An outbreak of recurrent acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis in office workers. Am J Epidemiol 1987 Apr;125(4):631-8
Date
04/01/1987Pubmed ID
3826042DOI
10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a114576Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0023119010 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 37 CitationsAbstract
Three episodes of an acute, flu-like illness, one studied in detail, were associated with manipulations on the central air handling system of an office building in Tennessee in the summer and early fall of 1981. Symptoms were compatible with acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis, although the time of onset revealed a biphasic epidemic curve. Breathing air not supplied through the central air handling system protected against disease. Ill persons had significantly more precipitins to agents cultured from the building than did controls. Symptoms suggestive of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis were also found. Chronic disease was associated with the presence of humidifiers at home, asthma, and longer work in the building. Acute disease occurred less frequently in smokers and persons who had previously worked in the building before 1976. Persons with acute disease were more likely to have chronic disease. No single etiologic agent could be identified. Because of difficulties with demonstrating safety for reoccupancy, the building was vacated and remains empty at this time.
Author List
Hodgson MJ, Morey PR, Simon JS, Waters TD, Fink JNMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Acute DiseaseAlveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic
Chronic Disease
Disease Outbreaks
Epidemiologic Methods
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Diseases
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tennessee
Ventilation
