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Allergic sensitization, symptoms, and lung function among bakery workers as compared with a nonexposed work
Jos Droste1, Katrien Myny, Marc Van Sprundel
1Deparment of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Antwerp, Belgium. jdroste@uia.ua.ac.be
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|June 13, 2003
Summary
Bakery workers face higher risks of respiratory and allergic symptoms due to specific allergens like wheat flour. Their lung function shows mild airway obstruction, highlighting occupational health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Allergology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Limited research exists on occupational asthma and allergy risks for bakery workers.
- Previous studies often excluded respiratory symptoms, work-related symptoms, allergen sensitization, and pulmonary function assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relative risks of occupational asthma and allergy in bakery workers.
- To investigate respiratory and work-related symptoms, sensitization to occupational allergens, and pulmonary function in this population.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 246 bakery workers and 251 reference workers from a petrochemical plant in Belgium.
- Data collection included skin tests, symptom questionnaires, and lung function tests using standardized procedures.
- Statistical analysis employed multiple logistic and linear regression.
Main Results:
- Bakery workers showed a significantly increased risk of sensitization to specific bakery allergens (OR 22.0) but decreased risk to common allergens.
- They reported more respiratory and work-related symptoms and exhibited lower lung function parameters.
- Atopy and sensitization to bakers' allergens were independent risk factors for work-related symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Bakery workers are at elevated risk for respiratory and allergic symptoms and reactivity to wheat flour and alpha-amylase.
- Wheat pollen and storage mites are not considered primary baker's allergens.
- Pulmonary function in bakery workers is characterized by mild airway obstruction.