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Lucas D, Gourier G, Pougnet R, Dewitte JD, Loddé B. Letter to the Editor, 'Occupational Asthma and Its Causation in the UK Seafood Processing Industry'. Do Not Forget Preservatives and Endotoxins. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:738-739. [PMID: 33616174 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Lucas
- ORPHY Laboratory, University Brest, BREST Cedex, France.,Occupational and Environmental Diseases Center, Teaching Hospital, Brest, France.,French Society of Maritime Medicine Brest, Brest cedex, France
| | - Greta Gourier
- Occupational and Environmental Diseases Center, Teaching Hospital, Brest, France.,French Society of Maritime Medicine Brest, Brest cedex, France
| | - Richard Pougnet
- Occupational and Environmental Diseases Center, Teaching Hospital, Brest, France.,French Society of Maritime Medicine Brest, Brest cedex, France.,Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche en Sociologie (EA 3149), Université de Brest-Bretagne Occidentale, Brest cedex, France
| | - Jean-Dominique Dewitte
- Occupational and Environmental Diseases Center, Teaching Hospital, Brest, France.,French Society of Maritime Medicine Brest, Brest cedex, France.,Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche en Sociologie (EA 3149), Université de Brest-Bretagne Occidentale, Brest cedex, France
| | - Brice Loddé
- ORPHY Laboratory, University Brest, BREST Cedex, France.,Occupational and Environmental Diseases Center, Teaching Hospital, Brest, France.,French Society of Maritime Medicine Brest, Brest cedex, France
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Heidelberg CT, Bang B, Thomassen MR, Kamath SD, Ruethers T, Lopata AL, Madsen AM, Sandsund M, Aasmoe L. Exposure to Bioaerosols During Fish Processing on Board Norwegian Fishing Trawlers. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:694-702. [PMID: 34109979 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The main objective was to gain more knowledge on exposure to bioaerosols in the processing area on board fishing trawlers. METHODS Exposure sampling was carried out during the work shifts when processing fish in the processing area on board five deep-sea fishing trawlers (trawlers 1-5). Exposure samples were collected from 64 fishermen breathing zone and from stationary sampling stations on board five deep-sea fishing trawlers (1-5). Trawlers 2, 3, and 4 were old ships, not originally built for on board processing of the catch. Trawlers 1 and 5 were relatively new and built to accommodate processing machineries. On trawlers 1-4 round fish was produced; the head and entrails were removed before the fishes were frozen in blocks. Trawler 5 had the most extensive processing, producing fish fillets. Samples were analysed for total protein, trypsin activity, parvalbumin, and endotoxin. One side analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare levels of exposure on the different trawlers. RESULTS Personal exposure to total protein were higher on the three oldest trawlers (2, 3, and 4) compared with the two new trawlers (1 and 5). Highest activity of trypsin was detected on the four trawlers producing round fish (1-4). Parvalbumin was detected in 58% of samples from the fillet-trawler (5) compared with 13% of samples from the four trawlers producing round fish. The highest level of endotoxin was detected when using high-pressure water during cleaning machines and floors in the processing area. CONCLUSIONS Fishermen in the processing area on board Norwegian trawlers are exposed to airborne bioaerosols as proteins, trypsin, fish allergen parvalbumin, and endotoxin. Levels varied between trawlers and type of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie T Heidelberg
- University Hospital of North Norway, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sykehusveien, Tromsoe, Norway.,UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Berit Bang
- University Hospital of North Norway, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sykehusveien, Tromsoe, Norway.,UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Marte R Thomassen
- University Hospital of North Norway, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sykehusveien, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Sandip D Kamath
- James Cook University, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Townsville, Australia
| | - Thimo Ruethers
- James Cook University, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Townsville, Australia
| | - Andreas L Lopata
- James Cook University, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Townsville, Australia
| | - Anne M Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lerso Parkallé, Copenhagen East, Denmark
| | - Mariann Sandsund
- SINTEF Digital, Department of Health Research, Professor Brochs gt., Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Aasmoe
- University Hospital of North Norway, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sykehusveien, Tromsoe, Norway.,UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsoe, Norway
