Mucous membrane irritation syndrome

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe office worker discomfort and medical symptoms related to buildings and pollutant exposures, work organization, and personal risk factors. A wide range of definitions exists. Symptoms commonly considered integral parts of the syndrome are listed in Table 1. In recent years, with increased understanding, odors have generally been dropped from the list and chest symptoms have been included under mucous membrane irritation. 

Inhalation is the major route of exposure. Diphosgene is extremely damaging to mucous membranes, eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract, and may cause minor irritation to severe tissue damage and death. Toxicity effects vary with the concentration of vapor and the length of exposure. Signs and symptoms of toxicity may be immediate or delayed. The delayed (up to 6h) acute respiratory distress syndrome is characteristic of chocking agent inhalation. 

In humans, exposure to low concentrations, 0.1-0.2 ppm, can result in irritation of the eyes, nose, and mucous membranes. Acute exposure to higher concentrations can cause bronchitis, pneumonitis, headache, sleeplessness, pulmonary edema, and sometimes an asthma-like syndrome. Chronic exposure can result in wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest congestion. Such effects may be manifested from inhalation of 0.02-0.05 ppm of the diisocyanate over a period of time. 

Chlorinated organic compounds are used in large quantities in the paint, varnish and chemical industries because of their remarkable properties as fat solvents and their nonflammability. Entry into the human organism is via the lungs, the skin, and the gastrointestinal tract. The clinical picture includes irritation of the mucous membranes, narcotic effects, liver damage (fatty infiltration), and damage to the heart muscle and kidneys. Also, chlorinated hydrocarbons can cause the CHC syndrome. 

Immunologic Exposure to latex is associated with three clinical syndromes irritant dermatitis, delayed hypersensitivity reactions, and the most serious, but least common, immediate or type 1 hypersensitivity. Exposure to latex can occur through the skin, mucous membranes, or airways. Gloves used for examination, surgical or household, are often the cause of allergic reactions. 

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