Work related health problems

Has anyone seen literature about or had experience with health problems
relating from exposure to mold, dust, mites, and other common toxins
found in the workplace of those who care for old papers and books?

I am asking because the two people who previously held my position (head
of archives and rare books) are non smokers with severe lung problems
whose doctors say their work environment contributed significantly to
their problems, and because I have over the 8 years since I've worked
here developed increasingly violent, long-lasting headaches which do not
respond to therapy or medication but which go away when I'm away from
the office for any significant time.  It is not stress related.

I'm interested in both documented and anecdotal stories of those in the
profession who have developed allergies, headaches, or pulmonary
problems that could be traced to their work environment and in what
practical preventive measures can be taken to minimize the risk of
developing these potentially debilitating chronic problems. (Oh, please
don't say a mask is my only hope).

If you do have these problems, Have you connected them with work, and if
you have, how did you make that link?  Have there been controlled
studies on this topic?

Thanks,

Annie Armour
University of the South
Sewanee, TN

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 7:57
                 Distributed: Friday, February 4, 1994
                        Message Id: cdl-7-57-005
                                  ***