Respiratory diseases, symptoms and ventilatory function in workers involved in processing food for livestock

The prevalence of chronic and acute respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity were studied in a group of 71 workers employed in animal food processing. A control group of 55 unexposed workers was also included in the study. A significantly higher prevalence for most of the chronic respiratory symptoms was found among the exposed than among control workers. Exposed smokers had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, chronic bronchitis and chest tightness than control smokers. The values for FVC, FEV1 and FEF50 measured in the exposed workers were significantly lower in comparison to predicted normal lung function values. In smokers all the measured parameters of ventilatory capacity were significantly lesser than predicted. For non-smokers only FVC and FEV1 were below normal. Our data indicate that occupational exposure to animal food may cause the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and impairment of ventilatory capacity.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in jute processing workers: a primary investigation

This paper presents the results of an investigation of respiratory symptoms and lung function of 404 workers who had been exposed to jute dust in a jute mill. Measurement of total dust concentration and analysis of dust composition were also conducted. Most workers in the jute mill were exposed to jute dusts containing less than 5% silica, whereas a few workers were exposed to dusts containing approximately 10-15% silica. Male smokers and nonsmokers in the dust-exposed group had a higher prevalence of cough and chest tightness compared with those in the control group. Among dust-exposed workers, female nonsmokers had a significantly higher prevalence of cough, chronic bronchitis, chest tightness, and dyspnea than those in the control group. Lung function tests showed that dust-exposed workers had a greater incidence of abnormal lung function than did control workers, as measured by percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0), and FEV1.0/FVC. Dust exposure was the main cause of respiratory symptoms and abnormal values of FEV1.0, but both cigarette smoking and dust exposure contributed to the abnormal values reported for FEV1.0.     

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 (≤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 (shift-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. Am. J. Ind. Med. 31:250–255, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity in swine confinement workers.

A group of 59 workers (41 men and 18 women) employed in swine confinement areas was studied to assess the presence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and the prevalence of abnormalities in ventilatory function. A control group of 46 (31 men and 15 women) unexposed workers was studied for the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. For both male and female swine confinement workers complaints of chronic cough, dyspnoea, and chest tightness were significantly more frequent than among control workers. Male workers also complained more of chronic phlegm. Male swine confinement workers who were smokers had significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, and chronic bronchitis than male non-smoking swine confinement workers. The frequency of acute symptoms associated with the workshift was high among the swine confinement workers with more than half of the workers complaining of cough and dyspnoea associated with work. Significant acute across shift reductions in lung function occurred in swine confinement workers, being largest for FEF25. All Monday preshift ventilatory capacity measurements in male confinement workers were significantly lower than predicted values; FVC and FEV1 were found to be lower than predicted values for women. The data indicate that exposure in swine confinement buildings is associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and impairment of lung function. Smoking appears to aggravate these changes.     

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity in swine confinement workers.

A group of 59 workers (41 men and 18 women) employed in swine confinement areas was studied to assess the presence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and the prevalence of abnormalities in ventilatory function. A control group of 46 (31 men and 15 women) unexposed workers was studied for the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. For both male and female swine confinement workers complaints of chronic cough, dyspnoea, and chest tightness were significantly more frequent than among control workers. Male workers also complained more of chronic phlegm. Male swine confinement workers who were smokers had significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, and chronic bronchitis than male non-smoking swine confinement workers. The frequency of acute symptoms associated with the workshift was high among the swine confinement workers with more than half of the workers complaining of cough and dyspnoea associated with work. Significant acute across shift reductions in lung function occurred in swine confinement workers, being largest for FEF25. All Monday preshift ventilatory capacity measurements in male confinement workers were significantly lower than predicted values; FVC and FEV1 were found to be lower than predicted values for women. The data indicate that exposure in swine confinement buildings is associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and impairment of lung function. Smoking appears to aggravate these changes.     

