Respiratory manifestations and skin reactivity in the detergent industry

Workers at two continental European enzyme detergent plants were examined to determine respiratory symptomatology, pulmonary function abnormalities and skin reactivity to four enzymes through use of a standardized questionnaire, flow-volume curves and provocative acetylcholine, single breath carbon monoxide, and prick tests. In both plants, the frequency of bronchitis was similar but the frequency of asthmatic or rhinopharyngitic symptoms was different. Symptomatology was more frequent in female detergent workers than among the clerical staff but no difference among men in different jobs was noted. Very few spirometric abnormalities were observed but bronchial hyperactivity was more frequent in packaging and warehouse workers. No correlation between DLco/AV and of work or skin reactivity was found. Skin reactivity (about 10% in both plants) and duration of employment were not related to symptomatology nor functional abnormalities.