Smoking and occupational allergy in workers in a platinum refinery.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that smoking increases the risk of sensitisation by occupational allergens.


METHODS
Historical prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Platinum refinery.


METHODS
91 Workers (86 men) who started work between 1 January 1973 and 31 December 1974 and whose smoking habit and atopic state (on skin prick testing with common allergens) had been noted at joining.


METHODS
Results of skin prick tests with platinum salts carried out routinely every three to six months and records of any respiratory symptoms noted by the refinery's occupational health service. Follow up was until 1980 or until leaving refinery work, whichever was earlier.


RESULTS
57 Workers smoked and 29 were atopic; 22 developed a positive result on skin testing with platinum salts and 49 developed symptoms, including all 22 whose skin test result was positive. Smoking was the only significant predictor of a positive result on skin testing with platinum salts and its effect was greater than that of atopy; the estimated relative risks (95% confidence interval) when both were included in the regression model were: smokers versus non-smokers 5.05 (1.68 to 15.2) and atopic versus non-atopic 2.29 (0.88 to 5.99). Number of cigarettes smoked per day was the only significant predictor of respiratory symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Smokers are at increased risk of sensitisation by platinum salts.
Venables
K M
KM
Department of Occupational Medicine, Brompton Hospital, London.
Dally
M B
MB
Nunn
A J
AJ
Stevens
J F
JF
Stephens
R
R
Farrer
N
N
Hunter
J V
JV
Stewart
M
M
Hughes
E G
EG
Newman Taylor
A J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002617:Chemical Industry; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010984:Platinum / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012882:Skin Tests; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D010984:Platinum