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 chronic 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. Am. J. Ind. Med. 31:344–352, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Monitoring of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary ventilatory function in sisal processing workers]

The prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity was studied in 50 textile workers exposed to sisal dust. A follow-up study was performed 19 years later and included 20 workers out of the 50. The first study showed a considerably higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms in the exposed than in control workers although the difference was statistically significant only for chest tightness (P < 0.01). Comparison of the prevalence in the first and the follow-up study in 20 textile workers revealed a statistically significant increase in the rate of chronic cough, dyspnea, chest tightness and nasal catarrh. During the follow-up study the prevalence of almost all chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in exposed than in control workers. Results of ventilatory capacity in 50 sisal workers showed acute reductions of FVC and FEV1 during work shift on Monday and the following Thursday. Comparison of the measured and predicted normal values demonstrated lower values in the follow-up study in comparison to those in the first study. The mean annual fall of ventilatory capacity tests was 0.027 L for FVC and 0.036 L for FEV1. Data suggest that long-term exposure to sisal dust may cause the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment in sensitive subjects.     

Respiratory and allergic disorders in workers exposed to grain and flour dusts

Symptoms suggestive of chronic bronchitis or chronic productive cough were found in 29.0% of 100 workers exposed to flour dust in a flour mill, 26.0% presenting with chronic cough and 29.0% with phlegm. In the control group, the prevalence of chronic cough and phlegm was only 6.6% in each category. While 22.0% of the workers complained of chest tightness on exposure, and 18.0% developed symptoms and signs of bronchial asthma, only 3.3% of the controls complained of chest tightness and 3.3% of asthma. Respiratory measurements before and after the working shift showed a significant drop (p less than .001) in the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1.0) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in the exposed group. Fifty-eight percent of the exposed workers experienced a drop in FEV1.0 and FVC measurements. A positive skin reaction to wheat flour extract was recorded among 31% of the exposed workers vs. 10% of the controls. The prevalence of other associated allergic symptoms was 17.0% and 19.0% for sinusitis and conjunctivitis, respectively; in the unexposed group, the prevalence of the same symptoms ranged between 3.3% and 6.6%. A strong association was revealed between exposure to grain and flour dusts and the prevalence of respiratory and allergic disorders.     

Respiratory symptoms in fish processing workers on the Adriatic coast of Croatia

This article describes respiratory symptoms and lung function in 98 fish processing female workers employed in a fish processing plant located on the Croatian Adriatic coast and 95 matching controls. The study included chronic and acute respiratory symptoms which developed during the shifts. Lung function measurements included forced vital capacity (FVC), one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV(1)) and maximal expiratory rates at 50 % and the last 25 % (FEF(50), FEF(25)). Chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly dominant in fish processing workers compared to controls. The most common chronic symptoms were hoarseness (57.1 %), nasal catarrh (51.0 %), chronic cough (42.9 %), chronic phlegm (34.7 %), and frequent chest cold (35.7 %). Exposed smokers and nonsmokers had a similar prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Acute symptoms over the work shift were high, with headache in lead (smokers: 62.5 %; nonsmokers: 56.1 %). Most of the ventilatory capacity parameters were significantly lower than predicted, FEF(25) in particular, indicating obstructive changes predominantly in the smaller airways. These findings suggest that fish processing workers are prone to developing acute and chronic respiratory symptoms as well as to lung function changes. This calls for medical and technical preventive measures to be introduced in the work environment of the fish processing plant.     

Exposure to ammonia and acute respiratory effects in a urea fertilizer factory

Personal exposures to ammonia and acute respiratory effects were determined in workers at a urea fertilizer factory in Bangladesh. Full-shift personal exposure to ammonia was measured using a PAC III direct reading instrument and Drager diffusion tubes. Respiratory symptoms were elicited by a questionnaire study (n = 113), and preshift and postshift lung function (FVC, FEV1, and PEFR) were tested using spirometry (n = 88). Urea plant workers had higher mean exposure to ammonia and prevalence of acute respiratory symptoms than did workers in the ammonia plant. The symptoms with highest prevalence in the urea plant were chest tightness (33%) and cough (28%). FVC and FEV1 decreased significantly across the work shift among urea plant workers. The higher level of exposure to ammonia in the urea plant was associated with an increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and an acute decline in lung function.     