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Syron LN, Lucas DL, Bovbjerg VE, Case S, Kincl L. Occupational traumatic injuries among offshore seafood processors in Alaska, 2010-2015. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2018; 66:169-178. [PMID: 30121103 PMCID: PMC6141186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration have identified the Alaskan offshore seafood processing industry as high-risk. This study used Coast Guard injury reports to describe patterns of traumatic injury among offshore seafood processors, as well as identify modifiable hazards. METHODS From the reports, we manually reviewed and abstracted information on the incident circumstances, injury characteristics and circumstances, and vessel. Traumatic injury cases were coded using the Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System, and a Work Process Classification System. Descriptive statistics characterized worker demographics, injuries, and fleets. RESULTS One fatal and 304 nonfatal injuries among processors were reported to the Coast Guard during 2010-2015 across multiple fleets of catcher-processor and mothership vessels. The most frequently occurring injuries were: by nature of injury, sprains/strains/tears (75, 25%), contusions (50, 16%), and fractures (45, 15%); by body part affected, upper extremities (121, 40%), and trunk (75, 25%); by event/exposure resulting in injury, contact with objects and equipment (150, 49%), and overexertion and bodily reaction (76, 25%); and by source of injury, processing equipment and machinery (85, 28%). The work processes most frequently associated with injuries were: processing seafood on the production line (68, 22%); stacking blocks/bags of frozen product (50, 17%); and repairing/maintaining/cleaning factory equipment (28, 9%). CONCLUSIONS Preventing musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to workers' upper extremities and trunks, is paramount. Some injuries, such as serious back injuries, intracranial injuries, and finger crushing or amputations, had the potential to lead to disability. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Safety professionals and researchers can use the study findings to inform future intervention efforts in this industry. Hazard control measures should target: (a) overexertion from lifting and lowering objects and equipment; (b) equipment and boxes falling and striking workers; (c) workers being caught in running machinery during regular operations; and (d) slips, trips, and falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Syron
- Western States Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.
| | - Devin L Lucas
- Western States Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Viktor E Bovbjerg
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, USA
| | - Samantha Case
- Western States Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, USA
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Thomassen MR, Aasmoe L, Bang BE, Braaten T. Lung function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Norwegian crab processing workers. Int J Circumpolar Health 2018; 76:1313513. [PMID: 28425826 PMCID: PMC5405446 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2017.1313513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Seafood processing workers have an increased risk of developing occupational asthma. This has not been studied among Norwegian crab processing workers, nor has the respiratory health of exposed workers been compared to a control group. Objectives: Assessing the impact of working in the crab processing industry on workers’ respiratory health. Design: A cross-sectional study of the respiratory health in two types of crab processing workers compared to a control group. Methods: The study included 148 king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) workers, 70 edible crab (Cancer pagurus) workers and 215 controls. Workers answered a questionnaire and performed spirometry measurements. χ2 and Fishers exact tests were performed on self-reported respiratory symptoms. Regression analyses and t-tests were used to assess lung function values. Results: Self-reported respiratory symptoms were higher among crab processing workers compared to controls, and higher among king crab workers compared to edible crab workers. There was no significant difference between crab processing workers and controls in lung function measurements. Self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma prevalence was highest in the control group. Conclusions: Increased respiratory symptoms reported by crab processing workers were not reflected in impaired lung function values or asthma diagnose. We suggest a healthy worker effect among crab processing workers in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marte R Thomassen
- a Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , University Hospital North Norway , Tromsø , Norway.,b Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community Medicine , UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromsø , Norway
| | - Lisbeth Aasmoe
- a Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , University Hospital North Norway , Tromsø , Norway.,c Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Biology , UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromsø , Norway
| | - Berit E Bang
- a Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , University Hospital North Norway , Tromsø , Norway.,c Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Biology , UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromsø , Norway
| | - Tonje Braaten
- b Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community Medicine , UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromsø , Norway
