Biomedical subjects

J Mustajbegovic

Publications and source records attributed to J Mustajbegovic.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Respiratory and immunological findings in brewery workers.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure of brewery workers to organic dusts such as hops, barley, and brewery yeast has the potential to change respiratory function and immunological status. METHODS: Ninety-seven male workers employed in a brewery plant were studied. The mean age of the workers in this plant was 40 years, the mean duration of their employment was 16 years. In addition, a group of 76 unexposed workers was studied as a control. Respiratory symptoms were recorded. Lung function was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. Immunological testing was performed on all brewery workers and some control volunteers using skin prick testing with hops, barley, and yeast antigens as well as other nonoccupational allergens, and by determining total serum IgE levels. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher prevalence of most of the chronic respiratory symptoms in brewery workers compared to controls (P < 0.01). Occupational asthma, however, was recorded in only 2 (2.1%) of the brewery workers. Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking was the major studied factor responsible for the high prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in workers. A large number of brewery workers complained of acute symptoms that developed during the work shift. Lung function tests were decreased compared to predicted. Multivariate analysis of these respiratory function parameters suggested the importance of workplace exposure in explaining lung function abnormalities. Significantly higher prevalences of positive skin prick tests were recorded in 37 brewery workers for molds, hops, and barley than in controls. Increased serum levels of total IgE were documented in 34/97 (45.1%) brewery workers and in 1/76 (2.7%) of the control workers (P < 0.01). However, workers with positive skin prick tests had prevalences of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes similar to those of workers with negative skin prick tests. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that both smoking and dust exposure in the brewery industry may be responsible for the development of respiratory impairment and immunological reactions.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory function and immunological status in cocoa and flour processing workers.

Respiratory function and immunological status were studied in 40 cocoa and 53 flour processing workers employed as packers in a confectionery industry and in 65 unexposed control workers in the same industry. A high prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was recorded in exposed workers, varying from 5.0% to 30.0% in cocoa workers and from 5.7% to 28.3% in flour workers. Occupational asthma was diagnosed in 2 (5%) of the cocoa workers and in 3 (5.7%) of the flour workers. None of the control workers suffered from occupational asthma. The prevalence of almost all chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly greater in cocoa and flour workers than in control workers. There was also a high prevalence of acute symptoms that developed during the work shift, being highest for cough (cocoa: 57.5%; flour: 50.9%) and eye irritation (cocoa: 50.0%; flour: 54.7%). Significant across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity were recorded in exposed workers, being largest for flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity on maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves (FEF50, FEF75). The prevalence of positive skin tests for cocoa (60.2%) was significantly higher than the prevalence of positive skin tests for flour (25.8%) among the 93 exposed workers (p < 0.05). Control workers had significantly lower prevalences of positive skin tests to cocoa (4.6%) and flour (12.3%) than exposed workers (p < 0.01). Increased total serum IgE levels were found in 17.5% of cocoa and in 18.7% of flour workers; none of the control workers had increased IgE levels. Bronchoprovocation testing demonstrated significant decreases in lung function following inhalation of cocoa dust extract and flour dust in workers with respiratory symptoms and large across-shift reductions in lung function. Dust concentrations in the working environment were higher than those recommended by Croatian standards. These data suggest that workers employed in the processing of cocoa and flour may be at a high risk for the development of allergic sensitization and respiratory impairment.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory function and immunological status in workers employed in a latex glove manufacturing plant.

A study was performed in 17 female workers employed in a latex glove manufacturing plant. The mean age of these workers was 42 years and the mean duration of their employment was 19 years. The employees were primarily nonsmokers or light smokers. The presence of chronic respiratory symptoms and acute work-related symptoms was recorded for these workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured during the morning work shift by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume curves from which forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and maximum expiratory flow at 50%, and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF75) were measured. A control group of 17 nonexposed women workers was also studied. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was greater among latex workers than among control confectionary packer workers, varying from 5.9% (vs. 0% in controls) for occupational asthma to 58.8% (vs. 0% in controls) for dyspnea grades 3 or 4. There was also a high prevalence of acute work-related symptoms in this industry, in particular, eye irritation (76.5%), dryness of the nose (70.6%), throat burning (70.6%), dryness of the throat (64.7%), and cough (58.8%). Among exposed workers, measured ventilatory capacity data were significantly lower than among controls, particularly FEF75 (75.1% +/- 10.5%). One of the 17 studied workers (5.9%) had a positive skin reaction to latex and had symptoms compatible with occupational asthma. Our data suggest that in addition to occupational asthma, the manufacture of latex gloves is associated with frequent, nonspecific respiratory findings.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory findings in synthetic textile workers.

