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Respiratory symptoms, lung function and cell surface markers in a group of hemp fiber processors
D Fishwick1, L J Allan, A Wright
1Health and Safety Laboratory, Broad Lane, Sheffield, UK S3 7HQ. david.fishwick@hsl.gov.uk
Background:
Hemp dust exposure is associated with byssinosis and accelerated lung loss in longitudinal studies. The immunological changes associated with hemp dust exposure are less well understood.
Methods:
We studied a small group of current male hemp processors with a mean age of 43 years. Questionnaire data, lung function, serial FEV(1) and blood were collected from all workers.
Results:
In total, seven workers (64%) complained of at least one respiratory symptom (one with byssinosis). The mean percentage predicted FEV(1) was 91.5, FVC 97.7, PEF 92.1, and FEF(25-75) 79.5. Serial FEV(1) measurements in the two workers with work-related respiratory symptoms revealed a mean change in FEV(1) on the first working day of -12.9%. This contrasted with +6.25% on the last working day. Respective values for the two workers without work-related symptoms were -1.4 and +3.2%.
Conclusions:
Lung function changes and abnormalities in a profile of cell surface activation markers and antibodies were noted to relate to the presence of work-related respiratory symptoms, not seen in the control group.