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Syron LN, Kincl L, Yang L, Cain DT, Smit E. Analysis of workers' compensation disabling claims in Oregon's seafood preparation and packaging industry, 2007-2013. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:484-493. [PMID: 28262964 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few occupational health and safety studies have focused on the US seafood preparation and packaging industry, and none on Oregon's seafood industry. METHODS Oregon workers' compensation (WC) disabling claims data were analyzed. Oregon Employment Department and US Census Bureau data were used as denominators for rates. RESULTS During 2007-2013, there were 188 accepted disabling claims, with an average annual rate of 24 claims per 1000 workers. Men experienced a significantly higher rate (27.6 per 1000) than women. The most frequent incident characteristics and circumstances were: by nature-traumatic injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints (42%); by body part-upper extremities (44%); and by event-overexertion and bodily reaction (48%), and contact with objects and equipment (31%). CONCLUSION Analyzing WC disabling claims data provides important preliminary information for understanding workplace hazards to develop control strategies. Reducing traumatic and cumulative injury risk among seafood workers is paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N. Syron
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences; Oregon State University; Corvallis Oregon
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences; Oregon State University; Corvallis Oregon
| | - Liu Yang
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences; Oregon State University; Corvallis Oregon
| | - Daniel T. Cain
- Oregon Health Authority; Public Health Division; Portland Oregon
| | - Ellen Smit
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences; Oregon State University; Corvallis Oregon
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Thomassen MR, Kamath SD, Lopata AL, Madsen AM, Eduard W, Bang BE, Aasmoe L. Occupational Exposure to Bioaerosols in Norwegian Crab Processing Plants. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2016; 60:781-94. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mew030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Oldenburg M, Harth V, Manuwald U. Comparison of hospitalization among German coastal and deep sea fishermen. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2015; 88:751-7. [PMID: 25618579 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-014-1001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to compare the hospitalization of German fishermen employed on German-flagged fishing vessels with that of the general German population in consideration of differences between coastal and deep sea fishery. METHODS By means of a database from the health insurance company for seafarers, diagnoses of German fishermen treated in German hospitals were determined from January 1997 to December 2007. Compared with the general German population, the fishermen's risk for specific diseases leading to hospitalization was calculated as standardized hospitalization ratio (SHR). RESULTS Compared with the German reference population, German fishermen showed a considerably high SHR for malignant neoplasms at all sites (SHR 1.46; 95% CI 1.37-1.56), for respiratory cancer, and for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Furthermore, they had more often been hospitalized due to diabetes mellitus, diseases of the respiratory and digestive systems as well as due to injury and poisoning. The risk for respiratory cancer and NHL among coastal fishermen exceeded that of deep sea fishermen, whereas the latter displayed a considerably higher SHR for diabetes mellitus, diseases of the respiratory system and metabolic and nutritional disorders. In contrast, the SHR for hypertensive and ischemic heart diseases was decreased among deep sea fishermen. Less qualified deep sea fishermen displayed a considerably higher SHR for malignant neoplasms at all sites than more highly qualified ones. CONCLUSIONS Fishery is still an occupation which poses a high risk for malignant neoplasms and injuries. This is likely due to lifestyle and work-related factors. Further studies are needed to evaluate the different working and living conditions of coastal and deep sea fishermen.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Oldenburg
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, Hamburg State Department for Health and Consumer Protection, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstrasse 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany,
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Shiryaeva O, Aasmoe L, Straume B, Bang BE. Respiratory symptoms, lung functions, and exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in two types of fish processing workers: Russian trawler fishermen and Norwegian salmon industry workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2014; 21:53-60. [PMID: 25351376 DOI: 10.1179/2049396714y.0000000089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Respiratory outcomes and work-related factors were studied in two seafood worker populations representing different occupational environments. METHODS Levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), spirometric values, prevalence of respiratory symptoms, and self-evaluated exposures were compared between 139 Norwegian salmon workers and 127 Russian trawler workers. RESULTS Increased odds ratios (ORs) of shortness of breath with wheezing and prolonged cough as general respiratory symptoms were found in salmon workers, while increased ORs of work-related dry cough and running nose were found in trawler fishermen. Both worker groups ranked "cold work environment," "use of disinfectants," and "contaminated indoor air" as the first, second, and third most important causes of work-related respiratory symptoms, respectively. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels were higher in asthmatic trawler workers compared to asthmatic salmon workers. CONCLUSIONS Respiratory symptoms commonly associated with obstructive airway diseases were more prevalent in salmon workers, while symptoms commonly associated with asthma and short-term effects of cold air exposure were more prevalent in trawler workers.