We studied 308 female and 92 male textile workers employed in a factory that produced synthetic fiber hosiery. The mean age of the women was 38 years, their mean duration of employment 16 years. The mean age of the men was 39 years with a mean duration of employment of 16 years. A control group of 160 female and 78 male nonexposed workers was also studied. Chronic and acute work related symptoms were recorded for all workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves from which the forced vital capacity (FVC), the 1-sec forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% and the last 25% (FEF50, FEF75) were read. There was a higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms in exposed than in control workers, although the differences were statistically significant only for dyspnea, sinusitis, and nasal catarrh (P < 0.01) in female synthetic textile workers, and for nasal catarrh (P < 0.01) in male synthetic textile workers. Occupational asthma was recorded in 3 (0.9%) of the women textile workers, and in 1 (1.1%) of male textile workers. There was a high prevalence of acute symptoms during the work shift, which was greatest for cough (female: 46%; male: 59%), dryness of the throat (female: 49%; male: 40%), dryness of the nose (female: 53%; male: 43%) and eye irritation (female: 46%; male: 36%). Ventilatory capacity data among the synthetic textile workers demonstrated significantly decreased FEF75 compared to predicted (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that inhalation of dust in synthetic textile plants causes the respiratory impairment.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Effects of recycled paper dust extracts on isolated guinea pig trachea.

The effect of paper dust collected at two different locations in a paper recycling plant (PD1 and PD2) on isolated nonsensitized guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle was studied in vitro. Dust extracts were prepared as a 1:10 w/v aqueous solution. Dose-related contractions of guinea pig tracheal rings were elicited with both PD1 and PD2. Pharmacologic studies were performed with atropine (10(-6) M), indometacin (10(-6) M), pyrilamine (10(-6) M), LY171883 (10(-5) M), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (10(-5) M), and TMB8 (10(-5) M). The possible role of endogenous neuropeptides in this constrictor process was studied by depleting neural mediators with capsaicin (5 x 10(-6) M) before challenge with dust extracts. Constrictor effects were partially inhibited by a wide variety of the mediator blocking agents. The effects of both extracts were almost totally inhibited by the anticholinergic agent atropine, suggesting that a principal pathway mediating this response may involve the parasympathetic nervous system. The intracellular calcium-blocking agent TMB8 also induced a reduction of the contractile responses to PD1 and PD2 consistent with the well established role of intracellular calcium in smooth muscle constriction. Pretreatment with capsaicin significantly increased the contractile activity of paper dust extracts but only at the higher doses of these extracts. This suggests that the effect of paper dust is not initiated by the release of mediators stored in sensory nerves but that the prerelease of these mediators may enhance the constrictor effects of these dusts. We suggest that paper dust extracts cause dose-related airway smooth muscle constriction possibly associated with the release of cholinergic as well as other mediators. The constrictor effect does not require tissue presensitization or the release of neuropeptides from sensory nerves.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory findings in workers employed in the brick-manufacturing industry.

