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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Whole-Body Nanoparticle Aerosol Inhalation Exposures
Published on: May 7, 2013
Occupational exposure and respiratory health problems among nutmeg production workers in Grenada, the Caribbean
Muge Akpinar-Elci1,2, Satesh Bidaisee2, MyNgoc Thuy Nguyen1
1a Center for Global Health, College of Health Sciences , Old Dominion University , Norfolk , VA , USA.
Background:
The nutmeg industry is a major contributor to the Grenadian economy. However, workers in the industry face many environmental and occupational health risks.
Objectives:
The goal of this study was to investigate respiratory health problems and possible related occupational exposures among nutmeg production workers.
Methods:
A questionnaire, spirometry and allergen skin-prick test was given to 92 nutmeg workers. Samples for measurement of airborne dust, mold, and phosphine were also collected from work environments.
Results:
Approximately half of the workers with lower respiratory symptoms such as dry cough (49.4%) and shortness of breath (42.9%) reported that their symptoms were work related. Spirometry results showed that 18.8% of workers had obstruction. Area geometric mean (GM) inhalable dust concentrations, GM personal concentrations, and total mold spores during work activities were found to be high.
Conclusions:
High prevalence of respiratory symptoms among workers in this facility was consistent with measured levels of dust and mold, and was widespread over all work areas.
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