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Raulf M, Buters J, Chapman M, Cecchi L, de Blay F, Doekes G, Eduard W, Heederik D, Jeebhay MF, Kespohl S, Krop E, Moscato G, Pala G, Quirce S, Sander I, Schlünssen V, Sigsgaard T, Walusiak-Skorupa J, Wiszniewska M, Wouters IM, Annesi-Maesano I. Monitoring of occupational and environmental aeroallergens-- EAACI Position Paper. Concerted action of the EAACI IG Occupational Allergy and Aerobiology & Air Pollution. Allergy 2014; 69:1280-99. [PMID: 24894737 DOI: 10.1111/all.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to high molecular weight sensitizers of biological origin is an important risk factor for the development of asthma and rhinitis. Most of the causal allergens have been defined based on their reactivity with IgE antibodies, and in many cases, the molecular structure and function of the allergens have been established. Significant information on allergen levels that cause sensitization and allergic symptoms for several major environmental and occupational allergens has been reported. Monitoring of high molecular weight allergens and allergen carrier particles is an important part of the management of allergic respiratory diseases and requires standardized allergen assessment methods for occupational and environmental (indoor and outdoor) allergen exposure. The aim of this EAACI task force was to review the essential points for monitoring environmental and occupational allergen exposure including sampling strategies and methods, processing of dust samples, allergen analysis, and quantification. The paper includes a summary of different methods for sampling and allergen quantification, as well as their pros and cons for various exposure settings. Recommendations are being made for different exposure scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance; Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA); Bochum Germany
| | - J. Buters
- ZAUM- Center of Allergy & Environment; Helmholtz Zentrum München/Technical Universität München; Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE); Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
| | | | - L. Cecchi
- Interdepartmental Centre of Bioclimatology; University of Florence; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Section; Azienda Sanitaria di Prato; Prato Italy
| | - F. de Blay
- Department of Chest Diseases; University Hospital Strasbourg; Strasbourg France
| | - G. Doekes
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS); Utrecht University; Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - W. Eduard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment/National Institute of Occupational Health; Institute of Medical Biology; University in Tromsø; Tromsø Norway
| | - D. Heederik
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS); Utrecht University; Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - M. F. Jeebhay
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town; Cape Town South Africa
| | - S. Kespohl
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance; Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA); Bochum Germany
| | - E. Krop
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS); Utrecht University; Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - G. Moscato
- Department of Public Health; Experimental and Forensic Medicine of the University of Pavia; Pavia Italy
| | - G. Pala
- Occupational Physician's Division; Local Health Authority of Sassari; Sassari Italy
| | - S. Quirce
- Department of Allergy; Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ) and CIBER of Respiratory Diseases CIBERES; Madrid Spain
| | - I. Sander
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance; Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA); Bochum Germany
| | - V. Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health; Section for Environment; Occupation and Health; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
| | - T. Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health; Section for Environment; Occupation and Health; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
| | | | | | - I. M. Wouters
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS); Utrecht University; Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - I. Annesi-Maesano
- INSERM; Equipe Epidémiologie des allergies et des maladies respiratorires UMR-S 707; Paris France
- EPAR; Faculté de Médecine Saint-Antoine; UPMC; Paris France
