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Khan M, Muhmood K, Noureen S, Mahmood HZ, Amir-Ud-Din R. Epidemiology of respiratory diseases and associated factors among female textile workers in Pakistan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 28:184-198. [PMID: 32602797 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1751973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory symptoms among women textile workers and the associated risk factors in 18 spinning mills of Faisalabad and Lahore districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Method. In this case-control study of 1054 female workers, we used the dose-response function to measure the association between dust level and respiratory disorders in cotton textile workers. Results. Working overtime and long working hours per week are significantly associated with self-reported symptoms of byssinosis. Women's age, marital status and wages were significantly associated with mitigating actions (seeing the doctor), while the education of the women was significantly associated with averting action (use of a mask). Conclusion. Regulating working hours and ensuring employees' compliance with the safety standards are expected to mitigate the health problems of female workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Economics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Muhmood
- Department of Economics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
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Shin SJ, Song ES, Kim JW, Lee JH, Gautam R, Kim HJ, Kim YG, Cho AR, Yang SJ, Acharya M, Kim CY, Lee BC, Kim CH, Oh HG, Kwag JH, Yoon DH, Kim HA, Heo Y. Major environmental characteristics of swine husbandry that affect exposure to dust and airborne endotoxins. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:233-243. [PMID: 30821635 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1584596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of organic dust or endotoxin in the dust is considered a major risk factor for occupational respiratory illnesses. Eighteen environmental characteristics associated with animal husbandry were surveyed at 36 swine farms in seven provinces throughout South Korea. Association of these factors with levels of indoor inhalable or respirable dust or endotoxin in each type of dust was analyzed using backward stepwise multiple linear regression models. Mean levels of inhalable and respirable dust were 0.5 ± 0.35 and 0.13 ± 0.12 mg/m3 air, respectively, and mean endotoxin levels were 676 ± 463 and 48.4 ± 68.2 EU/m3, respectively, in each dust. Factors negatively associated with inhalable dust levels included pig age, indoor farm temperature, number of pigs in the building, hr/week of indoor farm work, and partly slatted floor. Factors positively associated with inhalable dust levels included floor cleaning by manual scraping and slurry deposit duration. Factors negatively associated with the level of endotoxin in inhalable dust included pig age, temperature, number of pigs, hr/week of indoor farm work, and partly slatted floor. Factors negatively associated with respirable dust level included area of the confinement building, whereas factors positively associated with respirable dust level included the number of pigs and stocking density. Endotoxin levels in respirable dust were negatively associated with h/week of indoor farm work and partly slatted floor. Overall, data suggest that husbandry variables may be adjusted to control dust and airborne endotoxin levels in swine farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Jung Shin
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Seob Song
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Won Kim
- b Institute of Health & Environment, Graduate School of Public Health , Seoul National University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hee Lee
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Ravi Gautam
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ji Kim
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Gyeong Kim
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Rang Cho
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jeong Yang
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Manju Acharya
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Yul Kim
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Chul Lee
- c Technology Services Division , National Institute of Animal Science , Wanju , Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Han Kim
- c Technology Services Division , National Institute of Animal Science , Wanju , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong-Geu Oh
- c Technology Services Division , National Institute of Animal Science , Wanju , Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Kwag
- d Animal Environment Division , National Institute of Animal Science , Wanju , Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hoon Yoon
- e Technology Services Department , Gyeonggi Agricultural Research Extension Services , Hwaseong , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung-Ah Kim
- f Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine , The Catholic University of Korea , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Heo
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
