Cognitive impairment and olfactory panic from occupational exposure to VOCs

Abstract

A significant component of this worker's impairment was the development of "olfactory panic," a debilitating aversion to odor accompanied by symptoms of panic. The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal granted entitlement for her cognitive difficulties and olfactory panic as a result of her toxic exposure.

Airborne concentrations of volatile organic compounds in neonatal incubators

“…8,9 Among the various indoor air pollutants, organic chemicals that easily volatize at room temperature called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and semi-VOCs (SVOCs) often receive the most attention. Many VOCs are possible respiratory 10,11 and sensory irritants, 12,13 carcinogens, [14][15][16] developmental toxins, 10 neurotoxins, 17,18 hepatotoxins 19 and immunosuppressants 20 and may cause symptoms that manifest as sick building syndrome. 5,19 The broad range of adverse health effects reported are related to the amount of time spent inside buildings with poor air quality.…”

“…Many VOCs are possible respiratory 10,11 and sensory irritants, 12,13 carcinogens, [14][15][16] developmental toxins, 10 neurotoxins, 17,18 hepatotoxins 19 and immunosuppressants 20 and may cause symptoms that manifest as sick building syndrome. 5,19 The broad range of adverse health effects reported are related to the amount of time spent inside buildings with poor air quality. 19,20 In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), incubators that are made primarily of plastic materials are used to maintain a thermoneutral environment for preterm infants.…”

“…5,19 The broad range of adverse health effects reported are related to the amount of time spent inside buildings with poor air quality. 19,20 In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), incubators that are made primarily of plastic materials are used to maintain a thermoneutral environment for preterm infants. During the critical period of postnatal development, preterm neonates spend from 2 to 10 weeks inside an incubator where temperature, airflow and humidity can be carefully controlled.…”

Association between social determinants of health and olfactory function: a scoping review

“…Twenty‐six articles examining the role of occupational or environmental exposures on olfactory function were identified in our search 26,28,39,50,51,53–73 . Twenty‐one studies were cross‐sectional in design, three were prospective cohort studies, one was a case–control study, and one was a case report (Table S3).…”

“…72 Volatile organic compound environmental exposure was also found to have caused increased sensitivity to strong odors in a case report, while serum levels of volatile organic compounds were lower in those with OD in a large survey. 39,53 Three studies found organic solvent exposure to be associated with OD. 39,56,58 When stratified by smoking status in one study, OD was more pronounced in nonsmokers exposed to solvents but not current smokers.…”