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Khan M, Muhmood K, Noureen S, Mahmood HZ, Amir-Ud-Din R. Epidemiology of respiratory diseases and associated factors among female textile workers in Pakistan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 28:184-198. [PMID: 32602797 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1751973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory symptoms among women textile workers and the associated risk factors in 18 spinning mills of Faisalabad and Lahore districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Method. In this case-control study of 1054 female workers, we used the dose-response function to measure the association between dust level and respiratory disorders in cotton textile workers. Results. Working overtime and long working hours per week are significantly associated with self-reported symptoms of byssinosis. Women's age, marital status and wages were significantly associated with mitigating actions (seeing the doctor), while the education of the women was significantly associated with averting action (use of a mask). Conclusion. Regulating working hours and ensuring employees' compliance with the safety standards are expected to mitigate the health problems of female workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Economics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Muhmood
- Department of Economics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
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Vijayakumar R, Abdulaziz Alfaiz F, Al-Malki ES, Sandle T. Assessment of airborne endotoxin in sandstorm dust and indoor environments using a novel passive sampling device in Al Zulfi city, Saudi Arabia - Establishing threshold exposure levels. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1257-1266. [PMID: 33613055 PMCID: PMC7878821 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of sandstorm dust events affects local air quality and public health. These issues are becoming of greater concern in Saudi Arabia. There is a significant lack of research on airborne endotoxin exposure and analysis in the Middle East countries and no coherent body of research exists focusing on sandstorm dust in worldwide. In this study, we used a novel design of an aluminum foil plate (AFP) electrostatic dust cloth (EDC) for the passive air sampling of sandstorm dust. A total of 38 sandstorm dust samples were collected during sandstorm episodes occurring between January and April 2020 in both indoor (7 days, n = 20) and outdoor environments (24 h, n = 18). After exposure, and following an extraction procedure, bacterial endotoxin levels were measured using the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) gel clot method. The study highlights that the airborne endotoxin level observed was between 10 and 200 EU/m2 in both indoor and outdoor environments, during a sandstorm event. Agricultural activities and farmhouses observed higher airborne endotoxin levels. In general, increased endotoxin levels were related to the severity of the sandstorms. Given that the observed values were high as per existing guidelines for respiratory health, we recommend the setting an occupational airborne exposure limit for bacterial endotoxin. This is the first report and further studies across various sandstorm-hit regions will need to be undertaken, together with various sampling methods, in order to assess for seasonal and geographic trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran Vijayakumar
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author at: Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Faiz Abdulaziz Alfaiz
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam S. Al-Malki
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tim Sandle
- Head of Microbiology, Risk Management and Sterility Assurance, Bio Products Laboratory, Elstree, United Kingdom
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Dog keeping at home before and during pregnancy decreased the risk of food allergy in 1-year-old children. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2020; 37:255-261. [PMID: 32489363 PMCID: PMC7262798 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2018.80584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The relationship between allergen exposure to animals in pregnancy and the development of allergic symptoms is not clear. Aim To evaluate the association between prenatal and postnatal exposure to pet ownership and development of atopic dermatitis, food allergy and wheezing in children at the age of 1 and 2. Material and methods The mother-child pairs included in this study were part of the Polish Mother and Child Cohort. Mothers in each trimester of pregnancy and 1 year after childbirth have completed a questionnaire on animal exposure. Children's health status was assessed at around one year and two years of age. Results Keeping a dog at home before and during pregnancy (every trimester) decreased the risk of food allergy in the first year of life. On the other hand, keeping any animal other than a dog (cat, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit) before pregnancy and during each trimester separately increased the risk of food allergy in the first year of life of children. Keeping a guinea pig in the first trimester of pregnancy increased the risk of wheezing in the first year of life. The analysis did not show any significant associations between keeping animals at home before and during pregnancy and the occurrence of atopic dermatitis in the second year of life. Conclusions Keeping a dog at home before and during pregnancy decreased the risk of food allergy in 1-year-old children. This effect was eliminated in case of having a cat, hamster, guinea pig, or rabbit.