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Roque K, Shin KM, Jo JH, Lim GD, Song ES, Shin SJ, Gautam R, Lee JH, Kim YG, Cho AR, Kim CY, Kim HJ, Lee MS, Oh HG, Lee BC, Kim JH, Kim KH, Jeong HK, Kim HA, Heo Y. Association between endotoxin levels in dust from indoor swine housing environments and the immune responses of pigs. J Vet Sci 2018; 19:331-338. [PMID: 29366303 PMCID: PMC5974514 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.3.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor animal husbandry environments are inevitably contaminated with endotoxins. Endotoxin exposure is associated with various inflammatory illnesses in animals. This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between the degree of endotoxin exposure and the cellular and humoral immune profiles of fattening pigs. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of 47 pigs from ten pig farms in Korea. Whole blood cell counts and plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) classes were determined. Peripheral-blood mononuclear cells were stimulated in vitro with concanavalin A for 48 h, and cytokines released into culture supernatants were measured. The barns in which the pigs lived were assessed for endotoxin levels in the total and respirable dust by using the limulus amebocyte lysate kinetic QCL method. Low and high endotoxin exposures were defined as ≤ 30 and > 30 EU/m3, respectively. Compared to pigs with low endotoxin exposure (n = 19), highly exposed pigs (n = 28) had higher circulating neutrophil and lymphocyte (particularly B cells) counts, IgG and IgE levels, interferon-gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin (IL)-4 productions, and lower IgA levels and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) production. The IL-4, IFNγ, and TNFα levels significantly correlated with endotoxin level and/or pig age. Constant exposure of pigs to high levels of airborne endotoxins can lead to aberrant immune profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Roque
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Kyung Min Shin
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Jo
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Gyeong Dong Lim
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Eun Seob Song
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - So Jung Shin
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Ravi Gautam
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Jae Hee Lee
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Yeon Gyeong Kim
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Ah Rang Cho
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Chang Yul Kim
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Hyun Ji Kim
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Myung Sook Lee
- Technology Services Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Hyeong-Geu Oh
- Technology Services Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Byung-Chul Lee
- Technology Services Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Jung Hee Kim
- Dodram Pig Farmer's Cooperative, Veterinary Service Center, Daejeon 35352, Korea
| | - Kwang-Ho Kim
- Dodram Pig Farmer's Cooperative, Veterinary Service Center, Daejeon 35352, Korea
| | - Hyun Kyu Jeong
- Dodram Pig Farmer's Cooperative, Veterinary Service Center, Daejeon 35352, Korea
| | - Hyoung Ah Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Yong Heo
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
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Newton AN, Davis M, Koehler K, Shreffler W, Ahluwalia S, Metwali N, Thorne PS, Paigen BJ, Matsui EC. Atopy as a Modifier of the Relationships Between Endotoxin Exposure and Symptoms Among Laboratory Animal Workers. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 61:1024-1028. [PMID: 29028247 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to endotoxin is known to trigger airway inflammation and symptoms, and atopy may modify the relationship between endotoxin exposure and symptom development. Objective To test the a priori hypothesis that atopic status modifies the relationship between endotoxin exposure and respiratory symptom development. Methods A prospective study of laboratory workers at The Jackson Laboratories was conducted. Allergy skin testing was performed and population demographic and clinical information was obtained at baseline. Personal exposure assessments for airborne endotoxin and surveys of self-reported symptoms were performed every 6 months. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship between endotoxin exposure and development of mouse-associated symptoms and multivariate regression was used to test for interaction. Results Overall, 16 (9%) of 174 worker-participants developed mouse-associated rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms by 24 months and 8 (5%) developed mouse-associated lower respiratory symptoms by 24 months. Among workers with endotoxin exposure above the median (≥2.4 EU m-3), 5 (6% of 80) atopics reported mouse-associated rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms at 24 months as compared to 3 (3% of 94) non-atopics. Among workers below the median endotoxin exposure (<2.4 EU m-3), 1 (1% of 80) atopic reported mouse-associated rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms at 24 months as compared to 7 (7% of 94) non-atopics. For the combination of symptoms, the adjusted hazard ratio was 6.8 (95% confidence interval: 0.7-67.2) for atopics and 0.07 (95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.5) for non-atopics. Conclusion In this occupational cohort, atopic workers may be more susceptible to, and non-atopic workers protected from, endotoxin-associated upper and lower respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Newton