Respiratory function in greenhouse workers

Summary Respiratory findings were studied in a group of 135 female and 32 male workers employed in greenhouses. In addition 51 women and 30 men were studied as a control group. Exposed women had significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough, dyspnea, chest tightness, and rhinitis (P < 0.01) than the controls. Among the men, only rhinitis was more prevalent in greenhouse workers (P < 0.01) than in controls. Smokers had higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms than nonsmokers, but the differences were statistically significant only for chronic cough and rhinitis in women and for chronic phlegm in men. There was a high prevalence of acute symptoms during work. A large number of greenhouse workers complained of skin reactions to plants and pesticides (women: 37.8%; men: 34.4%). Workers had significantly lower mean ventilatory capacity measurements (except in the case of forced vital capacity) when compared to standard predicted values. Smokers and nonsmokers had similar values of lung function expressed as percentages of the predicted values. Greenhouse workers exposed for more than 10 years had a significanty lower FEF₂₅, measured as a percentage of the predicted value, than workers exposed for less than 10 years. Our data indicate that occupational exposure to greenhouses may be associated with the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and impairment of ventilatory capacity.     

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in mill workers exposed to wood dust

This study surveyed wood dust exposure levels and pulmonary hazards among wood mill workers. Dust concentrations as measured by six-stage cascade impactors were high in work areas of grinding and screening. Total dust concentrations for these dusty activities ranged from 4.4 to 22.4 mg/m³, and the respirable proportions were between 2.4% and 50.2%. The dust level in the sawing work was 2.9 mg/m³. Although symptoms of cough and phlegm were higher in smoking workers than in nonsmoking workers, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the exposed workers was not significantly higher than in the controls. However, the incidence of symptoms such as chronic phlegm and chronic bronchitis in the nonsmoking high-exposure workers was significantly higher than in nonsmoking controls. The mean values of MMF, PEFR, and FEF25% were significantly lower in the exposed workers than in controls for both smokers and nonsmokers. The pulmonary function deficits, with the exception of FEV1.0/FVC, also showed a significant trend with increasing levels of wood dusts exposure classified by job titles for both smokers and nonsmokers. After adjustment for age, sex, height, and smoking status, all parameters of pulmonary function were significantly lower in exposed workers than in controls and showed a declining trend with increasing exposure levels classified by job titles. These results indicate that high level of wood dust exposure in the wood mill industries may lead to pulmonary hazards. Engineering control and industrial hygiene are mandatory for dusty activities. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Respiratory findings in spice factory workers

The respiratory consequences of working in the spice industry were studied in 92 female spice factory workers (mean age, 36 yr; mean exposure, 12 yr). A control group of 104 female workers employed in a nondusty industry was also studied. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in the exposed than in the control group. In particular, the prevalence of dyspnea (57.6%), chronic cough (22.8%), chronic phlegm and chronic bronchitis (19.6%), nasal catarrh (37.0%), and sinusitis (22.2%) was high when compared to controls (p less than .01). Among spice factory workers, a high prevalence of acute symptoms during the workshift was recorded. Acute reductions in lung function were statistically significant over the workshift for forced vital capacity (FVC), -2.0%; forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0), -3.0%; and for maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% (FEF50), -8.3% and at 25% (FEF25), -15.2% measured on maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. No difference was found in across-shift ventilatory function in workers with or without chronic respiratory symptoms, except for FEF25 (with symptoms, 16.7%; without symptoms, 9.6%). Preshift administration of 40 mg of disodium cromoglycate (DSC) inhaled 15 min before the workshift significantly diminished acute reductions in FEF50 and FEF25 in exposed workers. Monday preshift FEF50 and FEF25 in exposed workers were significantly lower than in control workers (p less than .01), which suggests an early irreversible component to this illness.     

