We are all at risk of being exposed to multiple chemicals, viruses and fibers every day. If we are working in a modern building that has windows that do not open, employees can be exposed to sick building syndrome. Walking outside on any given day exposes us to pollens, spoors and ragweed, as well as infectious viral diseases. If you are a gardener, fertilizers, pesticides or cuts, burns or other skin injuries can open you up to rashes and skin infections. If you are an artist, exposure to cadmium metals in paints can make you ill.

 Arts Hazards News estimates that each of us can be potentially exposed to over 20,000 known toxic chemicals during our lifetime. Of the 500 new chemicals introduced to the marketplace each year, most have never been tested for long-term effects on the human body. 

 This article will describe how the workplace, home and general environment can affect our overall health. 

Exposures occur primarily in the workplace, your home and other public spaces. Because of the changes in the workplace due to the COVID pandemic, many people now spend their work schedule split between buildings or home settings which can lower their risk. 

Other complaints can be associated with high or low temperatures and moist environments.

Common employee-reported environmental symptoms

 On-the-job symptoms that can be associated with environmental exposures include generalized complaints such as headaches, fatigue and watery eyes. There are also more specific symptoms, such as rashes, coughing and chest pain.  

Building-related illness/sick building syndrome (SBS)

 The history of employees becoming ill in the workplace due to SBS started in the 1970s, and was related to newly built buildings constructed so as to reduce heating and cooling expenses. When ventilation for high-rises (via HVAC systems) was cut back to reduce oil and cooling expenses, employees began to complain of symptoms related to poor air circulation. 

The following are conditions related to workplace exposures (Lomax, AAFP Occupational Medicine): 

 Allergic and immunologic—sometimes leading to asthmatic symptoms. See below.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Infections such as Legionnaire’s disease, Pontiac fever, flu-like symptoms, tuberculosis and viral infections

Chemical exposures. A large number of substances are found in most places of employment. Appropriate storage and use are required.

Fiber exposure such as asbestosis.

Occupational asthma

 Asthma is a reversible airway obstruction caused by swelling and spasm of airways. Occupational-related asthma is caused by or aggravated by workplace exposure. The person might or might not have prior asthma symptoms. The exposure may be non-toxic irritants or inhaled allergens or organic material that cause inflammatory changes.  

Outside environmental exposures

 Industrial emissions can cause physical symptoms. People who work for companies that produce these industrial gases are exposed on a daily basis, but people who live close to these companies can also be affected in the same way. Another source of exposure comes from vehicle and petroleum emissions.  

Irritant contact dermatitis

 Most rashes and inflammatory skin conditions are caused by the skin being in contact with irritant chemicals or other physical agents. The skin reaction depends on the concentration of the agent. Moisture, sweating and friction or laceration of the exposed skin and/or a pre-existing rash increase the risk of skin rashes. 

One of the common skin reactions involves latex sensitivity.  

Artists and craftspeople exposures

 There is often an idea that materials used to produce paintings and craft pieces are benign and not toxic. There is also an attitude that to be a “real” artist, you have to live, eat and breathe the clay dust, stone or metal dust. This of course is not true. 

There is a long history over the millennia of illnesses being reported by health care workers about artists getting sick because they did not take precautions. For example, Bernardini Ramazzini was an early occupational health physician who published articles about craftspeople’s illnesses in 1713 (“Artist Beware,” Art Hazard News). Current researchers report the relationship of various materials used in painting and crafts associated with cancers, and heart and lung diseases, again related to inadequate protection. 

Prevention and minimizing exposures 

 Many OSHA regulations in effect now protect workers from developing symptoms or diseases from exposures in their place of employment. Workers are educated to this information at the time of being hired.  

In addition, employers are required to have on file a description of each substance in the building. Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are required by law to be provided by manufacturers or vendors of products containing hazardous materials. They contain information on the hazards of working with a chemical and procedures that should be used to ensure safety. 

For substances used in the home, labeling requirements outline the safe use of these products, The same applies to paint and art supplies.