Noxious fumes in a medical center: chemical and psychological aspects
York, E.; Hodgson, M.J.; Cooper, B.W.; McKay, C.A.
Connecticut Medicine 62(2): 71-74
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-6178 PMID: 9542287 Document Number: 490612
A group of operating room personnel at a medical center in Connecticut reported severe respiratory irritation manifested by either proxysmal cough or throat irritation suggestive of a noxious fume exposure, 13 April 1994. However, persistent complaints on 14 April 1994 were significantly different and more suggestive of a psychological reaction. By careful interviewing, physical examination, toxicological assays, and epidemiological investigation, the true nature of a mixed physiological and psychological episode was delineated. Enlightened management policy enabled rapid restoration of return to work with minimal economic loss.