Prevalence of respiratory allergy in a platinum refinery.
In a cross-sectional study, 65 workers in the chemical industry with exposure to platinum salts were investigated with regard to the prevalence to allergic respiratory tract diseases. A respiratory questionnaire, a skin-prick test with K2PtCl6 and environmental allergens, determination of total IgE, platinum-specific IgE and histamine release in basophilic granulocytes and lung function tests were applied before and after a Monday shift and after a Friday shift. Work-related symptoms of respiratory allergy were present in 23% of all workers, but were significantly more frequent in the most exposed group in the platinum refinery (52.4%). Of all workers, 18.7% had a positive skin-prick test with platinum salt. As compared to the other workers, the workers with work-related symptoms of respiratory allergy had significantly more positive skin-prick tests (64.3%) and a higher total IgE and platinum-specific IgE; they did not, however, show higher histamine release. In the course of the week, a significant fall in lung function, namely in FEV1 and FEF25, was recorded in the group of workers with work-related symptoms.
Bolm-Audorff
U
U
Ministry of Women, Work and Social Welfare, Department of Occupational Safety, Wiesbaden, Federal Republic of Germany.
Bienfait
H G
HG
Burkhard
J
J
Bury
A H
AH
Merget
R
R
Pressel
G
G
Schultze-Werninghaus
G
G
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D015994:Incidence; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D010984:Platinum / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D010984:Platinum