Clinical and immunological findings in workers exposed to sewage dust

A clinical investigation was made between workers exposed to dried sewage sludge dust and age matched controls not exposed. About 50% of the workers reported work related fever, eye symptoms and general fatigue. Thirteen percent of the workers in the sewage plant reported work related diarrhea. Serum immunoglobulins, white blood cells and thrombocytes were elevated and a higher percentage of increased levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen degradation products was found in the exposed group. Although no definite cause-effect relationship could be established, it is suggested that the responsible agent in the environment is endotoxins.