Theatre Smoke Effects

[Hopefull]

Can anyone tell me if the smoke they use in theatres and concert halls is at all harmful,does it affect any of you COPD sufferers in anyway.Cheers

[stone-UK]

Hi

Extract from article in Wikipedia

Quote

Theatrical fog and artificial mists

A number of studies have been published on the potential health effects presented by exposure to theatrical fogs and artificial mists.

The first study that was completed was done by Consultech Engineering, Co. under contract to Actor's Equity. The findings of the Consultech study were confirmed by two additional studies—a Health Hazard Evaluation completed in 1994 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,[10] and another one in 2000 by the Department of Community and Preventative Medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and ENVIRON;[11] both prepared for Actors Equity and the League of American Theatres and Producers, focused on the effects on actors and performers in Broadway musicals. The conclusion of all three studies was that there was irritation of mucous membranes such as the eyes and the respiratory tract associated with extended peak exposure to theatrical fog. Exposure guidelines were outlined in the 2000 study that, it was determined, should prevent actors from suffering adverse impact to their health or vocal abilities.

[Hidden in reply to stone-UK]

Hello Stone,

Very sorry - I did not know you had already replied.

This is what worried me.

"Many manufacturers continue to use the ingredient despite warnings and there is no governing body that regulates fog fluid ingredients."

[Hidden]

Hello Hopefull,

I have been to concerts where the machines have been used - but always in the open air. I found some information for you :-

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fog_m...

Hope this helps.

Jennifer

[Hopefull in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou Stone and A1j1S for your replies,interesting reading,I was at our local theatre approx one month ago two days later I had an excaserbation(not sure on spelling)went on to a course of steroids,but they didn`t sort my breathing out as they usually do,went back to my GP,she put me on another course of steroids and antibiotics,I was starting to feel much better,but last Friday I went to the theatre again,I have never seen so much smoke,it started before the performance and continued right through the show,it was billowing out into the audience causing a fog,while there I could feel it at the back of my throat,but the next day and since my breathing has got worse,I am at the stage of cutting my steroids down,today I took two,tomorrow one then none,but I`ve still got the breathing problem,not sure what to do,I may have to go back to my GP,I have tickets for two more shows at the same theatre,I will be dissapointed if I don`t go,but I don`t want to damage my lungs by breathing in the smoke,surely it should not be allowed,there must be lots of people that it effects,Asthma sufferers and people with COPD and I would say the performers who are with it every night,for months on end,it would be interesting to find out if any of them have developed breathing problems over the years of working near smoke machines

[pianozach in reply to Hopefull]

Ian Anderson (singer/songwriter/flautist/guitarist for Jethro Tull just announced he's got COPD. He's led a drug and smoke-free life, and blames the condition on decades of exposure smoke machines (or "hazers"). So . . . that's one that's likely associated with the theatrical smoke machines. Nowadays they're more careful what they load up those things with, but who knows what kind of junk they were using in the 70s and 80s.

[freefaller]

I was under the impression in this country we used steam or liquid oxygen. But neither of them are particularly good for any one with respiratory problems and could always cause problems for others - especially the performers/actors.

[Hopefull]

To be honest,I don`t know without asking,what they use,but I`m certain it`s that that has affected my breathing,I think I will phone the theatre and enquire as to what they use

[Hidden]

I had always thought it was dry ice they used...and that it wasn't harmful to people.

[stone-UK in reply to Hidden]

Hi

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide and can harmful be if used incorrectly.

Quote.

Unsafe concentrations of carbon dioxide can cause headaches, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness and shortness of breath. Higher concentrations will result in loss of consciousness and death due to suffocation. When using compressed carbon dioxide or dry ice, care should be taken to ensure there is sufficient ventilation available at all times, and that procedures are in place to rapidly evacuate CO2 from any enclosed space in an emergency.

[Hidden in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks for the info Stone..

Didn't know any of that.

Andy.

[Toci]

I doesn't sound good and I would not risk inhaling it again, just in case.

[Hidden]

No not if you are not in the front sit from middle to back then allright

[Hopefull in reply to Hidden]

When I was at the theatre on Friday night,the smoke was billowing right across the theatre and up into the circle,nowhere was safe to sit

[sassy59]

If it is dry ice then that makes Pete choke sometimes and we do try and avoid such situations. X

[Kathygwanny]

I have been to the theatre a couple of times where they have used the smoke effect. I was not warned beforehand. It did not agree with me at all. Coughed and coughed. I wouldn't chance it again.

Kathy

[Nanaeal]

It affects me by increasing SOB. I went out fortunately it was only used for I short period & I cold go back in. I now ask before booking.

[Hopefull]

Thankyou for all the replies,surely we shouldn`t have to miss out on going to the theatre,there must be health and safety rules,I am definatly going to question the manager at my local theatre

[Hopefull]

I talked to the theatre manager who insists it is not harmful and a member of his staff who suffers from asthma backed him up,I`m not convinced !!

[Offcut]

Anything that is floating particles in the air can hinder breathing. I have found it tightens the throat with me?

[sammysmum]

We were at the theatre last night 2nd row and there was quite a lot of theatre fog. My eyes became irritable during the performance. Today I have been extremely dizzy. I have been ill since early November with bronchitis but improved with nebuliser and inhaler. I did wonder about the effects, now I know the connection.

[KDJ4]

Hey,

I have worked in a culture center for 10 years. The last 4 years we have bought an antari hazer. As a result, 8 years later I have lost 60 percent of my lung capacity. The oil-based hazers are very harmful to the lungs. I am still claiming my disability because the Belgian state does not want to accept it because I am a single case so far. Usually the problems of technicians are attributed to smoking.