed and another was given a formaldehyde treatment followed by heat treatments. Both strategies reduced fungal counts to 190 from > 107,000 CFU/m3 for the former and to 270 from > 71,000 CFU/m3 for the latter. Only the interior of the most heavily contaminated buses were refurbished prior to the heat treatment, which was done on all problem buses. All buses are still in active service 5 years later. The most frequent health symptoms reported by 88 exposed bus drivers were headache (36%), blocked/runny/itchy nose (26%), nausea (26%), and dry irritated throat (25%). No chronic health effects have been reported after 5 years, although some of these common fungal species are known to be opportunistic pathogens.
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PMID:Investigation and remediation of diesel converted trolley buses associated with extensive fungal growth and health complaints. 934 33

The catecholaminergic innervation of cranial dura mater in humans was studied by examining several dural zones (vascular, perivascular, intervascular) in different regions (basal, calvarial, occipital, frontal, tentorial, parietal, temporal). The results demonstrate that catecholaminergic nerve fibers are present in human cranial dura mater and that these fibers, after exposure to formaldehyde vapors, show the specific fluorescence of catecholamines. There are more dural catecholaminergic nerve fibers in the basal region than in the calvarial region. Moreover, these nerve fibers are more abundant in the perivascular dural zone than in the intervascular zone. We hypothesize that these catecholaminergic nerve fibers may be involved in headache.
Headache 1998 May
PMID:Catecholaminergic innervation of the human dura mater involved in headache. 963 Jul 87

Seven clerical workers were evaluated in 1993, 8 months after exposure to vaporized 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE; also called butyl cellosolve or ethylene glycol monobutyl ether [EGMBE or EGBE]), which had been applied overnight to strip the floor of their file room. At the time of exposure, they had noted intense eye and respiratory irritation, marked dyspnea, nausea, and faintness, suggesting a concentration of 2-BE in the air of 200-300 parts per million (ppm). All seven workers later experienced recurrent eye and respiratory irritation, dry cough, and headache. Four months after the exposure, cherry angiomas began to appear on the arms, trunk, and thighs of six workers, who voiced concerns about the possibility of cancer. Our evaluation found no evidence of hematologic, liver, lung, or renal toxicity, but elevations in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and blood pressure of each subject were found. Workplace air sampling found no detectable 2-BE, but traces (0.1-0.2 ppm) of formaldehyde were identified. Irritant symptoms abated after the group was moved to a room with better ventilation, and the mild hypertension gradually cleared, but new cherry angiomas have continued to appear 5 years after the acute exposure, as the initial ones persisted. These angiomas occur in healthy persons as they age but in this instance appear to have resulted from a single overexposure to 2-BE. We felt confident in reassuring the workers that they would suffer no serious consequences from this exposure.
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PMID:Eruptive cherry angiomas and irritant symptoms after one acute exposure to the glycol ether solvent 2-butoxyethanol. 987 82

Various chemicals found in the environment have been suspected of initiating or contributing to conditions such as asthma, dermatitis, irritability, headaches, cardiac arrhythmias, thrombophlebitis, and vasculitis. The increasing number and variety of chemicals present in the environment has led to the hypothesis that there may also be a corresponding increase in the number of people who are sensitive to these chemicals. Sensitive individuals may be continually exposed to chemical insults in their normal environment and may be experiencing a chronic reaction; however, an exposure-response relationship is difficult to establish. An Environmental Care Unit (ECU) provides an atmosphere that minimizes exposures to potential insults so patients symptoms of reaction to chemical insult may be relieved before challenge testing. Air quality required within an ECU to achieve this symptom remission is not known; therefore, this study was designed to document and compare concentrations of six criteria pollutants (sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, total suspended particular, and ozone) and formaldehyde within the ECU, the hospital outside the ECU, and the ambient atmosphere of the neighborhood around the hospital. Air movement studies indicated that the ECU was under positive pressure with respect to the rest of the hospital and had an air supply to air exhaust ratio of approximately two. Overall, no significant differences were found for any sampled pollutant at sites within the ECU or between ECU sites and the hospital proper. With an exception of ozone, significant differences among contaminant concentrations were noted between the atmosphere of the surrounding neighborhood and the hospital proper.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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PMID:The determination of ambient air quality within an environmental care unit. 1028 81

Over the past seven years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five risks to public health. One of the most dangerous indoor air pollutants is carbon monoxide (CO). CO can be lethal, but perhaps more important, many people suffer ill health from chronic, often undetected exposure to low levels of this gas, resulting in fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Another dangerous pollutant is volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which come from sources including building products, cleaning agents, and paints. One VOC, formaldehyde, can act as an irritant to the conjunctiva and upper and lower respiratory tract. Formaldehyde is also known to cause nasal cancer in test animals.
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PMID:A healthy home environment? 1037 13