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How Working Tasks Influence Biocontamination in an Animal Facility. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9112216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The exposure to biocontaminants in animal facilities represents a risk for developing infectious, allergic and toxic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine what factors could be associated with a high level of exposure to biological agents through the measure and characterization of airborne fungi, bacteria, endotoxin, (1,3)-β-d-glucan and animal allergens. Airborne microorganisms were collected with an air sampler and identified by microscopic and biochemical methods. Endotoxin, (1,3)-β-d-glucan, Mus m 1, Rat n 1, Can f 1, Fel d 1, Equ c 4 allergens were detected on inhalable dust samples by Kinetic LAL, Glucatell, and ELISA assays, respectively. Our data evidenced that changing cages is a determinant factor in increasing the concentration of the airborne biocontaminants; the preparation of bedding and distribution of feed, performed in the storage area, is another critical working task in terms of exposure to endotoxins (210.7 EU/m3) and (1,3)-β-d-glucans (4.3 ng/m3). The highest concentration of Mus m 1 allergen (61.5 ng/m3) was observed in the dirty washing area. The detection of expositive peaks at risk of sensitization (>2 μg/g) by Fel d 1 in animal rooms shows passive transport by operators themselves, highlighting their role as vehicle between occupational and living environments.
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Newton AN, Davis M, Koehler K, Shreffler W, Ahluwalia S, Metwali N, Thorne PS, Paigen BJ, Matsui EC. Atopy as a Modifier of the Relationships Between Endotoxin Exposure and Symptoms Among Laboratory Animal Workers. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 61:1024-1028. [PMID: 29028247 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to endotoxin is known to trigger airway inflammation and symptoms, and atopy may modify the relationship between endotoxin exposure and symptom development. Objective To test the a priori hypothesis that atopic status modifies the relationship between endotoxin exposure and respiratory symptom development. Methods A prospective study of laboratory workers at The Jackson Laboratories was conducted. Allergy skin testing was performed and population demographic and clinical information was obtained at baseline. Personal exposure assessments for airborne endotoxin and surveys of self-reported symptoms were performed every 6 months. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship between endotoxin exposure and development of mouse-associated symptoms and multivariate regression was used to test for interaction. Results Overall, 16 (9%) of 174 worker-participants developed mouse-associated rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms by 24 months and 8 (5%) developed mouse-associated lower respiratory symptoms by 24 months. Among workers with endotoxin exposure above the median (≥2.4 EU m-3), 5 (6% of 80) atopics reported mouse-associated rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms at 24 months as compared to 3 (3% of 94) non-atopics. Among workers below the median endotoxin exposure (<2.4 EU m-3), 1 (1% of 80) atopic reported mouse-associated rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms at 24 months as compared to 7 (7% of 94) non-atopics. For the combination of symptoms, the adjusted hazard ratio was 6.8 (95% confidence interval: 0.7-67.2) for atopics and 0.07 (95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.5) for non-atopics. Conclusion In this occupational cohort, atopic workers may be more susceptible to, and non-atopic workers protected from, endotoxin-associated upper and lower respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Newton
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Meghan Davis
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Kirsten Koehler
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | | | - Sharon Ahluwalia
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Allergy, Immunology and Immunizations
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa
| | | | - Elizabeth C Matsui
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
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Oppliger A, Barresi F, Maggi M, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Huaux F, Hotz P, Dressel H. Association of Endotoxin and Allergens with Respiratory and Skin Symptoms: A Descriptive Study in Laboratory Animal Workers. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 61:822-835. [PMID: 28810679 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In laboratory animal work, allergens are classically considered to play a prominent role in generation of respiratory and skin symptoms. However, recent development may have changed working conditions and require an updating of preventive measures. Objective In workers exposed to a range of animals besides laboratory mice and rats the relative role of endotoxin, irritants, and allergens in symptom generation was assessed for updating preventative measures and health surveillance. Methods Eligible workers were recruited from university units in which exposure to rats and/or mice, occurrence of respiratory and/or skin symptoms, and/or a history of animal bites had been reported. Exposure to endotoxin and rat and mouse allergen was assessed (71 half-day personal samples). 