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Occupational asthma in professional cleaning work: a clinical study.
R Mäkelä1, P Kauppi, K Suuronen
1Occupational Medicine, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|February 3, 2011
Summary
Occupational asthma (OA) in cleaners is often caused by chemicals and molds. This study highlights molds as a newly identified trigger for OA in this profession.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Epidemiological studies indicate a higher risk of asthma among professional cleaners.
- Limited large-scale clinical data exists on occupational asthma (OA) in this sector.
- This study addresses the gap by analyzing cases from a specialized occupational health clinic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and analyze cases of occupational asthma (OA) diagnosed in cleaning workers.
- To identify the specific triggers and exposure durations associated with OA in this cohort.
- To investigate the role of both chemical and biological agents in cleaner-related OA.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis of OA was based on detailed patient history, including occupational exposure.
- Pulmonary function tests, such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF), were utilized.
- Specific challenge tests were conducted to confirm allergen or irritant sensitivity.
Main Results:
- The study included 20 female cleaning workers, with a mean age of 48.8 years.
- Symptoms of OA appeared after an average of 14.3 years of cleaning work.
- Triggers included chemicals (45%), such as ethanolamines and chloramine-T, and molds (55%), predominantly Aspergillus fumigatus.
Conclusions:
- Occupational asthma in cleaners can be triggered by a range of chemicals beyond typical cleaning agents.
- Molds, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, are identified as a significant and previously under-recognized cause of OA in this occupational group.
- This research underscores the need for comprehensive exposure assessment and control measures in cleaning environments.
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