Search results

1

Work-related symptoms among workers exposed to black tea dust

100%

Lipińska-Ojrzanowska A., Wiszniewska M., Tymoszuk D., Pałczyński C., Walusiak-Skorupa J.

Medycyna Pracy

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2014

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vol. 66

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issue 1

11-15

PL

Wstęp: Herbatę można sklasyfikować jako niesfermentowaną zieloną, częściowo sfermentowaną oolong i w pełni sfermentowaną czarną. Wszystkie wymienione typy herbaty otrzymuje się z rośliny Camellia sinensis, która zawiera czynnik o małej masie cząsteczkowej – galusan epigalokatechiny (Epigallocatechin gallate – EGCg) o potencjale alergizującym. Celem badania było scharakteryzowanie związanych z pracą objawów sugerujących schorzenia alergiczne oraz ocena statusu immunologicznego pakowaczy czarnej herbaty. Materiał i metody: Zbadano 26 pakowaczy czarnej herbaty (grupa 1) oraz 20 pracowników biurowych (grupa 2). U wszystkich badanych przeprowadzono badanie ankietowe dotyczące objawów oraz punktowe testy skórne (skin prick tests – SPTs) z alergenami pospolitymi i czarną herbatą, oznaczono poziom swoistych przeciwciał w klasie IgE dla rośliny Camellia sinensis i pleśni oraz wykonano badanie spirometryczne przed zakończeniem i po zakończeniu zmiany roboczej. Wyniki: Występowanie co najmniej 1 objawu sugerującego alergię zgłosiło 85% pakowaczy herbaty i 60% pracowników biurowych. Najczęściej obserwowanym uczuleniem w wynikach punktowych testów skórnych wśród pakowaczy herbaty było uczulenie na pleśnie (8%). U tych pracowników obserwowano także spadek natężonej 1-sekundowej objętości wydechowej (FEV1 – forced expiratory volume in 1 s) po zakończeniu zmiany roboczej w stosunku do wartości wyjściowych. Wnioski: Kaszel i objawy skórne zdecydowanie częściej występowały u pakowaczy herbaty niż u pracowników biurowych, chociaż w żadnej z badanych grup nie wykazano uczulenia na alergeny czarnej herbaty. Nie można jednak wykluczyć drażniącego działania pyłu herbacianego na drogi oddechowe i skórę oraz uczulenia na grzyby pleśniowe zanieczyszczające liście herbaty. Med. Pr. 2015;66(1):11–15

EN

Background: Tea may be classified as unfermented green, semi-fermented oolong and fermented black. All of these types are derived from Camellia sinensis, the Tea Plant, which contains the low molecular weight (LMW) agent Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), probably responsible for allergic reactions. The aim of our study was to asses the work-related allergic symptoms and IgE-mediated sensitivity among black tea packers. Material and Methods: Study groups comprised 26 black tea packers (group 1) and 20 office workers (group 2). A questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPTs) to common allergens and black tea, evaluation of specific IgE (asIgE) to Camellia sinensis and moulds, pre- and post-work-shift spirometry were performed. Results: At least 1 symptom suggesting allergic disease was reported by 85% of the tea packers and 60% of the office workers. The most frequent positive results of SPTs were obtained with moulds (8%). A small decline in FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) after the work shift was observed among tea packers sensitized to moulds. Conclusions: Although specific sensitization to black tea was not observed in our study groups, cough and skin symptoms were significantly more frequently among the tea packers than in office workers. The irritant impact on the airways and the skin of tea dust and/or sensitization to moulds contaminating tea leaves are being suspected. Med Pr 2015;66(1):11–15

2

Occupational allergy to birds within the population of Polish bird keepers employed in zoo gardens

86%

Świderska-Kiełbik S., Krakowiak A., Wiszniewska M., Nowakowska-Świrta E., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Śliwkiewicz K., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2011

