Occupational asthma caused by pyrazolone derivative used in silver halide photographic paper

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary functions of workers employed in Turkish textile dyeing factories

Dyes are known to be a causative agent of occupational asthma in workers exposed to them. We have evaluated respiratory symptoms among textile workers. The study population comprised 106 exposed workers and a control (unexposed) group. Data were collected by a questionnaire. PFTs (Pulmonary Function Test) were performed. Among the exposed workers 36.8% defined phlegm. Respiratory symptoms were not significantly different between two groups. The employment duration of the exposed workers with phlegm was longer than those without phlegm (p = 0.027). The mean % predicted of FEF(25-75) of the exposed workers was found to be significantly lower than the control (unexposed) group (p = 0.01). Our study suggests that textile dyeing might cause respiratory symptoms in workers.

Methods for the prediction of low-molecular-weight occupational respiratory sensitizers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is recognition that respiratory sensitization is an occupational hazard of high concern. Despite international regulatory requirements there is no established protocol for the efficient prospective identification of chemical respiratory sensitizers. We review the predictive behaviour of available methods and suggest a possible high-throughput protocol.

RECENT FINDINGS

Animal or in-vitro tests specific to respiratory exposure and resulting in direct asthma-related outcomes have not been developed, although the use of a local lymph node assay originally designed for skin sensitization has been advocated in a respiratory context. Various methods have been used to develop quantitative structure-activity relationship models for prediction of low-molecular-weight organic chemical respiratory sensitizers. The estimated negative predictive value for all of the published models is 1, but their differences in positive predictive value can be exploited.

SUMMARY

The most pragmatic as well as valid approach for screening large numbers of industrial chemicals for respiratory sensitization hazard is likely to consist of an algorithm starting with quantitative structure-activity relationship models. Further corroboration from animal or human data, however, may be required for chemicals with a positive result by quantitative structure-activity relationship.

Prevalence and risk factors of work related asthma by industry among United States workers: data from the third national health and nutrition examination survey (1988-94)

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of work related asthma and work related wheezing in United States workers. To identify high risk industries that could be targeted for future intervention. To determine the population attributable risk of work related asthma and work related wheezing.

METHODS

The third national health and nutrition examination survey, 1988-1994 (NHANES III) was analyzed to determine the prevalence of work related asthma and wheezing and to identify initially defined industries at risk among United States workers aged 20 and older. Separate logistic models were developed with work related asthma and work related wheezing as outcomes. Work related asthma was defined as affirmative response to questions on self reported physician diagnosed asthma and work related symptoms of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Work related wheezing was defined as affirmative response to questions on self reported wheezing or whistling in the chest in the previous 12 months and work related symptoms of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and atopy.

RESULTS

The prevalence of work related asthma was 3.70% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.88 to 4.52) and the prevalence of work related wheezing was 11.46% (95% CI 9.87 to 13.05). The main industries identified at risk of work related asthma and wheeze included the entertainment industry; agriculture, forestry, and fishing; construction; electrical machinery; repair services; and lodging places. The population attributable risk for work related asthma was 36.5% and work related wheezing was 28.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide impetus for further research and actions by public health professionals which prioritise occupational asthma on the public health agenda. Future intervention strategies need to be developed for effective control and prevention of asthma in the workplace.