BACKGROUND: Exposure to certain substances in the workplace may lead to sensitization and increased respiratory symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of work-related specific sensitization and respiratory symptoms in carpentry apprentices with occupational exposure to wood dust and diisocyanates. METHODS: Apprentices (n=101) completed an occupational and symptoms questionnaire. Spirometry and skin prick tests to aeroallergens and to a battery of 14 different woods were performed in all the participants. Blood samples were collected for total IgE measurement and detection of specific IgE to diisocyanates. RESULTS: Half the participants (56%) had work-related respiratory symptoms: 54% due to wood dust, 15% due diisocyanates, and 9% to both. Participants with respiratory symptoms related to wood dust exposure had a significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second compared with symptomatic individuals due to diisocyanates and asymptomatic individuals (P < .05). A history of rhinitis or asthma was associated with a 2.1- or 2.8-fold increase, respectively, in the likelihood of having respiratory symptoms due to wood dust exposure. Sensitization to wood was detected in 9% of participants, all of whom were atopic with a history of rhinitis and a high total IgE level (P < .05). Sensitization to diisocyanates was detected in 2% of exposed participants. CONCLUSIONS: Work-related respiratory symptoms are common in carpentry apprentices and are more frequently related to exposure to wood dust than to diisocyanates. Symptomatic participants due to wood dust exposure had a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Individuals with a history of rhinitis or asthma had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms. Sensitization to wood was more common in atopic apprentices with a history of rhinitis and a high total IgE level.
BACKGROUND: Exposure to certain substances in the workplace may lead to sensitization and increased respiratory symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of work-related specific sensitization and respiratory symptoms in carpentry apprentices with occupational exposure to wood dust and diisocyanates. METHODS: Apprentices (n=101) completed an occupational and symptoms questionnaire. Spirometry and skin prick tests to aeroallergens and to a battery of 14 different woods were performed in all the participants. Blood samples were collected for total IgE measurement and detection of specific IgE to diisocyanates. RESULTS: Half the participants (56%) had work-related respiratory symptoms: 54% due to wood dust, 15% due diisocyanates, and 9% to both. Participants with respiratory symptoms related to wood dust exposure had a significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second compared with symptomatic individuals due to diisocyanates and asymptomatic individuals (P < .05). A history of rhinitis or asthma was associated with a 2.1- or 2.8-fold increase, respectively, in the likelihood of having respiratory symptoms due to wood dust exposure. Sensitization to wood was detected in 9% of participants, all of whom were atopic with a history of rhinitis and a high total IgE level (P < .05). Sensitization to diisocyanates was detected in 2% of exposed participants. CONCLUSIONS: Work-related respiratory symptoms are common in carpentry apprentices and are more frequently related to exposure to wood dust than to diisocyanates. Symptomatic participants due to wood dust exposure had a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Individuals with a history of rhinitis or asthma had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms. Sensitization to wood was more common in atopic apprentices with a history of rhinitis and a high total IgE level.
Authors: Berran Yucesoy; Kenneth M Kaufman; Zana L Lummus; Matthew T Weirauch; Ge Zhang; André Cartier; Louis-Philippe Boulet; Joaquin Sastre; Santiago Quirce; Susan M Tarlo; Maria-Jesus Cruz; Xavier Munoz; John B Harley; David I Bernstein Journal: Toxicol Sci Date: 2015-04-26 Impact factor: 4.849
Authors: Berran Yucesoy; Grace E Kissling; Victor J Johnson; Zana L Lummus; Denyse Gautrin; André Cartier; Louis-Philippe Boulet; Joaquin Sastre; Santiago Quirce; Susan M Tarlo; Maria-Jesus Cruz; Xavier Munoz; Michael I Luster; David I Bernstein Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2015-12 Impact factor: 2.162