Questionnaire survey of pruritus and rash in grain elevator workers

51.4% of 1,954 grain elevator workers surveyed in 1978 and 1979 complained of pruritus following exposure to grain dusts. 95% of 796 grain elevator workers surveyed in 1985 noted that pruritus following exposure to grain dust was of short duration. Exposure to barley dust and oat dust provoked the greatest number of complaints. Those with a past history of infantile eczema were significantly more likely to complain. Younger workers were more likely to complain than older workers. 13.1% of those surveyed in 1985 complained of a rash following exposure, in 35% of whom it lasted more than 1 day. Nasal congestion, ocular and oropharyngeal irritation were also frequent complaints.