We studied 233 male workers employed in two brick-manufacturing plants and 149 matched control workers. The mean age of the brick workers was 35 years, with a mean duration of employment in this industry of 16 years. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms as well as acute symptoms during the work shift were recorded. Lung function was measured on Monday during the work shift by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves, from which the forced vital capacity (FVC), the one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and flow rates at 50% and the last 75% of the FVC (FEF50, FEF75) were measured. The results of periodic chest roentgenograms were reviewed. There was a significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough (31.8%), chronic phlegm (26.2%), and chest tightness (24.0%) in exposed workers, compared with control workers (20.1%; 18.1%; 0%) (P < 0.05). This increased symptom frequency was also documented among nonsmokers studied by age and by length of employment, suggesting a work-related effect. Among work shift-related symptoms, high prevalences were noted for upper respiratory tract symptoms (e.g., dry throat, eye irritation, throat irritation). The measured FVC and FEV1 were significantly lower than predicted for brick workers and suggested a restrictive pattern. The mean FVC (as a percent of predicted) was 78.1% and FEV1 was 88.1%. The FEF50 and FEF25 were not significantly decreased. A multiple regression analysis with age, exposure, and smoking as predictors and lung function parameters as response variables showed a significant effect between exposure and FVC. Significant chest roentgenographic abnormalities were not documented. These findings of a restrictive lung function pattern in brick workers with normal chest roentgenograms may suggest early interstitial disease. Additionally, a bronchitic component, as suggested by the respiratory symptoms, may also be present.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Respiratory function and immunological status in paper-recycling workers.

The respiratory function and immunological status of workers employed in the paper recycling industry were studied. The mean age of the 101 studied workers was 41 years, and the mean duration of their exposure was 17 years. A group of 87 unexposed workers of similar age, duration of employment, and smoking history was studied for the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Lung function in the paper workers was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow volume (MEFV) curves and recording forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the FVC (FEF50, FEF25). Immunological studies were performed in all 101 paper workers and in 37 control workers (volunteers). These included skin-prick tests with paper-dust extracts and other nonoccupational allergens, as well as the measurement of total serum immunoglobulin E. Significantly higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were found in paper compared with control workers (P < 0.01). The highest prevalences were found for chronic cough (36.6%), chronic phlegm (34.7%), chronic bronchitis (33.7%), sinusitis (31.7%), and dyspnea (18.8%). Occupational asthma was diagnosed in four (4.0%) of the paper workers. A logistic regression analysis performed on chronic respiratory symptoms of paper workers indicated significant effects of smoking and exposure, with the smoking effect being the most important. Multivariate analysis of lung-function parameters indicate significant effects of exposure. For paper workers, the measured FEF50 and FEF25 were significantly decreased, compared with predicted values, suggesting obstructive changes located primarily in smaller airways. Among 101 tested paper workers, 16 (15.8%) had positive skin-prick tests to at least one of the paper extracts; none of the control workers reacted to these extracts. Increased serum IgE levels were found in 21% of the paper workers and in 5% of control workers (P < 0.05). Paper workers with positive skin-prick tests to any of the paper and/or other tested extracts had higher prevalences of chronic respiratory symptoms and lower measured lung-function tests compared with predicted than did those with negative skin-prick tests, but the differences were not statistically significant. The measured concentrations of total and respirable dust in this industry were higher than those recommended by Croatian standards. Our study suggests that work in the paper-recycling industry is associated with respiratory impairment and that sensitive workers employed in this industry may be at particular risk of developing chronic respiratory abnormalities.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Respiratory function in shoe manufacturing workers.

A study of respiratory findings was performed on 376 female workers employed in a shoe manufacturing plant. The mean age of the workers was 32 years and the mean duration of their employment was 12 years. These workers were predominantly nonsmokers. Acute and chronic respiratory symptoms were recorded for each worker, and lung function was measured before and after the work shift. Maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves were performed on which forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% (FEF50, FEF25) were measured. Significantly higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were recorded in exposed compared to control workers; in particular, chest tightness (exposed: 44.7%; control: 0%), dyspnea (exposed: 42.6%; control: 2.0%), and rhinitis (exposed: 46.3%; control: 2.4%) were far more prevalent in workers than in controls. Among the shoe workers, there was also a high prevalence of acute symptoms that developed during the work shift, being most pronounced for nose and throat irritation (61.4%). The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms increased with duration of employment. Statistically significant across-shift reductions were recorded for all ventilatory capacity tests for the group as a whole. In comparison to predicted, the measured ventilatory capacity parameters were significantly lower for all workers (p < 0.01). Lung function abnormalities increased with duration of employment. Environmental measurements demonstrated that benzene, fur, and synthetic fibers were found at higher than allowable maximal concentrations (Croatian standards). The data suggest that work in the shoe manufacturing industry may be responsible for the development of acute and chronic respiratory impairment.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1997

Respiratory function in vineyard and orchard workers.

