Work-related sensitization and respiratory symptoms in carpentry apprentices exposed to wood dust and diisocyanates.
BACKGROUND
Exposure to certain substances in the workplace may lead to sensitization and increased respiratory symptoms.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the frequency of work-related specific sensitization and respiratory symptoms in carpentry apprentices with occupational exposure to wood dust and diisocyanates.


METHODS
Apprentices (n=101) completed an occupational and symptoms questionnaire. Spirometry and skin prick tests to aeroallergens and to a battery of 14 different woods were performed in all the participants. Blood samples were collected for total IgE measurement and detection of specific IgE to diisocyanates.


RESULTS
Half the participants (56%) had work-related respiratory symptoms: 54% due to wood dust, 15% due diisocyanates, and 9% to both. Participants with respiratory symptoms related to wood dust exposure had a significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second compared with symptomatic individuals due to diisocyanates and asymptomatic individuals (P < .05). A history of rhinitis or asthma was associated with a 2.1- or 2.8-fold increase, respectively, in the likelihood of having respiratory symptoms due to wood dust exposure. Sensitization to wood was detected in 9% of participants, all of whom were atopic with a history of rhinitis and a high total IgE level (P < .05). Sensitization to diisocyanates was detected in 2% of exposed participants.


CONCLUSIONS
Work-related respiratory symptoms are common in carpentry apprentices and are more frequently related to exposure to wood dust than to diisocyanates. Symptomatic participants due to wood dust exposure had a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Individuals with a history of rhinitis or asthma had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms. Sensitization to wood was more common in atopic apprentices with a history of rhinitis and a high total IgE level.
Campo
Paloma
P
Allergy Department, Carlos Haya Hospital, Malaga, Spain.
Aranda
Ana
A
Rondon
Carmen
C
Doñia
Inmaculada
I
Díaz-Perales
Araceli
A
Canto
Gabriela
G
Lisbona
Francisco-Javier
FJ
Pineda
Fernando
F
Blanca
Miguel
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D004391:Dust; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013147:Spirometry; D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014934:Wood / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust; D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate; D007073:Immunoglobulin E