Teachers using chalk are up to five times increased risk of developing respiratory infections
Teachers exposed to chalk dust are up to five times more likely to suffer frequent respiratory infections and with higher risk of developing disorders such as hoarseness, wheezing and chronic bronchitis, according to the study conducted by researchers of CISAL-UPF.
Teachers exposed to chalk dust are up to five times more likely to suffer frequent respiratory infections and with higher risk of developing disorders such as hoarseness, wheezing and chronic bronchitis, according to the study conducted by researchers of CISAL-UPF.
The results of this study, involving over 400 teachers from Barcelona, Girona, Valencia and Navarra, of which 68% used chalk for at least an hour per day and 24% indicated shaking the eraser in class, are published in the journal Archives of Occupational Risks.
Reference article:
Ramada JM, van der Haar R, Serra C, Zock JP, Delclós GL. Asociación entre la exposición laboral al polvo de tiza y patología respiratoria en maestros de escuelas. Arch Prev Riesgos Labor. 2011; 14: 88-95. http://www.scsmt.cat/cat/arxiusPRL/arxiusPRL.php?Uph0x6yb6n=II
