Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 14 OF 44

Main Title Exposure of Humans to a Volatile Organic Mixture. 3. Inflammatory Response.
Author Koren, H. S. ; Graham, D. E. ; Devlin, R. B. ;
CORP Author Health Effects Research Lab., Research Triangle Park, NC. Human Studies Div.
Publisher c1992
Year Published 1992
Report Number EPA/600/J-92/281;
Stock Number PB92-217223
Additional Subjects Inflammation ; Indoor air pollution ; Air pollution effects(Humans) ; Neutrophils ; Signs and symptoms ; Nose ; Pharynx ; Trachea ; Reprints ; Volatile organic compounds
Holdings
Library Call Number Additional Info Location Last
Modified
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Status
NTIS  PB92-217223 Some EPA libraries have a fiche copy filed under the call number shown. 07/26/2022
Collation 8p
Abstract
A set of symptoms has been described during the past two decades that has been called the sick building syndrome. These symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headache; mental fatigue; and respiratory distress. It is likely that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in synthetic materials used in homes and office buildings contribute to these symptoms. However, there have been very few studies in which humans have been exposed to known amounts of VOCs under carefully controlled conditions. In the study, 14 subjects were exposed to a mixture of VOCs (25 mg/sq meter total hydrocarbon) that is representative of what is found in new homes and office buildings. Because irritations of the nose and throat are symptoms often associated with the upper respiratory tract and may result from an inflammatory response in the upper airways, the authors used nasal lavage to monitor neutrophil (PMN) influx into the nasal passages following exposure to VOCs. There were statistically significant increases in PMNs, both immediately after a 4-h exposure to VOCs and 18 h later.