Documents respiratory impairment 36 results

"Objectives:
To assess prevalence of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)-related symptoms and adverse reactions during Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemics.
Methods:
We conducted an observational study among people exposed to various degree of infectious risk. Data were collected with a self-administered online questionnaire.
Results:
The entire cohort complained about a wide range of adverse reactions: respiratory symptoms affected 80.3% of respondents, 68.5% referred pressure-related skin lesions, fewer manifested a dermatosis of different grade or ocular symptoms. Most of the affected individuals belonged to healthcare staff and manifestations were predicted by wearing time (more than 6 h/d). Moreover, symptoms were higher in the healthcare staff wearing N95/FFP2 respirator mask.
Conclusions:
Given the crucial role of PPE to contain the pandemic infection, more attention has to be paid to exposed categories, establishing preventive measure of side effects to ensure total safety."

"Background Sawmill workers have an increased risk of developing occupational asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Wood dust and microorganisms have both been suggested to play a role, but few studies have measured microbial exposure levels in sawmills. Methods The preliminary study reported in this paper assessed airborne dust, bacterial endotoxin and (1,3)-glucan levels in 37 samples from two New Zealand sawmills. Results Nearly one-third of the measured dust levels exceeded 1 mg/m3 and only one sample exceeded the legal limit of 5 mg/m3. Endotoxin levels were clearly elevated with 50% of all measured exposures above 50 EU/m3 (range: 7-588 EU/m3). (1,3)-glucan levels were comparable with levels measured in other industries where workers are exposed to organic dust. Workers in the planing department had the highest mean exposures to dust, endotoxin and (1,3)-glucan. Dust levels were only weakly correlated with endotoxin and (1,3)-glucan levels. Conclusions Endotoxin exposures in sawmill workers are at levels sufficient to potentially contribute to the development of respiratory symptoms. Moreover, measurement of dust exposure is a poor proxy for (1,3)-glucan and endotoxin exposure in sawmill workers."

"An exploratory study of seventy-four women uranium workers employed in the western United States (miners, millers, truck haulers, and office workers) was conducted. These uranium industry workers were employed primarily during the 1970s and 1980s. It was found that approximately 60 percent perceived overall moderate to high levels of dust during their employment, and about 50 percent reported the likelihood of having past, present, or future health problems related to their uranium work. Two of the most-often-identified health problems were respiratory symptoms or illnesses and cancer. Issues regarding public policy, research, and worker rights are discussed. "

"Background
The association between occupational titles and lung function has mostly been examined through cross-sectional studies. Preventive measures are expected to mitigate adverse effects; hence, updated estimates are necessary.
Aims
To study change in lung function measured by spirometry across occupations.
Methods
This population-based prospective cohort study comprised 5618 working adult participants of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3, 2005–07), Norway. Among these, 3800 individuals (43% men, mean age 42 years, range 20–55) also attended HUNT4 (2017–19). We analysed longitudinal decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) z-score during the 11-year follow-up by occupation (white-collar workers as reference category), in mixed models, adjusting for age, sex and smoking. We assessed the prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms and disease in the working population in HUNT4 (n = 32 124) and HUNT3 (n = 32 070).
Results
Compared with white-collar workers, agricultural workers and ‘drivers and mobile plant operators', had larger declines in FEV1z-score during follow-up. In sex-stratified analyses, men defined as agricultural workers and ‘drivers and mobile plant operators' had larger declines than white-collar workers. Among women, who were underrepresented in many blue-collar jobs, workers classified as ‘machine operators and assemblers' experienced greater declines. In the working population in HUNT4, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in connection with work was 8%, and lower among white-collar workers (6%) than blue-collar workers (14%).
Conclusions
Although certain workers in Norway remain at risk for occupational lung function decline, there were modest differences between occupations. The findings encourage continuous efforts to implement preventive measures in high-risk jobs."

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"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."

"L'apparition de problèmes respiratoires répétés (dyspnée, toux nocturne, crise d'asthme) chez des salariés de deux entreprises de fabrication de saucissons secs a motivé la réalisation de campagnes de mesures de bio-aérosols. Les salariés de ces entreprises sont en effet susceptibles d'être exposés à des moisissures de type Penicillium sp. entrant dans le procédé de fabrication des produits de charcuterie et salaisons. Les interventions comportaient plusieurs objectifs?: identifier les postes les plus exposés, apporter des informations sur les risques éventuels liés aux concentrations mesurées et définir les éventuelles actions à mener pour adapter ou renforcer les moyens de prévention déjà en place. Ce travail émane d'une coopération entre l'INRS, la Carsat Auvergne, la Carsat Rhône-Alpes, les médecins du travail et les entreprises concernées."

"Objectives: To compare respiratory symptoms and upper airway inflammation in domestic waste collectors and controls, and to find the association between measures of upper airway inflammation on the one hand and exposure concentrations of organic dust or respiratory symptoms on the other hand.