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Meghan Davis
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Kirsten Koehler
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | | | - Sharon Ahluwalia
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Allergy, Immunology and Immunizations
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa
| | | | - Elizabeth C Matsui
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
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Basinas I, Sigsgaard T, Kromhout H, Heederik D, Wouters IM, Schlünssen V. A comprehensive review of levels and determinants of personal exposure to dust and endotoxin in livestock farming. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2015; 25:123-37. [PMID: 24280684 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2013.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The respiratory health effects of livestock farming have been on debate for more than three decades. Endotoxin-contaminated organic dusts are considered as the most important respiratory hazards within livestock environments. A comprehensive review of the knowledge from studies assessing the exposure status of livestock farmers is still to be published. The present study reviews research published within the last 30 years on personal exposure of livestock farmers to organic dust and endotoxin, focusing on studies on pig, poultry and cattle farmers. Applied measurement methods and reported levels of personal exposure for the total, inhalable and respirable fractions are summarized and discussed, with emphasis on the intensity of exposure and the size and distribution of the reported exposure variability. In addition, available evidence on potential determinants of personal exposure to dust and endotoxin among these farmers are documented and discussed, taking results from exposure determinant studies using stationary sampling approaches into consideration. Research needs are addressed from an epidemiological and industrial hygiene perspective. Published studies have been heterogeneous in design, and applied methodologies and results were frequently inadequately reported. Despite these limitations and the presence of an enormous variability in personal exposure to dust and endotoxin, no clear downward trends in exposure with time were observed, suggesting that working environments within stables remains largely uncontrolled. Exposure control and prevention strategies for livestock farmers are urgently required. These should focus on the development of novel and improved methods of controlling dust and endotoxin exposure within stables based on the currently available knowledge on determinants of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Basinas
- Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dick Heederik
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Thilsing T, Madsen AM, Basinas I, Schlünssen V, Tendal K, Bælum J. Dust, endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria exposure as determined by work task, season, and type of plant in a flower greenhouse. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 59:142-57. [PMID: 25389370 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Greenhouse workers are exposed to dust, endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria potentially causing airway inflammation as well as systemic symptoms. Knowledge about determinants of exposure is a prerequisite for efficient prevention through knowledge-based reduction in exposure. The objective of this study was to assess the occupational exposure in a flower greenhouse and to investigate the impact of work tasks on the intensity and variability in exposure. METHODS Seventy-six personal full-shift exposure measurements were performed on 38 employees in a Danish flower greenhouse producing Campanula, Lavandula, Rhipsalideae, and Helleborus. The samples were gravimetrically analysed for inhalable dust. Endotoxin was assessed by the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate test and culture-based quantification of bacteria and fungi was performed. Information on the performed tasks during sampling was extracted from the greenhouse electronic task logging system. Associations between log-transformed exposure outcomes, season, and work tasks were examined in linear mixed-effects regression with worker identity as random effect. RESULTS Measured concentrations ranged between 0.04 and 2.41mg m(-3) for inhalable dust and between 0.84 and 1097 EU m(-3) for endotoxin exposure, with the highest mean levels measured during Lavandula and Campanula handling, respectively. Personal exposure to fungi ranged between 1.8×10(2) and 3.4×10(6) colony-forming units (CFU) m(-3) and to bacteria between 1.6×10(1) and 4.2×10(5) CFU m(-3). Exposure to dust, endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria differed between seasons. Packing Lavandula, sticking, potting, and grading Rhipsalideae, and all examined tasks related to Campanula production except sticking increased dust exposure. Endotoxin exposure was increased during sticking Campanula and pinching or packing Rhipsalideae, and fungi exposure was elevated by subtasks performed in the research and development area for Campanula, and by potting, packing/dumping Campanula. Sticking and working with subtasks in the research and development area for Campanula increased bacteria exposure. CONCLUSION This study revealed moderate dust exposure levels compared to the levels observed in other greenhouse productions and other occupations with organic dust exposure such as farming. However, high exposures to bacteria and fungi were detected during selected tasks and the proposed health-based endotoxin exposure limit of 90 EU m(-3) was exceeded in 30% of the samples, which may have health implications for the employees. Exposure levels were found to vary depending on the tasks performed, and thereby results can be used to direct task-based initiatives to reduce workplace exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Thilsing
