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Exposures, Symptoms and Risk Perception among Office Workers in Relation to Nanoparticles in the Work Environment

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  • Hans Orru

    (Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
    Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Henrik Olstrup

    (Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
    Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Annika Hagenbjörk

    (Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden)

  • Steven Nordin

    (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden)

  • Kati Orru

    (Institute of Social Studies, University of Tartu, Lossi 36, 51003 Tartu, Estonia)

Abstract

Submicroscopic nanoparticles (NPs) in air have received much attention due to their possible effects on health and wellbeing. Adverse health impacts of air pollution may not only be associated with level of exposure, but also mediated by the perception of the pollution and by beliefs of the exposure being hazardous. The aim of this study was to test a model that describes interrelations between NP pollution, perceived air quality, health risk perception, stress, and sick building syndrome. In the NanoOffice study, the level of NPs was measured and a survey on health risk perception was conducted among 260 employees in twelve office buildings in northern Sweden. Path analyses were performed to test the validity of the model. The data refute the model proposing that the NP exposure level significantly influences stress, chronic diseases, or SBS symptoms. Instead, the perceived exposure influences the perceived risk of NP, and the effect of perceived exposure on SBS and chronic disease is mediated by stress. There was little concern about nanoparticles, despite relatively high levels in some facilities. Perceived pollution and health risk perception may explain a large part of the environmentally induced symptoms and diseases, particularly in relatively low levels of pollution. The research results raise important questions on the physiologically or psychologically mediated health effects of air pollution.

Suggested Citation

  • Hans Orru & Henrik Olstrup & Annika Hagenbjörk & Steven Nordin & Kati Orru, 2022. "Exposures, Symptoms and Risk Perception among Office Workers in Relation to Nanoparticles in the Work Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:10:p:5789-:d:812026
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bonnie E. Shook-Sa & Ding-Geng Chen & Haibo Zhou, 2017. "Using Structural Equation Modeling to Assess the Links between Tobacco Smoke Exposure, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Respiratory Function for Adolescents Aged 6 to 18 in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-12, September.
    2. Thaddaeus Egondi & Catherine Kyobutungi & Nawi Ng & Kanyiva Muindi & Samuel Oti & Steven Van de Vijver & Remare Ettarh & Joacim Rocklöv, 2013. "Community Perceptions of Air Pollution and Related Health Risks in Nairobi Slums," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-18, October.
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