Airway inflammation in waste handlers exposed to bioaerosols assessed by induced sputum.
Work-associated lower airway inflammation in waste collectors was examined by induced sputum and correlated with the bioaerosol exposure. Organic waste collectors (n=25) underwent induced sputum collection and spirometry before work on Monday and the following Thursday. Total cells, cell differentials, interleukin (IL)-8 and eosinophilic cationic protein were determined. Personal full-shift exposure measurements were performed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and analysed for total bacteria, fungal spores, endotoxins and beta(1-3)-glucans. The percentage of neutrophils (46-58%) and the IL-8 concentration (1.1-1.4 ng x mL(-1)) increased from Monday to Thursday. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was significantly reduced on Thursday, and the decrease in FEV1/forced vital capacity correlated with the increase in the percentage of neutrophils. The median exposure to endotoxin (range 7-180 EU x m(-3)) and beta(1-3)-glucan (range 5-220 ng x m(-3)) was correlated with the increase in IL-8. Bioaerosol exposure during waste collection induced an inflammatory response in the lower airways, characterised by neutrophils and interleukin-8 secretion, that influenced the lung function. The inflammatory response was related to microbial components in the bioaerosol and was more pronounced for endotoxin than beta(1-3)-glucan exposure. No associations were found for mould spores or bacteria.
Heldal
K K
KK
National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway. kari.heldal@stami.no
Halstensen
A S
AS
Thorn
J
J
Eduard
W
W
Halstensen
T S
TS
D000336:Aerosols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects; D005936:Glucans / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000032:analysis; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013172:Spores, Fungal / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013183:Sputum / Q000737:chemistry*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000336:Aerosols; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004731:Endotoxins; D005936:Glucans; D016209:Interleukin-8