A group of 174 male vineyard and orchard workers was studied for the prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes. In addition, 115 male control workers were studied for the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. There was a significantly higher prevalence of dyspnea and chest tightness in exposed compared to control workers. In particular, exposed nonsmokers had significantly higher prevalences of dyspnea and chest tightness than controls this was found for exposed nonsmokers with both short (< or = 10 years) and long (> 10 years) exposure. Smokers exposed for more than 10 years had significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, chronic bronchitis, and chest tightness than smokers with shorter exposures (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Workers employed for more than 10 years had higher prevalences of most of the acute (shipt-related) symptoms than those workers with shorter employment; however, the differences were significant only for cough in smokers (p < 0.05). Significantly lower than predicted FVC values were measured in smokers and nonsmokers after both short and long duration of employment. Differences between measured and predicted FEV1, FEF50, and FEF25 were significant for workers employed for more than 10 years. A separate analysis of individual data as a percent of predicted values demonstrated that many workers had FVC (5.2%), FEV1 (6.3%), FEF50 (27.6%), and FEF25 (40.2%) lower than 70% of predicted values. These data suggest that vineyard and orchard workers may develop acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes which are, in part, related to environmental factors and to cigarette consumption.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Respiratory function of textile workers employed in dyeing cotton and wool fibers.

A group of 135 textile dyeing workers (97 male and 38 female) was studied for the prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes. Respiratory symptoms were elicited by a standardized questionnaire, and lung function testing was performed before and after the morning shift by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. In addition, 103 nonexposed control workers were studied. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in the exposed than in the control workers; in particular, the prevalence of occupational asthma was 6%. The exposed nonsmoking workers had more complaints than the controls who were nonsmokers. As expected, most of the symptoms were more prevalent in smokers than in nonsmokers. Nonsmokers with both long- and short-term work exposure had higher prevalences of dyspnea and rhinitis than control workers. Smokers exposed for 10 years or less had significantly higher prevalences of chronic phlegm than nonsmokers with the same duration of exposure (p < 0.05). In workers exposed for > 10 years, there were significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, and chronic bronchitis in smokers than in nonsmokers (p < 0.01). A high prevalence of shift-related symptoms was found in exposed workers. Significant across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity tests were documented in this cohort and varied from an average of 4.0% for FVC to 14.2% for FEF25. Preshift values of ventilatory capacity were significantly lower in this exposed population compared to predicted values suggesting a chromic effect. Our data suggest that textile dyeing workers develop acute and chronic respiratory impairment as a result of their exposures. These findings are exacerbated by cigarette smoking.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

A follow-up study of respiratory function in workers exposed to acid aerosols in a food-processing industry.

A follow-up investigation was performed on 49 female workers studied 2 years earlier in a vegetable-pickling plant. Acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity measurements were recorded during the original and the follow-up studies. Maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves were recorded during the Monday morning work shift. The forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-s forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the FVC (FEF50, FEF25) were measured. There were small increases in the prevalence of chronic symptoms between the two studies for both smokers and nonsmokers, but these did not reach statistical significance. Five workers at the time of the initial study had a diagnosis of occupational asthma; only one of these was still working at the time of follow-up. Workers lost to the follow-up had lower lung function than those seen at follow-up. In workers who were followed, larger than expected mean annual declines were noted for all ventilatory capacity parameters in both smokers (FVC 0.070 1, FEV1 0.070 1; FEF50 0.3551/s, FEF25 0.270 1/s) and nonsmokers (FVC 0.045 1, FEV1 0.045 1, FEF50 0.285 1/s; FEF25 0.130 1/s). The decrease was particularly pronounced for FEF50 and FEF25. The accelerated decline in ventilatory capacity tests noted in the female nonsmokers suggests an independent effect on lung function of work exposure in this environment. Our data confirm that work in the pickling industry, particularly in small, poorly regulated plants, has deleterious effects on respiratory function.

