Snow crab allergy and asthma among Greenlandic workers--a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Allergology
• Environmental medicine

Background:

• High rates of occupational allergy and asthma have been reported in the Canadian snow crab industry.
• No prior reports on occupational allergies in Greenland's snow crab processing industry exist.
• Greenland's snow crab industry involves significant exposure to potential allergens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of snow crab sensitization, occupational allergy, and asthma in Greenland's snow crab industry.
• To assess the risk of occupational respiratory and skin conditions in Greenlandic workers exposed to snow crab and shrimp.
• To compare findings with those from the Canadian snow crab industry.

Main Methods:

• A pilot survey was conducted on 20 workers in a Greenlandic snow crab and Atlantic shrimp processing plant.
• Workers underwent skin prick tests (SPTs) with common and specific aeroallergens (snow crab, shrimp), spirometry, and blood tests for IgE.
• A questionnaire-based medical interview was administered to 18 workers.

Main Results:

• Positive SPT reactions to snow crab (40%) and shrimp (20%) were frequent.
• Specific IgE to snow crab was detected in 21% of workers.
• Asthma-suggestive symptoms (45%) and work-related skin/nasal/eye symptoms (50%) were common; 39% reported lower airway symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Greenlandic Inuit workers show no apparent protection against sensitization to snow crab or shrimp.
• Occupational allergy and asthma appear to be a significant issue in Greenland's snow crab industry, comparable to rates in Canada.
• The study highlights the need for occupational health surveillance and preventive measures in this industry.