An investigation of respiratory and occupational dermatitis symptoms in relation to drilling fluid exposures in Nova Scotian offshore workers

This investigation, while preliminary and based upon a limited sample size, is the first known study of respiratory and dermatological symptoms in relation to occupational drilling fluids exposures in the offshore Upstream Oil and Gas industry. Health histories of 111 participants, currently employed on two different drilling rigs off the coast of Nova Scotia, were investigated using a survey. The survey results indicated that the durations of shale shaker, mud tank, and total exposures were significantly associated with the presence of usual cough after adjustment for rig, current smoking, and atopy. The models developed for usual and chronic phlegm, chronic cough, current and past skin irritation were not significantly associated with any of the duration of exposure variables when adjusted for rig, current smoking status, and atopy. A larger sample size accompanied with extensive air sampling would have allowed for the determination of more accurate conclusions concerning this offshore population.