Workplace Medical Mystery at the North Pole

December 17, 2018 by Julie Tisdale-Pardi, MA

What is going on at the North Pole? Several elves in the toy making department have reported congestion, cough and shortness of breath. While it is cold and flu season, all of the elves have had their flu shots and the issues seem to be contained to the elves working in the toy shop. A handful of elves also report sore throats, burning eyes and fatigue. This is highly unusual. Santa and the elves cannot recall a similar situation in all of their years. In trying to identify a culprit, they remembered a summertime renovation of the toy shop and a recently repaired hole in the roof caused by an unsuccessful reindeer landing. They also discussed the family of mice who were recently relocated from the attic.

What is making the elves sick? This needs to be solved quickly. The backlog of toys is reaching crisis mode. Can you help save the holidays for millions of children? Tell Santa and the elves what you think is making the elves sick and check back on Wednesday to see if the mystery has been solved.

Julie Tisdale-Pardi, MA, is the Coordinator of the NIOSH Science Blog.

December 17, 2018 by Julie Tisdale-Pardi, MA