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review focuses on seafood workers engaged in harvesting, processing and food preparation. These groups are increasingly at risk of developing occupational allergy and respiratory disease as a result of seafood handling and processing activities. This review provides an update of a previous review conducted a decade ago. RECENT FINDINGS Exposure characterization studies have demonstrated that aerosolization of seafood (muscle, visceral organs, skin/mucin) during canning and fishmeal operations result in highly variable levels of airborne particulate (0.001-11.293 mg/m3) and allergens (0.001-75.748 ug/m3). Occupational asthma is more commonly associated with shellfish (4-36%) than with bony fish (2-8%). Other seafood-associated biological (Anisakis) and chemical agents (protease enzymes, toxins and preservatives) have also been implicated. Atopy, smoking and level of exposure to allergens are significant risk factors for sensitization and the development of occupational asthma. Molecular studies of the allergens suggest that aside from tropomyosin and parvalbumin, other as yet uncharacterized allergens are important. SUMMARY Future research needs to focus on detailed characterization of allergens in order to standardize exposure assessment techniques, which are key to assessing the impact of interventions. The clinical relevance of agents such as serine proteases and endotoxins in causing asthma through nonallergic mechanisms needs further epidemiological investigation.
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Howse D, Gautrin D, Neis B, Cartier A, Horth-Susin L, Jong M, Swanson MC. Gender and snow crab occupational asthma in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2006; 101:163-74. [PMID: 16109398 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2005.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2004] [Revised: 06/24/2005] [Accepted: 06/29/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Fish and shellfish processing employs many thousands of people globally, with shellfish processing becoming more important in recent years. Shellfish processing is associated with multiple occupational health and safety (OHS) risks. Snow crab occupational asthma (OA) is work-related asthma associated with processing snow crab. We present a gender analysis of findings from a 3-year multifaceted study of snow crab OA in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The study was carried out in four snow crab processing communities between 2001 and 2004. An anonymous survey questionnaire on knowledge, beliefs, and concerns related to processing snow crab administered to 158 workers attending community meetings at the start of the research found that women were significantly more likely than men to associate certain health problems, especially chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and cough, with crab processing (P<0.001). Worker health assessments carried out with 215 processing workers (187 current/28 former; 120 female/95 male) found that female participants were more likely to be diagnosed as almost certain/highly probable snow crab OA and allergy (P=0.001) and to be sensitized to snow crab (P=0.01) than male participants. Work histories from the health assessments were used to classify processing jobs as male or female. Allergen sampling (211 allergen samples: 115 area, 96 personal breathing zone) indicated that the plant areas where these male jobs were concentrated were associated with lower levels of aerosolized crab allergens (the agents responsible for OA to snow crab) than areas associated with female jobs. This difference was statistically significant in the two plants with poor ventilation (p<0.001 and P=0.017 for these plants). A gender analysis of work history data showed that female health assessment participants were likely to have worked longer processing snow crab than males (5 years versus 3.5 years, respectively). Cross-referencing of work history results with allergen sampling data for male and female job areas showed a gender difference in median cumulative exposures (duration of exposure x level of exposures) for health assessment participants. Health assessment participants with estimated higher median cumulative exposures were more likely to receive a diagnosis of almost certain/highly probable OA and allergy. Semistructured interviews with 27 health assessment participants (24 female/ 3 male) with a diagnosis of almost certain/highly probable or possible snow crab OA indicated that these workers can experience substantial quality of life impacts while working and that they seek to reduce the economic impact of their illness by remaining at their jobs as long as possible. Indications of selection bias and other study limitations point to the need for more research exploring the relationship between the gender division of labor and knowledge, beliefs, and concerns about snow crab processing, as well as gender differences in prevalence, quality of life, and socioeconomic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Howse
- SafetyNet, Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Nfld., Canada A1B 3V6
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