O1.1 INDOOR RADIATION POLLUTION: AETIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION

N. Chaiear¹, N. Saejiw², S. Dithisawatwet³, P. Polpila³, S. Wichianwetch⁴, K. Paratago¹, K. Chuntum¹.¹Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; ²Institute of Allied Health Science and Public Health, Walailak University, Nakon Sri Thammarat, Thailand; ³Disease Prevention and Control Office, Region 6, Khon Kaen, Thailand; ⁴Bureau of Waste Management and Hazardous Substances, Bangkok, Thailand

Introduction: The indoor working environment of offices is frequently assumed to be free of toxins. However, individuals working in offices and other indoor areas frequently complain of acute discomfort. Symptoms involve skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, fatigue, and breathing problems.

Objective: To investigate reasons why 21 persons suffered dermopathy, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis after staying in a closed room for 3 hours.

Methods: This was a multidisciplinary case study including interviews, building and ventilation inspections, and measurement of potential toxin concentrations.

Results: Most of the affected individuals complained of skin irritation and redness of eyes. Only one complained of runny nose. The medical records showed that most individuals presented with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. The room was found to have two, ceiling mounted, 40 W UV germicidal lamps (G40T10, Sankyo Denki Co., Japan), that were accidentally switched on while the room was occupied. By a process of investigative elimination, we deduced that the reported symptoms were caused by accidental exposure to ultraviolet C radiation.

Conclusion: Safeguards are needed to ensure germicidal lamps are not accidentally switched on while a room is occupied; alternatively, they should be removed if no longer in use.

O1.2 EXTERNAL RADIATION EXPOSURE AND CANCER MORTALITY AMONG FRENCH CEA AND COGEMA WORKERS

M. Telle-Lamberton¹, E. Samson¹, S. Caër², D. Bergot¹, D. Bard¹, F. Bermann³, J. M. Gélas², J. M. …