Studies on humans exposed to airborne sewage sludge

Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1977 Feb 12;107(6):182-4.

Abstract

A clinical investigation was made among workers in a sewage treatment plant and age matched controls not exposed to sewage. Acute incidences of fever and eye symptoms were found in about 50% of the exposed population. Serum immunoglobulins, white blood cells and thrombocytes were elevated in the exposed group. A higher percentage of increased levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen degradation products was found in the exposed group. Although no definite cause-effect relationship can be established the responsible agent in the environment could well be endotoxins.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollution*
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Eye Manifestations / etiology
  • Fever / etiology
  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / analysis
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / analysis
  • Leukocytosis / etiology
  • Occupational Diseases / pathology*
  • Sewage*
  • Skin Manifestations
  • Thrombocytosis / etiology

Substances

  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Sewage
  • C-Reactive Protein