Aims To determine whether people spending time in horse barns have a higher prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms than non-exposed controls.

Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from May 2005 to January 2006 to investigate the prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms in 82 barn-exposed subjects and 74 control subjects. Logistic regression and the chi-square test were used to analyse the data.

Results There was a significantly higher prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms in the barn-exposed group (50%) versus the control group (15%). Exposure to horse barns, smoking and family history of asthma or allergies was independent risk factors for respiratory symptoms. High exposure to the horse barn yielded a higher odds ratio for self-reported respiratory symptoms (8.9).

Conclusions Exposure to the equine barn is a risk factor for respiratory symptoms. Investigation of organic dust exposures, lung function and horse dander allergies in the barn-exposed group will be necessary to determine how best to protect the health of this group.

Aims To assess prevalence of respiratory symptoms (RS) and respiratory function (RF) of welders in comparison to a control group (CG).

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among welders and controls selected from office support staff of a medical faculty. RS were determined by administering a questionnaire and RF with the use of an electronic spirometer.

Results Forty-one welders and 41 controls participated. Chronic bronchitis was significantly higher among welders (27%; n = 11) than in controls (7%; n = 3) with an odds ratio of 4.6 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–23.3]. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second of forced vital capacity (FEV_1.0), forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF_25–75%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were slightly higher among welders (2.97 l, 2.6 l, 3.4 l/s and 339 l/min, respectively) than in the CG (2.79 l, 2.4 l, 3.38 l/s and 323 l/min, respectively), the differences of which were not statistically significant. On comparison of the observed values of welders with the predicted normal values, the observed FVC (2.97 versus 3.35 l, respectively) and PEFR (339 versus 538 l/min) had significantly lower values.

Conclusions Welders are at a higher risk of developing chronic bronchitis with non-impairment of lung function in comparison to the CG.

Aims To assess the current quality of the diagnosis of occupational asthma before referral to a specialist occupational medicine centre.

Methods The quality of diagnostic procedures was assessed by reviewing the files of 150 patients who were referred to the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in 2003 with a suspicion of an occupational cause of their asthma. The quality indicators used were assessment of workplace exposures, spirometric studies, bronchodilator response, serial workplace measurements of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the time since first symptoms to the final diagnosis. For each indicator, criteria to differentiate between sufficient and insufficient care were developed.

Results Exposure assessments, spirometric studies and bronchodilator responses were performed in 92, 87 and 79% of cases in the total study group, respectively. Workplace measurements of PEF had been performed in 51% of the cases, and the quality of measurements was sufficient in 52%. Workplace exposures had been assessed significantly more often in occupational health care than in other health care units. The median time from the beginning of symptoms to the final diagnosis was 3.2 years.

Conclusions Although the diagnostic procedures were mostly of sufficient quality, the performance of serial measurements of PEF at the workplace and the time to diagnosis should be substantially improved.

Aims To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of sensitization to moulds, as well as clinical symptoms associated with allergy in museum workers.

Methods A total of 103 employees of the Polish National Museum (NM) in Warsaw, potentially exposed to fungi during their work, were assessed using a questionnaire and skin prick tests to common allergens and fungal extracts. The level of total and serum-specific IgE to moulds was evaluated, and spirometry was performed in all subjects. Mycological analysis of the workplace was also performed.

Results Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Trichoderma, Acremonium and Paecilomyces were the most frequent species isolated from investigated exhibits of NM. Thirty per cent of museum employees were sensitized to at least one of the fungal allergens. Logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of occupational exposure lasting >5 years, family history of atopy, presence of a cat at home, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and a history of frequent respiratory infections were risk factors for the development of sensitization to fungi in this working group.

Conclusions This study suggests an important role of fungi as occupational allergens for museum workers. The prevalence of allergic symptoms among employees of NM was relatively high. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the importance of particular fungal species in the development of occupational allergy.

Aims To determine the presence and prevalence of Artemia sensitization at the farm and the extent of any Artemia-related respiratory and hand skin symptoms and to identify the allergens involved.

Methods Participants completed a questionnaire and structured interview. Skin prick tests (SPTs) were performed, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to Artemia, shrimp and recombinant tropomyosin were determined. Gel electrophoresis and immunoblots of Artemia extracts were also carried out.

Results Thirty of 42 employees (71%) participated. Among the 24 subjects exposed to Artemia, four (17%) reported chest and/or hand skin symptoms during exposure and three of them were IgE sensitized to Artemia. Five (21%) of those exposed demonstrated IgE antibodies to Artemia and four (17%) had immediate-positive SPTs. A serum pool from these subjects exhibited IgE binding to a protein of ~97 kDa in the Artemia extract.

Conclusions Occupational exposure to the Artemia fish fry feed can cause IgE sensitization and allergic symptoms affecting airways and skin.

Aims To compare the prevalence of occupational cutaneous symptoms among professional indoor cleaners to other building workers (OBW) and to determine associations with exposures and with respiratory symptoms among cleaners.

Methods A questionnaire completed by indoor professional cleaners and OBW to compare rash and respiratory symptoms between these groups examined workplace factors such as training, protective equipment and work tasks.

