Sensitization and lung function in workers occupationally exposed to natural thickening products.
BACKGROUND
Three workers engaged in the manufacture of natural thickener products (Cassia spp., guar, and tamarind flour) were occupationally sensitized to Cassia spp. Therefore, a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of sensitization among and respiratory health of the employees of this plant was conducted.


RESULTS
Sixty-two workers (36 with high, 26 with low exposure) participated in the survey. Skin prick tests and specific IgE tests with extracts of these components revealed that 11.3% were sensitized to Cassia spp. and 9.7% to at least one species of storage mites, with a significantly higher portion of atopic subjects in the sensitized group. Overall, 55% of the subjects reported work-related symptoms (upper and lower airways, eyes, or skin). FVC % pred. was significantly lower in highly exposed workers, while RV % pred. and RV%TLC % pred. were significantly higher in this group. In the multivariate model, sensitization was not a risk factor for impairment of lung function.


CONCLUSIONS
Dust exposure to flours may not only cause allergic sensitization but also induce chronic changes in lung function.
Steger
A
A
Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
Radon
K
K
Pethran
A
A
Nowak
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
D001685:Biological Factors; D007073:Immunoglobulin E