Work-related symptoms and inflammation among sewage plant operatives.
Sewage operatives at five sewage treatment plants (n = 59) and controls not exposed to sewage (n = 55) were examined to determine work-related symptoms and inflammatory responses. Symptoms were elicited using a questionnaire, and spirometry was performed. Inflammatory markers were determined in blood and nasal lavage. Workplace endotoxin and hydrogen sulfide were measured and adeno- and enterovirus antibodies were evaluated in blood. Gastrointestinal and airway symptoms, joint pains, unusual tiredness, and toxic pneumonitis were more common among operatives, and the proportion of blood neutrophils was higher among operatives as compared with controls. A relationship was found between several reported symptoms and the inflammatory markers. Hydrogen sulfide levels were very low. Endotoxin levels were generally low, but high at some work sites.
Thorn
Jörgen
J
Department of Environmental Medicine, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. jorgen.thorn@envmed.gu.se
Beijer
Lena
L
D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000633:toxicity; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000633:toxicity; D004770:Enterovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000633:toxicity; D007249:Inflammation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012722:Sewage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004731:Endotoxins; D012722:Sewage; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide