SHORT REPORT

Exposure-response relations for work related respiratory symptoms and sensitisation in a cohort exposed to -amylase

J Brisman², M J Nieuwenhuijsen³, K M Venables¹, V Putcha¹, S Gordon¹ and A J N Taylor¹

¹ Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Imperial College (NHLI), London SW3 6LR, UK
² Occupational Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE 412 66 Göteborg, Sweden
³ Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2BP, UK

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr J Brisman
Dept of Occupational Medicine, S:t Sigfridsgatan 85, SE-412 66 Göteborg, Sweden; jonas.brisman{at}ymk.gu.se

Aims: To explore relations between exposure to fungal -amylase and the risk of new work related respiratory symptoms or sensitisation.

Methods: A prospective cohort study among 300 bakers and millers was followed up for a maximum of seven years. Exposure to -amylase was estimated by air measurements and questionnaires and classified into three categories. Symptoms were recorded with a self-administered questionnaire and skin sensitisation assessed using skin prick test (SPT).

Results: There were 36 new cases of chest symptoms, 86 of eyes/nose symptoms, and 24 of a positive SPT to -amylase. There were exposure-response relations for chest and eyes/nose symptoms and for sensitisation, and a significantly increased prevalence ratio for chest symptoms in the highest exposure category.

Conclusion: A reduction in -amylase exposure is likely to reduce the risk for respiratory morbidity in bakery workers.

Keywords: exposure-response relations; -amylase; cohort study

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