Adverse health effects Fog machine

a special effects engineer positions inflatable plastic tube feeding smoke.

atmospheric effects generated using water , dry ice or liquid nitrogen can present asphyxiation or breathing hazards. both carbon dioxide , nitrogen displace ordinary air , oxygen contains, creating risk of subtle anoxia (lack of oxygenation) people working in these atmospheres. adequate ventilation essential ensure artists , technicians surrounded breathable air. carbon dioxide has added hazard of interfering normal breathing reflex, sensitive carbon dioxide levels in air. nitrogen has no effect on breathing reflex, creates own hazard in person breathing pure nitrogen can lose consciousness lack of oxygen without warning signs.

fog produced liquid air not present hazards of carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen because liquid air has same composition ordinary atmospheric air (including same level of breathable oxygen).

fog machines generate effects solely using water, such ultrasonic or pressurized technology, pose no special health risks, should noted water based fog fluid contain glycol.

a number of studies have been published on potential health effects presented exposure glycol based theatrical fogs , artificial mists.

two studies, health hazard evaluation completed in 1994 national institute occupational safety , health, , 1 in 2000 department of community , preventative medicine @ mount sinai school of medicine , environ; both prepared actors equity , league of american theaters , producers, focused on effects on actors , performers in broadway musicals. conclusion of both studies there irritation of mucous membranes such eyes , respiratory tract associated extended peak exposure theatrical fog. exposure guidelines outlined in 2000 study that, determined, should prevent actors suffering adverse impact health or vocal abilities.

another study focused on use of theatrical fog in commercial aviation industry emergency training of staff in simulated fire conditions. study found eye , respiratory tract irritation.

in may 2005, study published in american journal of industrial medicine, conducted school of environment , health @ university of british columbia, looked @ adverse respiratory effects in crew members on wide variety of entertainment venues ranging live theaters, concerts, television , film productions video arcade. study determined cumulative exposure mineral oil , glycol-based fogs associated acute , chronic adverse effects on respiratory health. study found short-term exposure glycol fog associated coughing, dry throat, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, , tiredness. study found long-term exposure smoke , fog associated both short-term , long-term respiratory problems such chest tightness , wheezing. personnel working closest fog machines had reduced lung function results.

the entertainment services , technology association (esta, has merged plasa, professional lighting , sound association) has compiled standard theatrical fogs or artificial mists compositions use in entertainment venues not harmful otherwise healthy performers, technicians, or audience members of normal working age, 18 64 years of age, inclusive. standard based (though not exclusively), upon findings of report commissioned esta(now plasa [www.plasa.org])by cohen group , applies fog fluid compositions consist of mixture of water , glycol (so called water based fog fluid).

short term exposure glycol fog can associated headaches, dizziness, drowsiness , tiredness. long term exposure smoke , fog can related upper airway , voice symptoms. extended (multi-year) exposure smoke , fog has been associated both short-term , long-term respiratory health problems. efforts should made reduce exposure theatrical smoke low level possible. use of digital effects in post production on film , television sets can considered safer practise using theatrical smoke , fog during filming, although not practical.