The aims of this study were to characterize physical, mechanical, and environmental factors influencing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in commercial office buildings; document occupant perceptions and psychosocial attributes; and evaluate relationships among these parameters. Six large office buildings in metropolitan areas were selected in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Comprehensive sampling was conducted over one week in each building, during all four seasons. This paper presents the study methods and selected results from the first round of sampling (November 1996 to April 1997). Air flow and recirculation rates were quite variable, with the proportion of outdoor air provided to occupants ranging from 10 to 79 CFM/person. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and temperature were within ranges anticipated for nonproblem buildings. Relative humidity was low, ranging from 11.7 to 24.0 percent. Indoor geometric mean concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) ranged from 73 to 235 microg/m3. The most prevalent compounds included xylene, toluene, 2-propanol, limonene, and heptane. Geometric mean formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 13.3 microg/m3, and mean acetaldehyde levels ranged from <3.0 to 7.5 microg/m3. Airborne concentrations of culturable bacteria and fungi were low, with no samples exceeding 150 CFU/m3. Total (direct count) bioaerosols were more variable, ranging from 5010 to 10,700 organisms/m3. Geometric mean endotoxin concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 3.0 EU/m3. Respirable particulates (PM10) were low (14 to 36 microg/m3). Noise levels ranged from 48 to 56 dBA, with mean light values ranging from 200 to 420 lux. Environmental parameters were significantly correlated with each other. The prevalence of upper respiratory symptoms (dry eyes, runny nose), central nervous system symptoms (headache, irritability), and musculoskeletal symptoms (pain/stiffness in shoulders/neck) were elevated compared to other studies using similar questionnaires. Importantly, psychosocial factors were significantly related to increased symptoms in females, while environmental factors were more closely correlated with symptoms in males. Endotoxin concentrations were associated with symptoms in both males and females. These data will help to identify and quantify the relative role of factors that contribute to sick building syndrome. The data collected in this study may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of current building operation practices, and can be used to prioritize allocations of resources for reduction of risk associated with IEQ complaints.
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PMID:Indoor environmental quality in six commercial office buildings in the midwest United States. 1175 3

The evaporation of formaldehyde from cadavers can produce high exposures among students and instructors. A possible causal role for formaldehyde has been considered likely for tumor of the nasopharynx and the nasal cavities in human beings. Due to this reason, Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has set a guideline, which includes--decrease in gaseous formaldehyde in gross anatomy dissection laboratories and a guide to medical students about the toxicity of formaldehyde and protective method to avoid damages to skin, mucous, membrane, etc, in 2002. To understand what effective plans should be regarding the awareness of students about this notification, this study measured the gaseous formaldehyde concentrations in the anatomy dissection room and also analyzed the formaldehyde-related symptoms, and frequency of using protective measures. The study was conducted over a period of 3 months during the anatomy dissection exercise. We found that immediately after removing the cadavers' plastic covering, formaldehyde concentrations in the dissection room increased sharply. The concentration reached a peak point of 0.62 ppm after 10 minutes of starting of the class. This was much above the recommended level of 0.5 ppm set by Japan Society for Occupational Health. After 30 minutes of achieving the peak the formaldehyde level started decreasing gradually to a level of 0.11 ppm. Formaldehyde-related symptoms were observed in 59% of students. They had experienced symptoms of irritation of eyes, nose, throat, airways, skin, and headache during the course. Ocular discomfort was found significantly higher in the contact lenses users compared to the spectacle users or the normal eye sight group. Although, the guidelines about toxicity of formaldehyde and its protective measures to prevent damages to skin, mucous membrane etc. were informed to every student, only 52% of the students used both the mask containing activated carbon and the rubber gloves in every practical class without fail. Environmental Health Criteria 89 of International Program of Chemical Safety states, "It must be regarded that formaldehyde fluid is not absorbed directly into tissues through the skin". So the students may be allowed in some cases to touch the cadaver, treated by formaldehyde content fixative, by bare hands to understand the feel of certain organs and tissues. These results support that the rules of health supervision including necessity to use of protective measures, monitoring of indoor air formaldehyde etc. should be adhered by students and instructors in anatomy dissection room during the practical class.
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PMID:[Formaldehyde exposure levels and exposure control measures during an anatomy dissecting course]. 1283 54

Many anecdotal cases and some clinical studies have demonstrated that formaldehyde exposure can cause multiple health-related problems and cerebral dysfunction. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented multiple hazards related to formaldehyde exposure. Some of this research has suggested that low levels of exposure can be very hazardous to one's health and can potentially result in heightened chemical sensitivities, seizures, and cognitive decline. Some research suggests that exposure results in long-term immunological changes, cell neurofilament protein changes, and demyelination. Symptomatically, exposure has been associated with respiratory problems, excessive fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and impaired attention, concentration, and memory functioning. This article outlines the case of a biology teacher whose chronic formaldehyde exposure resulted in heightened sensitivity to formaldehyde, three tonic-clonic seizures, and dramatic amnesia as well as other cognitive dysfunction.
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PMID:A case of claimed persistent neuropsychological sequelae of chronic formaldehyde exposure: clinical, psychometric, and functional findings. 1459 Jan 91

Medical surveillance of Catania public sector employees who use video display terminals (VDTs) revealed complaints of eye and upper respiratory tract irritation, skin rash, headache, mental fatigue and reduced concentration in some of the workers. These were employed in three recently renovated offices and showed the above symptoms while at work. Investigations were performed to verify whether contaminants that may cause the above symptoms were present in the indoor air. In particular, levels of formaldehyde and CO2 were continuously monitored. CO2 levels were found to be higher in offices open to the general public as compared to other offices (including the three renovated ones). However, CO2 levels were never above 1,000 ppm. Formaldehyde was found in the indoor air of all three renovated offices in approximately equal concentrations, ranging from a minimum of 0,07 - 0,09 ppm to a maximum of 0,3 -0,4 ppm. In addition, a strong pungent odor typical of this substance was present in all three renovated offices but not in the others. Formaldehyde pollution must always be considered and assessed whenever new furnishings that may have required the use of glues that emit formaldehyde are brought into an indoor environment.
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PMID:[Results of a study on formaldehyde pollution as a cause of discomfort in public sector office workers]. 1558 10


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