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Phenotypes of individuals affected by airborne chemicals in the general population

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Abstract

Objective

To characterise the chemical exposures and symptoms affecting individuals with subsequent adjustments of social life or occupational conditions, and further characterise these severely affected individuals.

Methods

All individuals (n = 1,134) who reported symptoms from airborne chemical exposures in a population-based questionnaire study of 6,000 individuals were included and dichotomised according to severity. Logistic regression models were used to characterise the group of severely affected individuals.

Results

Severely affected individuals reported more symptoms and exposures related to symptoms than less severely affected individuals, and the number of symptoms was more predictive for severity than the number of exposures. Most predictive for the severity of reported symptoms were CNS-symptoms other than headache (OR = 3.2, P < 0.001) and exposure to freshly printed papers or magazines (OR = 2.0, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

CNS-symptoms except from headache were a main characteristic of individuals severely affected by common chemical exposures in a general population-based sample.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Susanne Schweitz and Anne Marie Topp, who provided valuable secretarial assistance. Aage Bangs Foundation and the Asthma and Allergy Association of Copenhagen supported the study financially. The funding sources had no influence on the work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Ledreborg Allé 40, 2.th., 2820, Gentofte, Denmark

    Nikolaj Drimer Berg & Jesper Elberling

  2. Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark

    Allan Linneberg

  3. Department of Respiratory Medicine Y, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

    Asger Dirksen

Authors
  1. Nikolaj Drimer Berg
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  2. Allan Linneberg
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  3. Asger Dirksen
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  4. Jesper Elberling
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Correspondence to Nikolaj Drimer Berg.

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Berg, N.D., Linneberg, A., Dirksen, A. et al. Phenotypes of individuals affected by airborne chemicals in the general population. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 82, 509–517 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-008-0352-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-008-0352-y

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