Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
08:47
Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
Respiratory symptoms in insect breeders
J Harris-Roberts1, D Fishwick, P Tate
1Centre for Workplace Health, Health and Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9JN, UK.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|August 12, 2011
Summary
Workers at UK insect breeding facilities can develop respiratory symptoms and sensitization from exposure to organic dusts. Health surveillance is crucial for early detection and prevention of work-related respiratory ill-health in these environments.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Allergology
Background:
- UK specialist suppliers breed insects and larvae for exotic pet food.
- This industry involves potential exposure to biological contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate work-related respiratory symptoms in UK insect breeding facility workers.
- Assess workplace-specific serum IgE levels related to insect, endotoxin, and cereal allergens.
- Evaluate exposure to biological contaminants in this occupational setting.
Main Methods:
- Respiratory symptom questionnaires and lung function tests administered to 32 workers.
- Clinical assessment of one worker with detailed evaluation.
- Serum specific IgE testing for workplace allergens in 18 consenting workers.
Main Results:
- 34% (11/32) of workers reported work-related respiratory symptoms.
- 29% (4/14) of exposed workers showed sensitization via specific IgE.
- Inhalable dust levels up to 17.9 mg/m³ and endotoxin levels up to 29435 EU/m³ were recorded.
Conclusions:
- Organic dust exposure below UK workplace limits can cause respiratory symptoms and sensitization.
- Workers in insect breeding facilities are at risk of respiratory ill-health.
- Health surveillance programs are necessary for exposed workers.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:23Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...