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Occupational asthma in greenhouse tomato growing
A R Erlam1, A J Johnson, K N Wiley
1Employment Medical Advisory Service, Kent and Canterbury Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Occupational asthma developed in a greenhouse worker over 8 years. Sensitization to Red Spider Mite was confirmed as the cause of her worsening respiratory symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Occupational Health
- Allergology
Background:
- Occupational asthma is a significant concern in agricultural settings.
- Early diagnosis and identification of allergens are crucial for effective management.
- Commercial greenhouses present unique exposure risks to workers.
Observation:
- A greenhouse worker experienced progressive asthma symptoms over eight years.
- Initial diagnostic evaluations, including allergy testing, were inconclusive.
- Workplace investigations suggested an insect allergen as a potential cause.
Findings:
- The worker was diagnosed with occupational asthma.
- Immunological testing revealed sensitization to Red Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae).
- This confirmed Red Spider Mite as the causative agent for the worker's asthma.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of thorough workplace investigation for obscure occupational diseases.
- Suggests Red Spider Mite as a potential occupational allergen in greenhouse environments.
- Emphasizes the need for targeted immunological testing when initial assessments are negative.