Respiratory Health Effects Associated with Restoration Work in Post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans
Joint Authors
Lefante, John J.
Rando, Roy J.
Freyder, Laurie M.
Jones, Robert N.
Source
Journal of Environmental and Public Health
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-8, 8 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-12-09
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
8
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
This study examines prevalence of respiratory conditions in New Orleans-area restoration workers after Hurricane Katrina.
Methods.
Between 2007 and 2010, spirometry and respiratory health and occupational questionnaire were administered to 791 New Orleans-area adults who mostly worked in the building construction and maintenance trades or custodial services.
The associations between restoration work hours and lung function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms were examined by multiple linear regression, χ2, or multiple logistic regression.
Results.
74% of participants performed post-Katrina restoration work (median time: 620 hours).
Symptoms reported include episodes of transient fever/cough (29%), sinus symptoms (48%), pneumonia (3.7%), and new onset asthma (4.5%).
Prevalence rate ratios for post-Katrina sinus symptoms (PRR = 1.3; CI: 1.1, 1.7) and fever and cough (PRR = 1.7; CI: 1.3, 2.4) were significantly elevated overall for those who did restoration work and prevalence increased with restoration work hours.
Prevalence rate ratios with restoration work were also elevated for new onset asthma (PRR = 2.2; CI: 0.8, 6.2) and pneumonia (PRR = 1.3; CI: 0.5, 3.2) but were not statistically significant.
Overall, lung function was slightly depressed but was not significantly different between those with and without restoration work exposure.
Conclusions.
Post-Katrina restoration work is associated with moderate adverse effects on respiratory health, including sinusitis and toxic pneumonitis.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Rando, Roy J.& Lefante, John J.& Freyder, Laurie M.& Jones, Robert N.. 2012. Respiratory Health Effects Associated with Restoration Work in Post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Journal of Environmental and Public Health،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-473477
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Rando, Roy J.…[et al.]. Respiratory Health Effects Associated with Restoration Work in Post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Journal of Environmental and Public Health No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-473477
American Medical Association (AMA)
Rando, Roy J.& Lefante, John J.& Freyder, Laurie M.& Jones, Robert N.. Respiratory Health Effects Associated with Restoration Work in Post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-473477
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-473477