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Allergy Proc

Title:		Depression and panic attacks related to phenol-formaldehyde composite material exposure in an aerospace manufacturing plant
Author(s):		Sparks PJ; Ayars GH; Simon GE; Katon WJ; Altman LC; Johnson RL;
Address:		"Occupational Health Services, Providence Medical Center, Seattle, WA"
Journal Title:		Allergy Proc
Year:		1991
Volume:		12
Issue:		6
Page Number:		389 - 393
DOI:		10.2500/108854191779114167
ISSN/ISBN:		1046-9354 (Print) 1046-9354 (Linking)
Abstract:		"In a case series study we evaluated 53 composite-materials workers in an aerospace plant who filed workers' compensation claims for illness allegedly related to phenol-formaldehyde resin exposure. Symptoms ranged from mucosal and skin irritation to depression and cognitive impairment. Certain health practitioners implying they had immunologic dysfunction and organic brain injury, led workers to believe they were chemically poisoned. Industrial hygiene evaluation failed to show levels of chemicals above permissible levels. Thorough evaluation by our multidisciplinary panel failed to find significant objective abnormalities by physical exam and laboratory testing. Thirty-nine percent of the workers had sensory irritation and/or skin complaints that generally resolved rapidly with removal from exposure. Psychiatric diagnoses (including major depression and/or panic attacks) were made in 74% of the workers, but only 26% of these had antecedent disease. Fourteen (26%) had multiple somatic complaints that generally persisted despite removal from exposure, but they also had long histories of significant pre-existing psychological illness. Detailed neuropsychologic testing failed to show any definite evidence or organic brain dysfunction in any of the workers tested. We speculate that sensory irritation from low-level volatile organic compounds with autonomic arousal, reinforced by the belief they were 'chemically poisoned,' led to psychogenic illness"
Keywords:		*Aircraft Construction Materials/adverse effects Depression/*chemically induced Female Formaldehyde/*adverse effects Humans Male Occupational Diseases/*chemically induced/psychology Occupational Exposure/adverse effects Panic Disorder/*chemically induced;
Notes:		"MedlineSparks, P J Ayars, G H Simon, G E Katon, W J Altman, L C Johnson, R L eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 1991/11/01 Allergy Proc. 1991 Nov-Dec; 12(6):389-93. doi: 10.2500/108854191779114167"