Occupational allergy to bell pepper pollen in greenhouses in the Netherlands, an 8-year follow-up study.
BACKGROUND
Pollen from bell pepper plants cultivated in greenhouses are known to cause occupational allergic disease. A cross-sectional study among 472 bell pepper employees in 1999 estimated prevalences for sensitization to bell pepper pollen of 28% and for work-related allergic symptoms of 54%. There is scarce information on the incidence of work-related allergy and its risk factors. Aims of the present study were to estimate the cumulative incidence of work-related symptoms and sensitization to bell pepper pollen, and to determine risk factors for the onset of these symptoms and sensitization.


METHODS
Bell pepper employees who participated in a cross-sectional survey in 1999 were asked to take part in a follow-up study in 2007. Information on demographic characteristics, job characteristics and allergic symptoms was gathered by means of a questionnaire. Furthermore, skin tests were performed with a.o. bell pepper pollen.


RESULTS
In total, 280 of 472 employees were available for questionnaires and in 250 employees allergy tests were performed. During the 8-year follow-up, the cumulative incidence of sensitization to bell pepper pollen was 9% and of work-related rhinitis 19%. Atopy [odds ratio (OR) 5.60] and smoking (OR 3.53) were significantly associated with development of rhinitis. The cumulative incidence of work-related asthma symptoms was 8%. Again atopy (OR 5.03) and smoking (OR 11.85) were significant risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Cumulative incidences for sensitization to bell pepper pollen, work-related rhinitis and asthma symptoms were 9%, 19% and 8%, respectively. Atopy and smoking are risk factors for developing work-related symptoms among workers in bell pepper horticulture.
Patiwael
J A
JA
Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Allergology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. j.patiwael@erasmusmc.nl
Jong
N W
NW
Burdorf
A
A
Groot
H
H
Gerth van Wijk
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D000383:Agriculture; D002212:Capsicum / Q000276:immunology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors