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Document ID (ISN)78117
CIS number 02-328
ISSN - Serial title 0340-0131 - International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
Year 2001
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Langworth S., Anundi H., Friis L., Johanson G., Lind M.L., Södermman E., Åkesson B.A.
Title Acute health effects common during graffiti removal
Bibliographic information Apr. 2001, Vol.74, No.3, p.213-218. 17 ref.
Abstract To identify possible health effects caused by cleaning agents used in graffiti removal, the exposure to organic solvents was assessed in 38 graffiti removers working 8-h shifts in the Stockholm underground system by active air sampling, biological monitoring, interviews and a questionnaire. Health effects were registered by physical examinations, portable spirometers and self-administered questionnaires. The prevalence of symptoms was compared with 49 controls working at the underground depots and 177 population controls. The 8-h time-weighted average exposures (TWA) were less than 20% of the Swedish permissible exposure limit value (PEL) for all solvents. However, the graffiti removers reported significantly higher prevalence of fatigue, headache and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. To prevent adverse health effects, workers should be informed about the health risks, use of the most hazardous chemicals should be restricted, good working practices should be used and the use of personal protective equipment should be encouraged.
Descriptors (primary) organic solvents; domestic and related helpers, cleaners; exposure tests; health hazards
Descriptors (secondary) Sweden; migraine; maximal expiratory flow; determination in air; exposure evaluation; spirometry; fatigue
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceSweden
Subject(s) Commerce, services, offices
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Domestic workers
Biological monitoring