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Occupational rhinitis in damp and moldy workplaces

Kirsi Karvala1, Henrik Nordman, Ritva Luukkonen

  • 1Occupational Medicine Team, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. kirsi.karvala@ttl.fi

American Journal of Rhinology
|October 29, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mold exposure in damp indoor environments can cause occupational rhinitis. This study found that while IgE-mediated allergy to molds was not common, atopy and significant exposure increased sensitization, with Aspergillus fumigatus being a frequent trigger.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Environmental Medicine
  • Allergology

Background:

  • Indoor air dampness and mold exposure are linked to various health issues.
  • Upper respiratory tract problems are common work-related symptoms in damp environments.
  • This study focuses on clinically investigated cases of occupational rhinitis caused by molds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a patient series with occupational rhinitis induced by molds.
  • To analyze the characteristics and risk factors associated with mold-induced occupational rhinitis.
  • To investigate the role of IgE-mediated allergy and atopy in these cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 56 patients diagnosed with occupational rhinitis due to mold exposure.
  • Diagnosis based on positive nasal provocation tests (NPT) with fungal allergens, verified mold exposure, work-related nasal symptoms, and clinical investigations.
  • NPT performed on 369 patients, with 60 (16%) testing positive.

Main Results:

  • The majority of patients (89.3%) were women, with a mean age of 43.7 years.
  • IgE-mediated allergy to molds was established in 23% of patients.
  • Atopy significantly increased the risk of IgE sensitization to molds (OR, 10.3).
  • Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common mold identified.
  • A statistically significant association was found between IgE sensitization and exposure level (p = 0.046).
  • Occupational rhinitis was linked to molds in moisture-damaged buildings.

Conclusions:

  • Molds in damp environments can induce occupational rhinitis.
  • IgE-mediated allergy to molds is not the most common mechanism.
  • Atopy and prolonged exposure are significant factors increasing IgE sensitization to molds.
  • This study provides clinical insights into mold-induced occupational rhinitis.

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