Mass psychogenic systemic illness in school children in relation to the Tokyo photochemical smog

Journal Article · Thu May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986 · Arch. Environ. Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00039896.1986.9935771· OSTI ID:5088055

Araki, S; Honma, T

To clarify the pathogenic mechanism of epidemics with acute systemic neurobehavioral illness associated with photochemical air pollution in Japan, we re-examined our past records in sixteen junior high school children, and compared them with major epidemics that occurred in 1970-1972 during which time Japanese society faced a new and unusual type of air pollution (Tokyo smog). Dysfunction of alveolar-arterial gas exchange, together with respiratory alkalosis, was newly found in these children, who suffered from chest discomfort, ocular irritation, emotional distress, tetany, and unconsciousness. It was concluded that anxiety reaction, precipitated by the physical effects of photochemical oxidants and athletic performance, possibly led to many outbreaks of mass psychogenic systemic illness (hyperventilation syndrome) among school children.

• Research Organization: Medical College of Oita, Japan
• OSTI ID: 5088055
• Journal Information: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 3; ISSN AEHLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AGE GROUPS
ASIA
BEHAVIOR
CHILDREN
DISEASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
JAPAN
MENTAL DISORDERS
PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SMOG