PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - K Radon
AU  - U Gerhardinger
AU  - A Schulze
AU  - J-P Zock
AU  - D Norback
AU  - K Toren
AU  - D Jarvis
AU  - L Held
AU  - J Heinrich
AU  - B Leynaert
AU  - D Nowak
AU  - M Kogevinas
AU  - for the occupational group of the ECRHS study
TI  - Occupation and adult onset of rhinitis in the general population
AID  - 10.1136/oem.2006.031542
DP  - 2008 Jan 01
TA  - Occupational and Environmental Medicine
PG  - 38--43
VI  - 65
IP  - 1
4099  - http://oem.bmj.com/content/65/1/38.short
4100  - http://oem.bmj.com/content/65/1/38.full
SO  - Occup Environ Med2008 Jan 01; 65
AB  - Objectives: Occupational exposures have been associated with an increased risk of new-onset rhinitis in apprentices. However, population-based prospective data are scarce and do not cover new onset of rhinitis later in life. The authors studied the association between occupational exposure and adult onset of rhinitis prospectively.Methods: The data of 4994 participants (age at follow-up 28–57 years) from 27 centres of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II who were symptom-free at baseline were analysed. As outcome at follow-up self-reported (a) nasal allergies (“allergic rhinitis”) and (b) runny, blocked nose for 12 months a year (“perennial rhinitis”) were used. Occupational exposures at any time during follow-up were defined by job title.Results: The cumulative incidence of allergic rhinitis, perennial rhinitis and both conditions was 12%, 11% and 3%, respectively. Compared to office workers, male medical professionals were at increased risk of new onset of allergic rhinitis (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.4 to 6.4). Odds ratios were reduced in metal workers not involved in metal making or treating (0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.7). For perennial rhinitis ORs were significantly increased in cleaners (1.4; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1).Conclusions: Cleaners and medical professionals may be at increased risk for adult-onset rhinitis.