Serum selenium levels and asthma among seafood processing workers in Greenland

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Selenium levels in Greenland's Inuit population have decreased over recent decades.
• Previous research on selenium and asthma yielded conflicting results.
• Seafood processing workers in Greenland may face unique exposure and dietary patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure serum selenium (s-Se) in Greenlandic seafood processing workers.
• To compare current s-Se levels with historical data.
• To investigate the association between s-Se, asthma, and lung function.

Main Methods:

• Collected data from 324 seafood processing workers (2016-2017).
• Utilized questionnaires, spirometry, skin-prick tests, and serum selenium measurements.
• Employed t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Mean serum selenium was 96.2 µg/L, higher in non-smokers and those in settlements.
• No significant difference in s-Se levels was found between asthmatic and non-asthmatic workers.
• A positive association was observed between serum selenium levels and FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second).

Conclusions:

• Selenium levels continue to decline in Greenland, likely influenced by Westernized lifestyles.
• The health implications of decreasing selenium levels require further investigation.
• While no link to asthma was found, higher selenium is associated with better lung function (FEV1).