Exposure-response relations for work related respiratory symptoms and sensitisation in a cohort exposed to alpha-amylase.
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ABSTRACT: Aims
To explore relations between exposure to fungal alpha-amylase and the risk of new work related respiratory symptoms or sensitisation.Methods
A prospective cohort study among 300 bakers and millers was followed up for a maximum of seven years. Exposure to alpha-amylase was estimated by air measurements and questionnaires and classified into three categories. Symptoms were recorded with a self-administered questionnaire and skin sensitisation assessed using skin prick test (SPT).Results
There were 36 new cases of chest symptoms, 86 of eyes/nose symptoms, and 24 of a positive SPT to alpha-amylase. There were exposure-response relations for chest and eyes/nose symptoms and for sensitisation, and a significantly increased prevalence ratio for chest symptoms in the highest exposure category.Conclusion
A reduction in alpha-amylase exposure is likely to reduce the risk for respiratory morbidity in bakery workers.
SUBMITTER: Brisman J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC1763635 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Exposure-response relations for work related respiratory symptoms and sensitisation in a cohort exposed to alpha-amylase.
Brisman J J Nieuwenhuijsen M J MJ Venables K M KM Putcha V V Gordon S S Taylor A J N AJ
Occupational and environmental medicine 20040601 6
<h4>Aims</h4>To explore relations between exposure to fungal alpha-amylase and the risk of new work related respiratory symptoms or sensitisation.<h4>Methods</h4>A prospective cohort study among 300 bakers and millers was followed up for a maximum of seven years. Exposure to alpha-amylase was estimated by air measurements and questionnaires and classified into three categories. Symptoms were recorded with a self-administered questionnaire and skin sensitisation assessed using skin prick test (SP ...[more]
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