Occupational asthma in greenhouse workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Environmental medicine
• Allergology

Background:

• Flower farming in greenhouses presents a significant risk for respiratory issues.
• Previous studies indicate asthma prevalence exceeding 5% in this population.
• Workplace allergens, including pollens, moulds, and mites, are key sensitizers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine workplace determinants contributing to high asthma prevalence in greenhouse flower farmers.
• To assess sensitization rates to specific workplace allergens.
• To determine the incidence of occupational asthma among sensitized greenhouse workers.

Main Methods:

• Prevalence studies and workplace allergen assessments.
• Skin testing to identify sensitization to pollens, moulds, and Tetranychus urticae.
• Bronchial challenge tests to diagnose occupational asthma.

Main Results:

• Over 30% of greenhouse workers show sensitization to workplace allergens.
• Common sensitizers include pollens, moulds (Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria), and Tetranychus urticae.
• Occupational asthma diagnosed in over 20% of sensitized greenhouse growers.
• Greenhouse work is linked to increased chronic bronchitis in nonsmokers.

Conclusions:

• Greenhouse crop cultivation can lead to occupational asthma via sensitization to pollens, moulds, and Tetranychus urticae.
• Skin testing reveals sensitization in one-third of greenhouse flower growers.
• Over one-fifth of sensitized workers develop occupational asthma.
• Greenhouse air contaminants may causally contribute to chronic bronchitis in nonsmokers.