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Published on: May 2, 2018
The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among mushroom workers in Ireland
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Cavan Monaghan Hospital, Lisdaran, Cavan, Ireland, james.hayes@hse.ie.
Background:
Respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and upper airways symptoms have been ascribed to fungal exposures. Mushroom workers may be at risk of these as a consequence.
Aims:
To assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in mushroom workers.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study assessed 4 weeks of respiratory symptoms among mushroom workers divided into four categories of exposure, using a self-administered respiratory questionnaire and spirometry.
Results:
The population of 191 subjects was predominantly (66%) from Eastern Europe; 61% were women and 39% were under 30. It included 73 growers, 38 composters, 26 administrators and 52 packers. Among all workers, there was a high prevalence (67%) of one or more respiratory symptoms which did not appear to vary by age, gender, pack-years of smoking or duration of employment. There was a significant improvement in respiratory symptoms in workers during absence from the workplace (P < 0.001). Spirometry readings across all groups were within normal values. Symptom profiles suggest that as many as 22 workers had symptoms of airways disease; 18 (82%) of these were mushroom growers. Growers were significantly more likely to have symptoms consistent with airways disease than all other workers, odds ratio 9.2 (95% CI 3.0-28.4).
Conclusions:
There was a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms among mushroom workers. Mushroom growers may be at high risk of airways disease, possibly from fungal antigens or related exposures.
Insights
Mushroom workers experience a high rate of respiratory symptoms, particularly growers who show increased risk for airways disease. Symptoms improved when workers were away from the workplace, suggesting occupational exposure is a key factor.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Fungal exposures are linked to respiratory conditions like asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- Mushroom workers may face increased risk for these occupational respiratory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in mushroom workers.
- To identify specific roles within mushroom cultivation associated with higher respiratory symptom risk.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 191 mushroom workers across different job roles (growers, composters, packers, administrators).
- Data collected via a self-administered respiratory questionnaire and spirometry over a 4-week period.
- Workers categorized by exposure levels to assess symptom prevalence.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence (67%) of respiratory symptoms was observed among all mushroom workers, irrespective of age, gender, smoking history, or employment duration.
- Respiratory symptoms significantly improved during periods of absence from the workplace (P < 0.001).
- Mushroom growers had a significantly higher likelihood (OR 9.2) of symptoms consistent with airways disease compared to other workers.
Conclusions:
- Mushroom workers exhibit a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms, indicating a significant occupational health concern.
- Mushroom growers are identified as a high-risk group for developing airways disease, potentially due to exposure to fungal antigens or related substances.
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