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Brewer's asthma due to malt contamination
L G Heaney1, P McCrea, B Buick
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Belfast City Hospital, Northern Ireland.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|November 28, 1997
Summary
A brewery worker developed occupational asthma linked to malt grinding. Aspergillus niger contamination in malt was suspected, resolving upon removal from the work environment.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Environmental Health
- Allergology
Background:
- Occupational asthma is a significant work-related respiratory condition.
- Malt grinding in breweries can expose workers to airborne dusts and potential allergens.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old brewery worker presented with asthma symptoms exclusively during malt grinding.
- Lung function tests showed work-related decline and improvement with absence from work.
Findings:
- Inhalation challenge with local brewery malt was positive, but with external malt was negative, indicating a specific contaminant.
- Brewery malt cultures revealed heavy Aspergillus niger contamination, though patient allergy tests for A. niger were negative.
- Complete symptom resolution and normalized lung function occurred after the worker was removed from the malt grinding area.
Implications:
- This case highlights Aspergillus niger as a potential etiological agent in occupational asthma.
- It underscores the importance of identifying specific contaminants in workplace materials.
- Environmental controls and worker protection are crucial in preventing occupational respiratory diseases.