GW_All sent 1/22/2000
To: MATC Employees and StudentsSome employees have expressed concern to the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Office about sarcoidosis, a respiratory disease that has been known for over 100 years but for which the causes are unknown and frequency of occurrence unclear. Seven current or former employees have informed us, or their union representatives, of diagnoses for sarcoidosis. Last August I posted FAQ's on sarcoidosis on the EH&S Webpage (under Environmental Health & Safety Bulletin).To investigate these employee diagnoses and concerns, MATC contracted with the National Jewish Medical and Research Center (NJMRC), a nationally recognized leader in the research of respiratory, allergic, and immune system diseases. The report from NJMRC, "Evaluation of Sarcoidosis Cases" at MATC is now posted on the EH&S Webpage. You can find the report by visiting http://www.madison.tec.wi.us and then selecting Employee Resources, Environmental Health & Safety (under Departments), Indoor Air Quality Info & Updates. Please note that the sarcoidosis review is separate from the NJMRC's onsite IAQ investigation activities conducted in 6/00 and 10/00.
Here is a summary of the report conclusion and recommendations, along with how MATC plans to follow-up or support the recommendations:
Report Conclusions:
NJMRC was able to determine that indeed three individuals employed at MATC Truax have sarcoidosis and not other granulomatous lung disease. NJMRC was "unable to determine a definitive frequency or rate of sarcoidosis cases at MATC for the following reasons:1) We have not had complete participation from all reported cases;2) Some of the cases of sarcoidosis have apparently left the workforce;3) We do not have a complete denominator, that is we do not know the number of people currently and previously employed at the MATC campus.
As a result, I am able to make no conclusions about an elevated rate of sarcoidosis at MATC."
Report Recommendations:
1) "MATC should continue to track cases of granulomatous lung disease, including cases of sarcoidosis. If cases are found to cluster in a particular geographic area or occupational group, a future investigation may be considered. . . . The options for tracking might include asking the employees to report their diagnosis to Human Resources or the Public Health Department. This should allow employees to maintain confidentiality."MATC Follow-Up:
To adhere to this recommendation, the IAQ Committee has recommended that anyone with granulomatous lung disease diagnosis contact the MATC EH&S Office Manger (Cynthia Eghbalnia, 608-246-6291, room 118c Truax). This will allow the EH&S office to track cases and possible clusters. Keep in mind that confidentiality applies, so contact should be direct, either via phone or in person. You should not consider email a confidential communications method.2) "Individuals who are suspected of having granulomatous lung disease should undergo definitive diagnosis through their primary care giver or treating physician. Optimally this includes an extensive clinical evaluation, including a history to exclude other potential causes of granulomatous disease and a biopsy to confirm the finding of granulomatous on pathology."MATC follow-up:
The tracking process above will help ensure that this information is passed on to the appropriate contacts.3) "I would encourage MATC to conduct an educational session to provide the workers with information regarding the clinical aspects of sarcoidosis, including diagnosis, epidemiology, and review of current research on etiology. Such an information session will also be an opportunity to solicit employees to report medically diagnosed sarcoidosis for tracking purposes."MATC follow-up:
The IAQ Committee is searching for a local medical contact with expertise in the area of sarcoidosis and granulomatous lung disease to assist in a continual education and information process. Please contact me if you are interested in such a session and if you can suggest any potential times or dates.4) "If the additional four cases of sarcoidosis are willing to participate in a telephone questionnaire and/or to have their medical records reviewed I would be happy to assess the additional cases. On-going case review will enable continued tracking of cases by job title and location, with greater opportunity for understanding potential shared environmental exposures."
MATC follow-up:
Again, the IAQ Committee is currently searching for a local medical contact with expertise in the area of Sarcoidosis that can find assistance in this area, until then, the NJMRC is available for any additional case reviews. Interested staff should contact the EH&S office directly Manger (Cynthia Eghbalnia, 608-246-6291, room 118c Truax).
Please contact me if you have any questions at ext. 6291 and have a great day!
Cynthia Eghbalnia
Environmental Health & Safety Manager
Madison Area Technical College
3550 Anderson Street, Madison, WI
(608)246-6291
environmentalhealth&safety@matcmadison.edu
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