- Research Unit for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløvparken 19, 3., DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B Winsløvsvej 9A, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kira Tendal
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bælum
- Research Unit for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløvparken 19, 3., DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B Winsløvsvej 9A, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark
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Paba E, Tranfo G, Corsetti F, Marcelloni AM, Iavicoli S. Indoor exposure to airborne endotoxin: a review of the literature on sampling and analysis methods. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2013; 51:237-55. [PMID: 23385433 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.ms1325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of exposure to airborne endotoxins has been studied for several years, especially in occupational environments, but a large number of procedures are used for sampling and analysis. This lack of standardization makes it very difficult to compare results and set internationally accepted threshold limit values (TLVs) or occupational exposure limits (OELs) for endotoxin exposure. This paper reviews the methods reported, using advanced bibliographical search techniques: 82 papers published from 2004 to the present were selected to analyze methods for the assessment of human exposure to airborne endotoxins, with particular reference to occupational settings, and to examine their performance and critical points. Only few studies have focused on the standardization of sampling and analysis methods. The European Committee for Standardization Guidelines coincide with the procedures most frequently applied, but this does not guarantee the best results in terms of recovery and reproducibility. The factor that mainly affects endotoxin measurements is the extraction method, the main concern being the presence in the samples of a fraction insoluble in aqueous media. If substantial differences in the proportions of this fraction in different environments are confirmed in the future, the contribution of insoluble endotoxins cannot be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Paba
- Occupational Hygiene Department, INAIL Research, Italy
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Harris-Roberts J, Tate P, Robinson E, Griffin P, Mason H, Barber C, Curran AD, Fishwick D. Bespoke latex allergen testing improves assessment of respiratory symptoms in textile-braiding workers. Am J Ind Med 2012; 55:616-23. [PMID: 22517590 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latex allergy is poorly understood in latex-exposed textile workers. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out to better characterize respiratory symptoms, using personal breathing zone latex allergen measurement and specific IgE to latex allergens. RESULTS Forty-four of the 86 (51% participation rate) participated. Ten of 39 workers who gave a blood sample (25.6%) were found to have IgE to at least one workplace allergen (5/39 positive to either latex braiding coated with silica or talc, 4/39 were positive to the dyed cotton extract, and 1/39 to latex braiding coated with silica or talc and dyed cotton extract), whilst only 2 of these 10 had specific IgE to the commercial latex extract. CONCLUSIONS The presence of symptoms with evidence of sensitization was strongly dictated by current latex exposure. Bespoke workplace allergen IgE testing identified cases of WR respiratory symptoms with sensitization that otherwise would not have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Harris-Roberts
- Centre for Workplace Health, Health, Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK
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Basinas I, Sigsgaard T, Heederik D, Takai H, Omland Ø, Andersen NT, Wouters IM, Bønløkke JH, Kromhout H, Schlünssen V. Exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin among Danish livestock farmers: results from the SUS cohort study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 14:604-14. [PMID: 22159073 DOI: 10.1039/c1em10576k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Studies on personal dust and endotoxin concentrations among animal farmers have been either small or limited to a few sectors in their investigations. The present study aimed to provide comparable information on the levels and variability of exposure to personal dust and endotoxin in different types of animal farmers. 