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vol. 24

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issue 3

292-303

EN

Objectives: To evaluate the risk factors for the development of occupational allergy to birds among Polish zoo garden keepers. Methods: A total of 200 bird zookeepers employed in the Polish zoo gardens in Łódź, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Chorzów and Płock and exposed occupationally to bird allergens were examined using a questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPTs) to common allergens and bird allergens, spirometry and cytograms of nasal swab. The level of total IgE in serum and serum-specific IgE to parrot, canary, pigeon feathers and serum were also evaluated. Results: Eight percent of bird zookeepers were sensitized to at least one of the bird allergens. The most frequent allergens yielding positive SPT results were D. farinae - 32 cases (16%), D. pteronyssinus - 30 cases (15%) and grass pollens (16.5%). In the studied group, allergen-specific IgE against bird allergens occurred with the following frequency: 87 (43.5%) against canary feathers and/or serum, 80 (40%) against parrot feathers and/or serum and 82 (41%) against pigeon feathers and/or serum. Occupational allergy was diagnosed in 39 (26.5%) cases, occupational rhinitis was present in 22 (15%) cases, occupational asthma in 20 (13.6%) subjects, occupational conjunctivitis in 18 (12.2%) cases, whereas occupational skin diseases in 11 (7.5%) cases. More eosinophils were found in nose swab cytograms among bird zookeepers with occupational airway allergy. Conclusions: The findings indicate that occupational allergy to birds is an important health problem among zoo bird keepers in Poland.

3

Occupational allergy to Limonium sinuatum - a case report

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Wiszniewska M., Pałczyński C., Krawczyk-Szulc P., Wittczak T., Cyran A., Walusiak-Skorupa J.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2011

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vol. 24

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issue 3

304-307

EN

Decorative flowers are known to be a cause of occupational allergy in the floral industry. The allergic manifestations induced by flowers include asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman, who has been working for the last 30 years as a gardener with various kinds of flowers, e.g., Limonium sinuatum (LS), chrysanthemum, sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) and Lilium. During the last 10 years she has developed nasal and eyes symptoms, dry cough, dyspnoea, chest tightness and wheezing. Clinical examination, routine laboratory testing, chest radiography, skin prick tests (SPT) involving common allergens, native plants pollens and leaves by the prick-prick technique, rest spirometry, methacholine challenge test and specific inhalation challenge test (SICT) were conducted. SPT results to common allergens were positive for grass pollens. SPT with native plants pollens and leaves showed a positive reaction only for LS. SICT induced an isolated early asthmatic reaction and significant increase in the number of eosinophils in the nasal lavage fluid. Additionally, significant increase in non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity was observed after SICT. To our knowledge, the presently described report is the first one of Limonium sinuatum induced occupational asthma and rhinitis in a Polish gardener.

4

Immunological determinants in a murine model of toluene diisocyanate-induced asthma

86%

Świerczyńska-Machura D., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Nowakowska-Świrta E., Piasecka-Zelga J., Świercz R., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2012

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vol. 25

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issue 4

492-498

EN

Objectives: Diisocyanates (DIC) are highly reactive, low-molecular-weight chemicals which are the leading cause of occupational asthma (OA). The aim of the study was to analyze certain aspects of the pathogenesis of allergic infl ammation in the airways induced by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in an experimental model in mice. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out on 50 female BALB/cJ/Han/IMP mice, which were exposed by inhalation (intranasal and in the inhalation chamber) to toluene diisocyanate (2,4-TDI). After the experiment, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected from the animals, and the composition of the induced infl ammatory cells, and the concentrations of certain cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α) were evaluated. Results: The total number of cells in BALF of the examined group of mice was signifi cantly higher compared to the control mice. There was also a signifi cant increase in neutrophils and eosinophils in the study group compared to the controls. The number of lymphocytes and macrophages did not differ signifi cantly between the two groups. A statistically signifi cant increase in the level of TNF-α was shown to occur in the group exposed to toluene diisocyanate in comparison to the control group. The concentration of IL-4 increased in the study group, compared to the control one, but the differences did not reach the level of signifi cance, p > 0.05. Such difference was not observed for IL-5. Conclusions: We developed a murine model of TDI-induced asthma which caused the infl ux of infl ammatory cells like eosinophils and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fl uid (BALF) in the TDI-treated mice. The increase of the concentration of some proinfl ammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4) in BALF from the exposed mice was also observed.

