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Exposure-response relations for work related respiratory symptoms and sensitisation in a cohort exposed to

J Brisman¹, M J Nieuwenhuijsen, K M Venables

¹Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Imperial College (NHLI), London SW3 6LR, UK. jonas.brisman@ymk.gu.se

Occupational and Environmental Medicine

|May 20, 2004

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.

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