Abstract

Divers and caregivers working in high-pressure environments (hyperbary) are exposed to risks that can cause ear, sinus and lung damage.

The purpose of this research, conducted on caregivers supervising hyperbaric treatments, is to verify whether repeated occupational hyperbaric exposure involves respiratory risks.

This study will be the first with a sample of 25 exposed workers, a worker control group of the same size and sufficiently long follow-up to observe the onset of respiratory disorders. This protocol will help isolate the effect of chronic hyperbaric exposure on respiratory function, as it was developed to take account of confounding factors, including age, which had not been done until now.

The recommendations from this study will directly influence health monitoring practices for workers exposed to high surrounding pressure in their working environment.