507 personal inhalable dust samples were collected from 327 farmers employed in 54 pig, 26 dairy, 3 poultry, and 3 mink farms in Denmark. Measurements in pig and dairy farmers were full-shift and performed during summer and winter, while poultry and mink farmers were monitored during 4 well-defined production stages. The collected samples were measured for dust gravimetrically and analyzed for endotoxin by the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Simple statistics and random-effect analysis were used to describe the levels and the variability in measured dust and endotoxin exposure concentrations. Measured inhalable dust levels had an overall geometric mean of 2.5 mg m(-3) (range <LOD to 47.8) and endotoxin of 988 EU m(-3) (range <LOD to 374,000). The highest dust and endotoxin concentrations were measured among pig and poultry farmers, and were the lowest among dairy and mink farmers, respectively. Exposure among pig and cattle farmers was characterised by a substantial day-to-day variability that increased from the indoor to outdoor working environment. Only mink farmers complied with the Danish occupational exposure limit for total dust (3 mg m(-3)). More than 93% of our measurements exceeded the recently proposed Dutch exposure-limit for endotoxin (90 EU m(-3)). These findings suggest animal farmers to be exposed to high levels of dust and endotoxin consistent with an increased risk of developing respiratory symptoms and diseases. The development of preventive strategies to reduce exposure will require in-depth identification of factors that affect day-to-day variability in exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Basinas
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Association of Toll-like receptor 4 alleles with symptoms and sensitization to laboratory animals. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 122:896-902.e4. [PMID: 18835634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2008] [Revised: 08/07/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers and technicians working with laboratory animals (LAs) are exposed to animal allergen and endotoxin, which can interact to potentiate or inhibit symptoms or allergic responses. We hypothesized that functional genetic variants of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a key surface receptor for endotoxin, interface between worker and workplace and affect animal sensitization, symptoms, or both. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether TLR4/8551 variants alter the risk for LA sensitization, symptoms, or both. METHODS Three hundred thirty-five researchers, 195 of whom worked with animals, completed questions on workplace practices and symptoms and underwent skin prick tests or RASTs to common and animal allergens. Real-time PCR assessed TLR4/8551 and TLR4/8851 variants. Nominal logistic regression was used to analyze the contribution of demographic, exposure, and genetic variables to outcomes of interest. RESULTS Twenty-one percent of workers were LA sensitized, and 29% reported 1 or more symptoms to LAs. The TLR4/8551 G variant, which is less responsive to endotoxin, was detected in 9% and in linkage disequilibrium with the TLR4/8851 T allele. The G variant significantly associated with atopy and LA sensitization. Workers with the G variant spent significantly longer hours in high endotoxin/animal allergen tasks compared with those with the AA variant, which is perhaps less affected by endotoxin exposures. In multivariate analyses the G variant and longer animal research hours increased the risk of LA sensitization. Job tasks and LA sensitization, but not TLR4 variants, were predictors of LA-induced symptoms. CONCLUSION Workers with TLR4 variants that reduce responsiveness to endotoxin have higher risks for LA and other allergen sensitization but spend longer hours in tasks with high endotoxin and animal allergen exposures.
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Oldenburg M, Latza U, Baur X. Exposure-response relationship between endotoxin exposure and lung function impairment in cotton textile workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2006; 80:388-95. [PMID: 17051395 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-006-0145-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2005] [Accepted: 09/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preventive workplace regulations are so far not based on an ubiquitously accepted threshold for airborne endotoxin in the bioaerosol. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 150 employees of a cotton spinning mill underwent lung function testing. Furthermore, in a random subset of 75 textile workers cross-shift lung function test and methacholine challenges were performed. Airborne current endotoxin exposure was classified as "low", "medium", and "high" (<or=100, >100-<or=450, and >450 Endotoxin Units (EU)/m(3), respectively) based on endotoxin activity. RESULTS The exposure-response relationship between current endotoxin exposure and prevalence of an obstructive ventilation pattern was significant (test for linear trend: P = 0.019); the adjusted odds ratio for high endotoxin exposure was 11.22 (95% confidence interval 1.03-121.17). Within individuals, FEV(1)/FVC% was significantly reduced after the shift (paired t test: P = 0.009) but not related to current endotoxin exposure. Twelve workers showed bronchial hyperresponsiveness (8.1% before and 12.2% after the work shift; Fisher's exact test: P = 0.021). CONCLUSION The study among German cotton textile workers suggests an exposure-dependent effect of current endotoxin exposure on lung function impairment with significant effects above 450 EU/m(3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Oldenburg
- Clinical Occupational Medicine, Institute of Occupational Medicine (ZfA), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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