'Symptomatic' was defined by work-related ocular, nasal, respiratory, or skin symptoms. A concentration of specific IgE against rat or mouse (e87 and e88) ≥0.35 kU/l defined sensitization. Sensitivity analyses examined the effect of alternative exposure indicators and definitions of 'sensitized' and 'symptomatic'. Results From 302 eligible workers, 177 participated. There were 121 and 41 workers in the asymptomatic and non-sensitized and symptomatic but non-sensitized group, respectively. Eight subjects were symptomatic and sensitized. Six sensitized subjects were asymptomatic. One participant could not be assigned to a subgroup. Airborne endotoxin and allergen concentrations were mostly below 20 EU m-3 or the detection limit, respectively. Clinical history showed that irritants and sensitizers other than mouse/rat allergen or endotoxin were a major cause of symptoms. Results were sensitive to the selected exposure indicator and the definition of 'symptomatic'. Conclusions Health surveillance programs need to be adapted to include a larger range of allergens and pay more attention to irritants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Oppliger
- Institute for Work and Health, University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Barresi
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, EBPI, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marion Maggi
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, EBPI, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Francois Huaux
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philipp Hotz
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, EBPI, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Dressel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, EBPI, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review explores animal allergen exposure in research laboratories and other work settings, focusing on causes and prevention. RECENT FINDINGS (1) Consistent with the hygiene hypothesis, there is new evidence that early childhood exposure to pets produces changes in the gut microbiome that likely lead to a lower risk of allergy. (2) Anaphylaxis from laboratory animal bites occurs more frequently than suggested by prior literature. (3) Animal allergens represent an occupational hazard in a wide variety of work settings ranging from fields that work with animals to public settings like schools and public transportation where allergens are brought into or are present in the workplace. Exposure to animal allergens can result in allergy, asthma, and anaphylaxis. Animal allergy has been most studied in the research laboratory setting, where exposure reduction can prevent the development of allergy. Similar prevention approaches need to be considered for other animal work environments and in all settings where animal allergens are present.
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Simoneti CS, Ferraz E, de Menezes MB, Bagatin E, Arruda LK, Vianna EO. Allergic sensitization to laboratory animals is more associated with asthma, rhinitis, and skin symptoms than sensitization to common allergens. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 47:1436-1444. [PMID: 28787776 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workers exposed to laboratory animals have a high risk of developing laboratory animal allergy (LAA). Atopy seems to be the main risk factor for LAA. We hypothesized that occupational sensitization is a better predictor for the development of asthma, rhinitis, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) than common sensitization. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between occupational sensitization to laboratory animals and clinical outcomes. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study performed at two universities on students and employees dealing with small rodents. The subjects were allocated in groups: non-sensitized, common sensitization, or occupational sensitization, according to the results of the skin prick test (SPT). All subjects answered a questionnaire about animal exposures, symptoms, allergic diseases, and underwent spirometry and bronchial challenge test with mannitol. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS Data from 453 volunteers were analysed. Non-sensitized group comprised 237 subjects; common sensitization group, 142 subjects; and occupational sensitization group, 74 subjects. Occupational sensitization was associated with greater risk for all outcomes studied. When the common sensitization group was reference, skin symptoms had PR of 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.85; wheezing had PR of 1.75, CI 95%: 1.21-2.53; rhinitis had PR of 1.25, 95%: 1.11-1.40; nocturnal dyspnoea had PR of 2.40, 95% CI: 1.31-4.40; bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) had PR of 2.47, 95% CI: 1.50-4.09; and confirmed asthma had PR of 2.65, 95% CI: 1.45-4.85. In addition, the overlap of asthma, rhinitis, and skin symptoms in a same subject was significantly more prevalent in the occupational sensitization group, 16.2% versus 4.9% in the common sensitization group. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Occupational sensitization is associated with allergic symptoms and respiratory diseases. SPT with occupational allergens along with other parameters may contribute to detection of risk for allergic and respiratory diseases associated with exposure to laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Simoneti
- Department of Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - E Ferraz
- Regional University Center of Espírito Santo do Pinhal, Espírito Santo do Pinhal, Brazil
| | - M B de Menezes
- Department of Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - E Bagatin
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - L K Arruda
- Department of Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - E O Vianna
- Department of Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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