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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-07-2008 | Original Article

Prevalence of self-reported symptoms and consequences related to inhalation of airborne chemicals in a Danish general population

Authors: Nikolaj Drimer Berg, Allan Linneberg, Asger Dirksen, Jesper Elberling

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 7/2008

Abstract

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and consequences of self-reported symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals in a Danish general population.

Methods

A random sample of 18–69-year-old individuals (n = 6,000) was drawn from the Danish Civil Registration System. A questionnaire on self-reported symptoms related to inhalation of 11 categories of airborne chemicals was mailed to the population. Respondents who reported symptoms received an additional questionnaire to verify the reported symptoms and to characterise factors related to the initial onset of symptoms.

Results

The response rate to the primary questionnaire was 71%. A total of 1,134 individuals (27%, 95% CI 25–28) reported symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals, 141 individuals (3.3%, 95% CI 2.8–3.9) reported adjustments of social life or occupational conditions due to symptoms, whereas 20 individuals (0.5%, 95% CI 0.3–0.7) had made adjustments of both social life and occupational conditions. Women reported more exposures as annoying than men and had more symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals (P < 0.001). However, sex had no effect on the reporting of adjustments of social life or occupational conditions (P = 0.54).

Conclusion

Symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals were common in this general population, and a minority reported that these symptoms affected social life or occupational conditions. Women as compared to men reported more symptoms but not adjustments of social life or occupational conditions.

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Title: Prevalence of self-reported symptoms and consequences related to inhalation of airborne chemicals in a Danish general population
Authors: Nikolaj Drimer Berg
Allan Linneberg
Asger Dirksen
Jesper Elberling
Publication date: 01-07-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 7/2008
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-007-0282-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prevalence of self-reported symptoms and consequences related to inhalation of airborne chemicals in a Danish general population

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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