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. Am. J. Ind. Med. 31:50–55 © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Ventilatory function and allergic skin tests in cotton mill workers

Ventilatory capacity, chronic respiratory symptoms and respiratory diseases as well as intradermal skin tests were registered in a group of 112 cotton workers. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and respiratory diseases was higher among the exposed than among control workers although the differences were statistically significant only for chronic cough, nasal catarrh and byssinosis in women and for chronic cough, chronic phlegm and byssinosis in men. A similar prevalence of byssinosis was noted in women (29.4%) and in men (29.5%). Among textile workers mostly byssinosis grade 1/2 was found (women 22.1%, men 20.5%). There were statistically significant acute reductions over work shift for forced vital capacity (FVC) and one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1). In men the values were somewhat lower than the expected normal values. A very small number of workers demonstrated positive intradermal skin tests to cotton allergen (exposed 8.2%, control 1.8%). Our data indicate that exposure to cotton dust may lead to the development of respiratory symptoms and diseases as well as to acute changes in ventilatory capacity but without an allergic reaction.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in bus drivers and mechanics

Acute and chronic respiratory symptoms as well as ventilatory capacity were studied in 116 bus drivers and 119 mechanics. Bus drivers and mechanics demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of most chronic respiratory symptoms when compared to control workers. In particular, lower airway symptoms of chest tightness and dyspnea and upper airway symptoms of nasal catarrh were significantly more prevalent among drivers and mechanics than among controls. Bus drivers and mechanics who were smokers had significantly higher prevalences of respiratory symptoms than nonsmoking bus drivers. Bus drivers and mechanics employed for more than 10 years also exhibited higher frequencies of respiratory symptoms than those exposed for 10 years or less. Many of the workers complained of acute symptoms during the work shift. The ventilatory capacity data demonstrated lower values for all parameters, particularly FEF₂₅, compared to control worker values as well as to predicted normal values, for bus drivers and mechanics who were smokers. Our data indicate that long-term employment in the transport industry of bus drivers and mechanics, particularly in combination with smoking, may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment.     

铸造工人肺功能和呼吸系统症状的配对分析

对４３４名铸造工人与３６名脱离铸造粉尘作业的工人进行了肺功能以及呼吸系统症状与慢性支气管炎患病情况的配对分析。结果表明：接尘与脱尘组ＦＶＣ、ＦＥＶ１、ＦＥＦ２５－７５％、Ｖ７５、Ｖ５０、等肺功能指标的实测值均较对照组明显降低．肺功能异常人数则均较对照组显著升高。接尘组呼吸系统症状的阳性数与慢性支气管炎的患病数均显著高于对照组；与对照组相比，脱尘组呼吸系统症状的阳性数与慢性支气管炎患病数也均有增高的趋势。     

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. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity in workers in a vegetable pickling and mustard production facility

Summary A group of 117 women occupationally exposed in a pickling factory were studied for the prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes. Workers were studied by task which included (1) pickling, (2) mustard making, and (3) packing. Similar prevalences for all respiratory symptoms were seen for the three worker groups, with all groups having significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough (P < 0.05), chest tightness, nasal catarrh, and sinusitis (P < 0.01) than a nonexposed control group from a bottling plant. Prevalences of acute symptoms were greater for pickling than for mustard or packing workers. Measured forced expiratory volume in 1 s and maximum flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the control vital capacity were in general significantly lower than predicted values for the worker subgroups. Pickling workers exposed for more than 1 year in the industry had greater across-shift reductions for all spirometric parameters tested than those workers exposed for 1 year or less. Our data suggest that extended occupational exposure in the pickling industry results in acute exposure-related respiratory effects and ultimately may lead to the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and changes in baseline lung function.     

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 l, FEV1 0.070 l; FEF50 0.355 l/s, FEF25 0.270 l/s) and nonsmokers (FVC 0.045 l, FEV1 0.045 l, FEF50 0.285 l/s; FEF25 0.130 l/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. Received: 24 September 1996 / Accepted: 19 June 1997