Sensitization and symptoms associated with soybean exposure in processing plants in South Africa.
BACKGROUND
Following the results of a previous study that highlighted the potential for significant levels of dust exposure in South African soybean processing plants, a clinical investigation was undertaken to study the respiratory health of workers in this industry.


METHODS
Workers from three soybean-processing plants were studied with a respiratory questionnaire and estimation of atopy and specific soybean IgE.


RESULTS
A total of 144 of the 181 (79.6% participation rate) plant employees completed the questionnaire and 136 (75.1%) gave blood samples for analysis of specific IgE. There was a significant association between work-related chest tightness (OR 4.0 [95% CI 1.3-12.6]), work-related nasal symptoms (OR 4.3 [95% CI 1.3-14.6]) and cough or chest tightness after handling soybean (OR 3.6 [95% CI 1.1-11.6]) and soybean sensitization. There was a significant association between current exposure to dust during soybean off-loading and "flu-like" illness (OR 2.7 [95% CI 1.0-7.2]), and cough or chest tightness after such work (OR 7.4 [95% CI 2.4-23.6]). The strongest predictor of work related nasal symptoms was sensitization to soybean, the latter strongly predicted by the presence of atopy (OR 34.7 [95% CI 6.6-182.5]).


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure and sensitization to soybean were associated with the presence of work related symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, cough, chest tightness, and nasal symptoms. The aetiology of these symptoms and more particularly the best intervention strategies require more detailed investigation.
Centre for Workplace Health, Buxton, UK.
J
J
Harris-Roberts
E
E
Robinson
D
D
Fishwick
A
A
Fourie
D
D
Rees
A
A
Spies
A
A
Curran
D
D
Sen
C
C
Barber
D000328:Adult; D059366:Asthma, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004391:Dust; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013019:South Africa; D013025:Glycine max / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004391:Dust; D007073:Immunoglobulin E