Respiratory symptoms, skin disorders and serum IgE levels in farm workers.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of dermo-respiratory symptoms from lung-function spirometer values and serum IgE levels in farmers who have been exposed to pesticides in the United Arab Emirates (E.A.U.). The study was a comparison of 98 farmers with 98 non-farmers, the two groups were equivalent in age, sex and selected regions--the town of Al-Ain and in the Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. Most of the farmers were illiterate or poorly educated (p < 0.0001). Most lived in prefabricated houses (50.5%). Use of chemical substances (70.9%) and a mixture of pesticides by the farmers (60.2%) was very high. The results revealed that the farmers had a very high prevalence of chronic dermo-respiratory symptoms. These differences are statistically significant when compared with the reference group, particularly for the following symptoms: cough (p < 0.003), pharyngitis (p < 0.0003), bronchitis (p < 0.02), asthma (p < 0.008), respiratory insufficiency (p < 0.006), pneumonia (p < 0.003), dyspnea (p < 0.006), nasal catarrh (p < 0.001), sinusitis (p < 0.05), pharyngeal irritation (p < 0.01), nasal irritation (dryness, sneezing and secretions) (p < 0.005), ocular irritation (p < 0.05), cutaneous pruritus (p < 0.002), and contact dermatitis (p < 0.02). The spirometer tests (all parameters together) measured in the farmers were significantly reduced by comparison with the reference group. In conclusion, the authors suggest that a high prevalence of dermo-respiratory symptoms, supported by reduced spirometer tests and high serum IgE, is associated with exposure to pesticides. These results are clearly useful for establishment of work-related reduced exposure in the future.
Bener
A
A
Dept. of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine-Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences-UAE University, A-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Lestringant
G G
GG
Beshwari
M M
MM
Pasha
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010575:Pesticides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013147:Spirometry; D014479:United Arab Emirates / Q000453:epidemiology
D010575:Pesticides; D007073:Immunoglobulin E