Acetic Acid↗

PubMed1996

Longitudinal study of respiratory findings in rubber workers.

A cross-sectional assessment of respiratory function and symptoms was performed in 1985 on 409 male rubber workers and 172 unexposed control workers. A follow-up study in 311 of the original rubber workers was performed 6 years later. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. At the time of the initial study, significantly higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms, except for asthma, were found among the rubber workers compared to controls. Smokers had a significantly higher prevalence of most of the chronic respiratory symptoms compared with nonsmokers. A high prevalence of acute symptoms during the workshift was recorded among the rubber workers at both surveys. Rubber workers demonstrated significantly lower ventilatory capacity measurements compared to predicted. Ventilatory capacity measurements diminished significantly across the workshift, particularly FEF50 and FEF25. Metaproterenol inhaled at the end of the workshift significantly improved lung function in a small group of sensitive rubber workers. Annual lung function loss among both smokers and nonsmokers was in excess of predicted. Our data suggest that exposure to noxious agents in the rubber industry are associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory impairment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Respiratory function and immunologic status in workers processing dried fruits and teas.

BACKGROUND: Workers exposed to different organic aerosols may develop respiratory symptoms and lung function changes. OBJECTIVES: To study the immunologic status and respiratory function in workers processing dried fruits and teas. METHODS: The study was performed in 54 exposed and in 40 non-exposed female workers. Skin prick testing was performed with occupational allergens derived from the workplace. Respiratory symptoms were recorded for all workers. Lung function was measured in exposed workers by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. RESULTS: Significantly more exposed workers than controls reacted with positive skin tests to at least one of the occupational allergens (P < .01). Only the response to sage was significantly greater in exposed (60.0%) than in control workers (20.0%) (P < .01). Thirty percent of these workers had elevated IgE level (compared with 2.5% of control workers) (P < .01). Higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were noted in exposed compared with control workers. The exposed workers with positive skin tests had significantly higher prevalences of dyspnea (P < .05) and nasal catarrh (P < .01) than those with negative skin tests. A large number of exposed workers complained of acute symptoms that developed during the work shift. In exposed workers there were statistically significant across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity, particularly for FEF50 and FEF25 on Monday and the following Thursday. Skin test status was not associated with more severe changes in lung function. The mean FEF25 measured before the Monday shift was significantly lower than predicted (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that following exposures to aerosols of dried fruits and teas some workers develop deleterious immunologic and respiratory changes.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Airway function and respiratory symptoms in sanitation workers.

The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung-function changes was studied in a group of 81 municipal sanitation workers. In addition, the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function was studied in 65 control workers. There were significantly higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms among the sanitation workers than among the control workers. Sanitation workers (smokers and nonsmokers) 40 years of age or older had higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms than younger workers. In addition, sanitation workers (both smokers and nonsmokers) employed for 10 years or longer had significantly higher prevalences of chronic respiratory symptoms than control workers. There was also a high prevalence of acute symptoms, which developed among the sanitation workers during work shifts. Of these symptoms, prevalences were highest for dryness of the nose and throat, followed by throat and eye irritation. Lung-function testing demonstrated significantly diminished forced vital capacity (FVC) and 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) for the 81 sanitation workers compared with control values. These differences only become significant after 10 or more years of employment in the sanitation industry and were not entirely explained by smoking. These differences were smaller and not statistically significant for maximum flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity. Our data suggest that sanitation worker--particularly those with long periods of work exposure--may develop acute and/or chronic respiratory symptoms accompanied by decreases in lung function (primarily FVC and FEV1).

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Respiratory findings in workers not exposed to air pollutants.

