Effects of informing workers of their health risks from exposure to toxic materials

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.4700130208· OSTI ID:7189154

Houts, P S; McDougall, V

This study compared the mental health, attitudes, and smoking behaviors of 133 workers who had been informed of health risks from exposure to toxic materials on the job with 137 workers who worked in similar conditions but who had not been told that their health was at risk because of exposure to toxic materials. The informed workers reported more health problems than controls, but there were no significant differences between the informed and uninformed groups in mental health, attitudes toward health hazards in or outside of the workplace, or in smoking rates. Ninety percent of all respondents felt that exposed workers definitely should be told of their health risks. These findings indicate little psychological risk from informing workers about their risks because of exposure to toxic substances and a strong desire on the part of workers to be informed.

• Research Organization: Pennsylvania State Univ., Hershey (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7189154
• Journal Information: Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States) Vol. 13:2; ISSN AJIMD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AEROSOLS
ATTITUDES
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
RESIDUES
RISK ASSESSMENT
SMOKES
SOLS
TOBACCO SMOKES
XENOBIOTICS