Exposure-response relations for work related respiratory symptoms and sensitisation in a cohort exposed to alpha-amylase.

• AIMS: To explore relations between exposure to fungal alpha-amylase and the risk of new work related respiratory symptoms or sensitisation. METHODS: A prospective cohort study among 300 bakers and millers was followed up for a maximum of seven years. Exposure to alpha-amylase was estimated by air measurements and questionnaires and classified into three categories. Symptoms were recorded with a self-administered questionnaire and skin sensitisation assessed using skin prick test (SPT). RESULTS: There were 36 new cases of chest symptoms, 86 of eyes/nose symptoms, and 24 of a positive SPT to alpha-amylase. There were exposure-response relations for chest and eyes/nose symptoms and for sensitisation, and a significantly increased prevalence ratio for chest symptoms in the highest exposure category. CONCLUSION: A reduction in alpha-amylase exposure is likely to reduce the risk for respiratory morbidity in bakery workers.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Lungmedicin och allergi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Cohort Studies

Dust

Flour

analysis

Food-Processing Industry

Humans

Hypersensitivity

Immediate

etiology

Occupational Diseases

etiology

Occupational Exposure

adverse effects

Prospective Studies

Respiratory Hypersensitivity

etiology

Skin Tests

methods

alpha-Amylases

toxicity

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)