engleski

Immunological and respiratory function in workers processing dried fruits and teas

Workers exposed to different organic aerosols may develop respiratory and allergic disorders. We studied immunologic status and respiratory function in 54 exposed and 40 control female workers. Skin prick testing was performed with occupational allergens derived from the workplace. Lung function was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. Significantly more exposed workers than controls reacted with positive skin tests to at least one of the occupational allergens (P<0.01). Thirty percent of exposed workers had elevated IgE level (compared with 2.5% of control workers) (P<0.01). Exposed workers with positive skin tests had significantly higher prevalences of dyspnea and nasal catarrh (P<0.01). In exposed workers there were statistically significant cross-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity. Skin test status was not associated with more severe changes in lung function. Our data suggest that following exposures to aerosols of dried fruits and teas some workers develop deleterious immunologic and respiratory changes.

organic aerosols; skin prick testing; lung function; respiratory symtoms; dried fruits and teas

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