Results In total, 549 of the 1396 professional cleaners (39%) and 593 of the 1271 OBW (47%) completed questionnaires. The prevalence of rash was significantly higher in the cleaners compared to the OBW. For male cleaners, 21% (86/413) had a rash in the past 12 months compared to only 11% (13/115) of OBW (P < 0.05). The rashes experienced by the cleaners were more likely to be on their hands and worse at work. Cleaners washed their hands significantly more often than OBW. Cleaners with a rash were less likely to have received workplace training regarding their skin and were more likely to find the safety training hard to understand. Cleaners with a rash within the past year were significantly more likely to have work-related asthma symptoms than cleaners without a rash (P < 0.001).

Conclusions This study demonstrates a strong link between work-related symptoms of asthma and dermatitis among cleaners. Effective preventive measures, such as the use of protective skin and respiratory equipment, should be emphasized.

Aims To quantify the mortality hazards arising from employment at the Dow AgroSciences agrochemical production site in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Methods Workers employed between 1 January 1969 and 1 October 2003 were followed up to the end of 2004. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using national mortality rates by employment duration, sex, period of hire and latency.

Results A total of 1754 employees were followed during the study period and 247 deaths were observed. The all causes and all cancers SMRs were 0.97 (95% CI 0.85–1.10) and 1.01 (95% CI 0.80–1.27), respectively. Mortality due to all causes was higher for short-term workers (SMR 1.23, 95% CI 0.91–1.62) than long-term workers (SMR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80–1.06) and women had lower death rates than men. Analyses by latency and period of hire did not show any patterns consistent with an adverse impact of occupational exposures.

Conclusions The mortality experience of workers at the site was similar to the rest of New Zealand.

Aims To investigate lung cancer risks in a cohort of cadmium recovery workers in relation to period from ceasing exposure to arsenic.

Methods The mortality experience (1940–2001) of a cohort of 625 male workers from a US cadmium recovery plant was compared with expectations based on US national mortality rates.

Results There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) negative trend in lung cancer standardized mortality ratios in relation to period from ceasing arsenic exposure.

Conclusions The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that arsenic is a late-stage human carcinogen.

Aims Our objective was to study lung function and respiratory symptoms among spot welders and office workers at an automobile assembly factory in Iran.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 137 male spot welders and 129 office workers. We used a questionnaire to record demographic data, smoking habits, work history and respiratory symptoms. Spirometry was performed to assess lung function status. Metal fume samples from the respiratory zone of spot welders were analysed.

Results The concentrations of metal fume were less than the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values. There were significantly lower values for average forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV₁), FEV₁/forced vital capacity and 25–75% forced expiratory flow in spot welders compared to controls. There was also a significantly raised prevalence of respiratory symptoms (sputum and dyspnoea) in spot welders. Fifteen per cent of spot welders and 1% of controls had an obstructive pattern in spirometry.

Conclusions Our survey suggests that spot welders are at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and decreasing pulmonary function values despite their exposure to components of welding fume being within ACGIH guidelines.

Aims To identify cases of chlorhexidine allergy among health care workers.

Methods A questionnaire was distributed among HCWs in wards and operating theatres at a UK district general hospital to raise awareness of potential chlorhexidine allergy and to invite those with possible clinical allergy to come forward for further testing. Diagnosis was based on an appropriate clinical history with positive serum-specific IgE to chlorhexidine and/or positive skin prick testing.

Results Four cases of occupational IgE-mediated allergy to chlorhexidine were identified.

Conclusions Despite its excellent antimicrobial properties, chlorhexidine is an occupational allergen. We suggest that chlorhexidine allergy be included in the differential diagnosis of HCWs presenting with work-related allergic symptoms. Increased awareness and easier access to chlorhexidine-specific IgE serological testing should facilitate early diagnosis of affected HCWs, allowing appropriate avoidance measures to be instigated—thus reducing the risk of potentially severe allergic reactions in the future.

Aims To explore factors associated with farmers joining farmers’ occupational health services (FOHS). This knowledge is important for improving the coverage of FOHS and to motivate farmers to join.

Methods In 2004 and 2005, we interviewed a total of 1182 full-time farmers aged 18–64, chosen randomly from the register of the Information Centre of the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry in Finland (Tike). A stepwise multivariate logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with their joining FOHS.

Results Among both genders, chronic illnesses, farm size and opinion on whether membership of FOHS should be obligatory were predictors of farmers joining FOHS. Among male farmers, the production sector, the existence of a quality system on the farm and vocational education were associated with interest in joining. Among female farmers, interest was associated with physical activity.

Conclusions Emphasizing FOHS constitutes a preventive approach. All farmers should be motivated by FOHS to become aware of issues concerning safety and health at work. The potential channels for increasing its awareness are vocational education, quality systems and support from farmers who are already members.

Methods We have assessed and performed occupational assessment of eight workers involved in this industry. Two of these were later diagnosed with OA and are reported here.

Results Both workers developed their respiratory symptoms within 2 years of the first use of the chemical hydroxylamine as part of the ‘de-inking’ process. Hydroxylamine was used as a substitute for glutaraldehyde on risk grounds, although no prior cases of OA had been found. The two workers had worked at the same plant for 11 and 20 years, respectively. Both gave histories of work-related wheeze, shortness of breath and cough. Both cases performed OASYS peak flow records over a 3-week period and had OASYS II index of 2.85 and 2.67, respectively. Both were redeployed on site to non-exposed areas and subsequently demonstrated improvement in bronchial reactivity. Case 2 subsequently consented to and underwent a blinded, placebo-controlled occupational challenge using hydroxylamine demonstrating a significant isolated late asthmatic response.

Conclusions We believe that these are the first two confirmed cases of OA caused by hydroxylamine in the paper recycling industry.