Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
Work-related asthma symptoms and lung function among workers in the Norwegian salmon processing industry: a
Carl Fredrik Fagernæs1,2, Hans Thore Smedbold3,2, Pål Richard Romundstad2
1Department of Occupational Medicine, St Olavs Hospital Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway carl.fredrik.fagernes@stolav.no.
Objectives:
Exposure to bioaerosols from salmon processing is associated with occupational asthma. The prevalence of work-related asthma symptoms in fish processing workers has earlier been reported to be 12%-24%, but small sample sizes and heterogeneity in exposure across studies make generalisability to todays' salmon processing industry questionable. Studies comparing filleting workers and slaughtering workers have shown conflicting results.
Methods:
Questionnaire and spirometry data from workers in nine different salmon processing plants were gathered during 2021-2023. Exposure to salmon bioaerosols was defined by work tasks and total time working with salmon. Asthma symptoms and lung function were compared between exposure groups using logistic regression and adjusting for relevant confounding variables.
Results:
Of the 867 workers regularly or variably exposed to salmon bioaerosols, 170 (20%) had work-related asthma symptoms. Exposure was associated with symptoms, but not with lung function. Of the 440 exposed workers with spirometry data, 9.8% had expiratory airflow limitation, and all mean lung function measures were below the reference values. The prevalence of work-related asthma symptoms was slightly higher among gutting workers than filleting workers (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.8).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of work-related asthma symptoms is high in salmon processing, probably due to bioaerosol exposure. Salmon processing workers had more expiratory airflow limitation and lower lung function compared with the reference values. Although gutting workers had slightly higher risk for work-related asthma symptoms than filleting workers, all exposed workers seem to be at risk and preventive measures should be taken in all areas where bioaerosols are present.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...