Methods: In a cross sectional study among 47 waste collectors and 15 controls, questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms were collected. Nasal lavage (NAL), to assess upper airway inflammation, was performed before and after a work shift at the beginning and at the end of the working week. In NAL fluid, cells were counted and differentiated and concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL6), IL8, tumour necrosis factor-? (TNF?), and IL1ß were measured. In collectors, inhalable dust samples were collected in which bacterial endotoxin and mould ß(1?3)-glucan were assessed.

Results: Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher in waste collectors than in controls. Geometric mean exposure concentrations were 0.58 mg/m3 for dust, 39 EU/m3 for endotoxin, and 1.3
g/m3 for ß(1?3)-glucan. At the end of the week collectors had higher concentrations of total cells and IL8 in NAL before and after a shift than controls (cells, before 1.9-fold p<0.10, after 3.3-fold p<0.01; IL8, before and after 1.8-fold p<0.05), and after/before work shift ratios of total cells were also higher (2.3-fold p=0.06) in collectors than in controls. Cells in NAL fluid consisted predominantly of neutrophils and epithelial cells, whereas eosinophils and mononuclear cells were rarely found. Exposure to dust and endotoxin was associated with concentrations of IL8 after the shift (p<0.05). Increased concentrations of IL8 (p<0.05) and total cells (p<0.10) after the shift were associated with respiratory symptoms. Concentrations of IL6, TNF?, and IL1ß were not associated with waste collecting, symptoms, or exposure.

Conclusions: Waste collectors show signs of increased upper airway inflammation and respiratory symptoms compared with controls. Exposure to organic dust probably underlies the inflammation mediated by neutrophils that result in respiratory symptoms."

"Dans l'industrie agroalimentaire, de nombreuses sources d'allergènes inhalés peuvent entraîner l'apparition d'allergies respiratoires professionnelles : produits laitiers, oeuf, viandes, poissons et crustacés, farines de céréales, légumineuses, graines, fruits et légumes... La prévalence de la rhinite et de l'asthme chez les salariés y semble cependant peu élevée. Sont principalement concernés les professionnels du secteur de la transformation des produits de la mer, de la boulangerie et de la pâtisserie industrielles, de la confiserie, des abattoirs, de la boucherie, de la charcuterie et de la poissonnerie industrielle. Les allergènes potentiels sont le plus souvent de nature protéique, susceptibles d'entraîner une sensibilisation IgE-dépendante, essentiellement par inhalation. On observe l'émergence du rôle d'agents chimiques de faible poids moléculaire, tels les désinfectants, largement utilisés dans cette industrie.Le diagnostic repose sur l'existence de symptômes avec un rythme professionnel, la réalisation d'un bilan fonctionnel respiratoire et la mise en évidence d'une sensibilisation à des allergènes présents sur le lieu de travail au moyen de tests cutanés ou biologiques. La confirmation de la causalité allergique peut requérir la réalisation en milieu spécialisé d'un test de provocation nasale ou bronchique spécifique. La prévention technique vise en priorité la réduction de l'exposition aux allergènes, en limitant l'empoussièrement et la dispersion aérienne de produits volatils."

"Le nettoyage des locaux représente un secteur d'activité particulièrement à risque de rhinites, asthmes et syndromes asthmatiformes, et un nombre très important de salariés est concerné par ce risque. Il s'agit des agents d'entretien intervenant dans des entreprises aux activités très variées (locaux industriels, entreprises agroalimentaires, établissements publics, bureaux...) mais aussi des aides à domicile employées par des particuliers.Les produits utilisés sont variables : détergents, adoucissants de l'eau, désinfectants, nettoyants de surface... Les étiologies des rhinites et asthmes y sont multiples. Les pneumallergènes présents dans l'empoussièrement remis en suspension par les opérations de ménage peuvent être en cause, tout comme les très nombreux produits d'entretien, s'ils contiennent des composants volatils, ou non volatils et appliqués par pulvérisation, irritants (ammoniaque, eau de javel, acides forts...) et/ou sensibilisants (isothiazolinones, aldéhydes, ammoniums quaternaires, amines aliphatiques dont l'acide éthylènediaminetétraacétique ou EDTA, surfactants, dérivés terpéniques...).Le diagnostic étiologique repose sur l'anamnèse - qui peut être difficile à faire préciser - et sur la connaissance des produits manipulés.Les tests immunologiques sont indiqués pour mettre en évidence la responsabilité éventuelle d'allergènes présents dans la poussière du lieu à nettoyer. En l'absence de test immunologique disponible, le test d'exposition spécifique peut éventuellement apporter la preuve de la responsabilité de l'agent testé.En France, la reconnaissance médico-légale de l'origine professionnelle de ces affections est habituellement obtenue sur les critères d'exposition à un composant inscrit sur un tableau de maladies professionnelles avec chronologie compatible des symptômes. Il est toutefois nécessaire, pour l'asthme, d'en apporter la preuve par un résultat fonctionnel respiratoire.La prévention porte parallèlement sur la formation, l'information et l'éducation des salariés, sur le remplacement de produits très irritants et sur la suppression des applications par pulvérisation chaque fois que possible."