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Arda Kiani , Atefeh Abedini , Atefeh Fakharian , Seyyed Mohammad Seyyed Mahdi , Hassan Ghorbani Kahrizsangi

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Sarcoidosis was recognized more than 120 years ago and remains a confusing disease to diagnose, with the cause hard to be identified. Exposure to numerous occupational and environmental factors is one of the risk factors of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of occupational exposures and environmental hazards in patients with sarcoidosis.

Methods This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted on all sarcoidosis patients referred to a respiratory referral hospital in Tehran (Iran) in 2020. To collect data a standard questionnaire was used through interviews with patients that included occupational exposures and environmental hazards at work and at home.

Results The results of the present study showed that the average age of sarcoidosis patients participating in the study was 48.8±9.8 years. Eighty percent of patients with sarcoidosis were chronic and the rest were acute. The results of this study showed that 12% of the patients had "high humidity" in the work environment before the definite diagnosis and the onset of sarcoidosis. 11% of the patients had "water damage to appliances, ceilings, tiles or carpets" in the environment. 10% of patients reported "unpleasant and stale odors" in the workplace before the definitive diagnosis and onset of sarcoidosis, and 5% of patients reported "contact with animals in the workplace". Regarding the consumption of smoke and nicotine, 10% of patients with sarcoidosis were smokers and 3% used hookah.

Conclusion: As stated in the literature, work and environmental factors can be effective in sarcoidosis. However, determining the exact role of each of these factors and their effectiveness in causing the disease requires further research‎.