Immunological and respiratory changes in tobacco workers.
BACKGROUND
Tobacco workers develop respiratory changes following occupational exposure to tobacco dust.


METHODS
This study investigated 102 tobacco workers as well as a group of 30 matched control workers. Immunological testing, symptom questionnaire, and lung function measurements were performed in all workers.


RESULTS
Increased total IgE was found in 12.7% of tobacco workers but in none of the controls (P < 0.05). Increased specific IgE (tobacco allergen) was recorded in 26.7% of tobacco workers with positive skin tests to tobacco extract but in none of the controls (P < 0.05). Regression analysis of ventilatory tests in female tobacco workers indicated a significant association of FEF75 to employment and smoking among workers with positive skin tests to tobacco. There were, however, no other associations between positive immunologic findings and lung function abnormalities and symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study found increased immunological reactions in the tobacco workers. However, with the possible exception of lung function at low lung volume in female workers, these reactions do not appear to contribute significantly to the symptoms and lung function abnormalities seen in these workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:76-83, 2004.
Zuskin
Eugenija
E
Andrija Stampar School of Public Heath, Zagreb, Croatia.
Mustajbegovic
Jadranka
J
Schachter
E Neil
EN
Kanceljak
Bozica
B
Macan
Jelena
J
Kern
Josipa
J
Buneta
Lucija
L
Pucarin-Cvetkovic
Jasna
J
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000633:toxicity*; D017523:Croatia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019460:Tobacco Industry; D000078329:Workforce; D014026:Nicotiana
D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E