Health effects of inhalation exposure to organic dust in hops farmers.
Medical examinations were performed in a group of 23 hops farmers exposed to organic dust from hop (Humulus lupulus). The examinations took place in individual farms during harvesting, sorting and transporting of hop cones. As a reference group, 50 urban dwellers not exposed to organic dust were examined. There were conducted physical examinations, interviews concerning the occurrence of respiratory disorders and work-related symptoms, lung function tests, determination of cytokines concentrations, and allergological tests comprising skin prick test with 4 microbial antigens associated with organic dust, precipitin test with 12 microbial antigens, and a test for inhibition of leukocyte migration. Five farmers (21.7%) reported occurrence of work-related symptoms, including dry cough and dyspnoea. Eight farmers (34.8%) reported symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Mean spirometric values were within normal ranges. The farmers showed positive responses in precipitin test and test for inhibition of leukocyte migration to antigens of environmental microbes, mainly to the antigen of Gram-negative bacterium Pantoea agglomerans. The results showed a potential risk of occupational respiratory diseases in the population of hops farmers.
Pulmonary Department, Medical University of Lublin.
Czesława
C
Skórska
Barbara
B
Mackiewicz
Anna
A
Góra
Marcin
M
Golec
Jacek
J
Dutkiewicz
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology; D004391:Dust; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D027582:Humulus; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020636:Pantoea / Q000276:immunology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012882:Skin Tests
D004391:Dust