Muge Akpinar-Elci1,2, Satesh Bidaisee2, MyNgoc Thuy Nguyen1, Omur Cinar Elci2. 1. a Center for Global Health, College of Health Sciences , Old Dominion University , Norfolk , VA , USA. 2. b Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine , St. George's University , St. George , Grenada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The nutmeg industry is a major contributor to the Grenadian economy. However, workers in the industry face many environmental and occupational health risks. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to investigate respiratory health problems and possible related occupational exposures among nutmeg production workers. METHODS: A questionnaire, spirometry and allergen skin-prick test was given to 92 nutmeg workers. Samples for measurement of airborne dust, mold, and phosphine were also collected from work environments. RESULTS: Approximately half of the workers with lower respiratory symptoms such as dry cough (49.4%) and shortness of breath (42.9%) reported that their symptoms were work related. Spirometry results showed that 18.8% of workers had obstruction. Area geometric mean (GM) inhalable dust concentrations, GM personal concentrations, and total mold spores during work activities were found to be high. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of respiratory symptoms among workers in this facility was consistent with measured levels of dust and mold, and was widespread over all work areas.
BACKGROUND: The nutmeg industry is a major contributor to the Grenadian economy. However, workers in the industry face many environmental and occupational health risks. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to investigate respiratory health problems and possible related occupational exposures among nutmeg production workers. METHODS: A questionnaire, spirometry and allergen skin-prick test was given to 92 nutmeg workers. Samples for measurement of airborne dust, mold, and phosphine were also collected from work environments. RESULTS: Approximately half of the workers with lower respiratory symptoms such as dry cough (49.4%) and shortness of breath (42.9%) reported that their symptoms were work related. Spirometry results showed that 18.8% of workers had obstruction. Area geometric mean (GM) inhalable dust concentrations, GM personal concentrations, and total mold spores during work activities were found to be high. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of respiratory symptoms among workers in this facility was consistent with measured levels of dust and mold, and was widespread over all work areas.
Authors: Muge Akpinar-Elci; Sandra K White; Paul D Siegel; Ju-Hyeong Park; Alexis Visotcky; Kathleen Kreiss; Jean M Cox-Ganser Journal: Am J Ind Med Date: 2013-02-06 Impact factor: 2.214
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