The prevalences of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes were studied in a group of 806 workers working in a "clean environment." Acute symptoms during the work shift were reported by smokers but were essentially absent in nonsmokers. Chronic respiratory-symptom prevalences were similar to those reported in community-based populations, with smokers experiencing more chronic symptoms than nonsmokers. Baseline lung function measurements indicated no significant differences with values obtained from prediction equations based on community populations. There were significant across-shift increases in all ventilatory capacity tests (forced vital capacity, 1-second forced expiratory volume, and maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity) varying from +1.9% to +9.8% of the preshift values. Workers older than 40 years of age and those employed for more than 10 years had similar across-shift changes compared with younger workers and those with longer durations of employment. Our data indicate that workers in clean work environments (with the exception of smokers) complain of few acute or chronic respiratory symptoms and have normal lung function. These workers experience increases in lung function across the work shift, probably reflecting normal diurnal variation. Smokers, although significantly more affected than nonsmokers, do not appear to have work-related findings, and smoking appears to be the most significant risk factor for the development of lung disease in unexposed workers. In this study, community-based control data was equivalent to worker control data in unexposed workers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Respiratory symptoms, diseases and ventilatory function in shoe industry workers].

The respiratory health status was studied in 376 female shoe workers. The mean age of workers was 32 years and the mean exposure 12 years. A significantly higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases was found in exposed compared to control workers. This was particularly pronounced for chest tightness (exposed: 44.7%; control: 0%), dyspnoea (exposed: 42.6%; control: 2.0%) and rhinitis (exposed: 46.3%; control: 2.4%). In exposed workers there was also a high prevalence of acute symptoms which developed during work shift, particularly irritation of the throat (56.6%), dryness of the throat (61.4%), dryness of the nose (56.4%), and eye irritation (63.6%). The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases increased with duration of exposure. There were also statistically significant acute reductions in all ventilatory capacity tests (FVC, FEV1, FEF50, FEF25) during work shift. The measured ventilatory capacity values in exposed workers were significantly lower in comparison with the predicted values (P < 0.01). Lung function severity increased with duration of employment. The data suggest that occupational exposure to atmospheric pollution in the shoe manufacturing industry may be responsible for the development of acute and chronic respiratory impairment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in wool textile workers.

Our study investigated a group of 216 wool textile workers (158 women and 58 men). Respiratory symptoms were assessed by questionnaire in wool textile workers and in 130 not exposed (control) workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured in wool workers by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves on Monday before and after the work shift. Forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF50, FEF25) were measured on the MEFV curves. Analysis of the data demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms in wool workers than in controls, being the highest in wool workers for nasal catarrh (M: 63.8%; F: 44.9%) and for sinusitis (M: 62.1%; F: 43.0%). A high prevalence of acute symptoms, associated with the work shift, was also noted in wool workers. Exposure to wool dust caused significant across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity varying from 1.4% for FEV1 to 9.1% for FEF50. Textile workers exposed to wool for > 10 years in the workplace had similar across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity tests as those with shorter exposures. In a large number of these wool workers, FEF50 and FEF25 were below 70% of predicted normal values. Smokers had acute and chronic lung function changes similar to those of nonsmokers, indicating that smoking did not account for all the respiratory effects seen in wool processing workers. Our data suggest that dust exposures in wool textile mills may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Immunological reactions and respiratory function in wool textile workers.

Immunological status and respiratory function were studied in a group of 64 wool textile workers (52 women and 12 men). A group of 46 workers not exposed to wool dust served as a control for the respiratory symptoms and immunologic testing. Skin testing was performed with different wool allergens (domestic and Australian) as well as with common allergens. Ventilatory capacity was measured in wool workers on Mondays before and after the work shift. The prevalence of positive skin tests to all allergens was higher in wool than in control workers, although the difference was statistically significant only for washed domestic wool (wool workers: 42.2%; control workers: 19.6%; p < 0.05). Increased serum IgE levels were more frequent in wool (26.6%) than in control workers (3.1%) (p < 0.01). In wool textile workers there was a high prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms. Significant across-shift reductions in ventilatory capacity tests, as well as abnormal baseline lung function, were recorded in wool textile workers. Individual data demonstrated that many of the wool workers had FEF25 lower than 70% of predicted. In general, the prevalence of symptoms and the lung function abnormalities did not correlate with the results of specific (wool) skin tests. Our data indicate that exposure to wool dust in some workers may be associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and impairment of lung function. Immunologic abnormalities, although frequent in this group, do not appear to be associated with the severity of these changes.

Adult↗