5

Work-related respiratory symptoms among health centres cleaners: A cross-sectional study

86%

Lipińska-Ojrzanowska A., Wiszniewska M., Świerczyńska-Machura D., Wittczak T., Nowakowska-Świrta E., Pałczyński C., Walusiak-Skorupa J.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2014

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vol. 27

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issue 3

460-466

EN

Objectives: Several studies, mostly based on questionnaire-derived data, have shown an increased risk of allergic diseases, especially asthma, among cleaners. The risk factors and etiological mechanisms are still being investigated. Occupational exposure to various chemical and biological agents may induce specific sensitization and/or irritant effects. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of work-related symptoms suggesting the presence of allergic disease reported by cleaners, and to relate them to the results of commercially available and standardized objective tests used for screening detection of occupational sensitization and chronic respiratory disorders. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 142 Polish workers of cleaning service in their workplaces. A detailed questionnaire, skin prick tests to common allergens and chemicals used by these workers for cleaning purposes (chloramine T, chlorhexidine, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, benzalconium chloride), total and specific serum IgE antibodies to disinfectants and rest spirometry were performed in all the subjects. Results: Fifty nine percent of all the subjects declared occurrence of at least 1 symptom suggesting allergic ailment during cleaning activities at work. Skin prick tests and specific serum IgE antibodies to disinfectants were negative in all the subjects. In 8 cases wheezing was detected during auscultation, but only in 5 of them obstructive pattern in rest spirometry was found. Conclusions: Occupational allergic causation of symptoms among cleaners could be less likely than work-related symptoms associated with exacerbations of new-onset or pre-existing respiratory diseases. Therefore, in this group of workers, mainly the non-specific irritant impact of chemicals on airways should be taken into consideration.

6

Occupational asthma caused by samba (Triplochiton scleroxylon) wood dust in a professional maker of wooden models of airplanes: A case study

86%

Krawczyk-Szulc P., Wiszniewska M., Pałczyński C., Nowakowska-Świrta E., Kozak A., Walusiak-Skorupa J.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2014

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vol. 27

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issue 3

512-519

EN

Objectives: Wood dust is a known occupational allergen that may induce, in exposed workers, respiratory diseases including asthma and allergic rhinitis. Samba (obeche, Triplochiton scleroxylon) is a tropical tree, which grows in West Africa, therefore, Polish workers are rarely exposed to it. This paper describes a case of occupational asthma caused by samba wood dust. Material and Methods: The patient with suspicion of occupational asthma due to wood dust was examined at the Department of Occupational Diseases and Clinical Toxicology in the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine. Clinical evaluation included: analysis of occupational history, skin prick tests (SPT) to common and occupational allergens, determination of serum specific IgE to occupational allergens, serial spirometry measurements, metacholine challenge test and specific inhalation challenge test with samba dust. Results: SPT and specific serum IgE assessment revealed sensitization to common and occupational allergens including samba. Spirometry measurements showed mild obstruction. Metacholine challenge test revealed a high level of bronchial hyperactivity. Specific inhalation challenge test was positive and cellular changes in nasal lavage and induced sputum confirmed allergic reaction to samba. Conclusions: IgE mediated allergy to samba wood dust was confirmed. This case report presents the first documented occupational asthma and rhinitis due to samba wood dust in wooden airplanes model maker in Poland.

7

Contact blepharoconjunctivitis due to black henna - A case report

86%

Pas-Wyroślak A., Wiszniewska M., Kręcisz B., Świerczyńska-Machura D., Pałczyński C., Walusiak-Skorupa J.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2012

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vol. 25

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issue 2

196-199

EN

Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) can induce immediate or – more often – delayed hypersensitivity. We report the case of 48-year old female admitted to the out-patient allergy clinic a day after her visit in a beauty parlour, where she had her eyelashes and eyebrows dyed with henna. Physical examination revealed prominent edema of the upper part of the face including forehead, cheeks and eyes causing severe narrowing of the palpebral chink. Skin prick tests (SPT) with common allergens were positive for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and moulds, while the SPT with PPD was negative. Patch test to PPD was positive. Further investigations revealed eosinophilia in the tear fluid. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PPD-induced contact blepharoconjunctivitis (CB) with concomitant increased eosinophilia in the tear fluid.

8

Metal-induced asthma and chest X-ray changes in welders

86%

Wittczak T., Dudek W., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Świerczyńska-Machura D., Cader W., Kowalczyk M., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2012

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vol. 25

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issue 3

242-250

EN

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the coexisting factors and usefulness of diagnostic methods in metal-induced asthma in Polish welders. Materials and Methods: Examination of 50 welders occupationally exposed to metals and with suspicion of metal-induced asthma (group A), 100 welders occupationally exposed to metals but without suspicion of metal-induced asthma (group B), and two control groups (10 patients with atopic asthma and 10 healthy subjects) was carried out. Questionnaire survey, clinical examination, skin prick tests to common aeroallergens and metal salts, rest spirometry tests, X-ray, metacholine challenge and a single-blind, placebo controlled specific inhalation challenge tests with metals (or work-like conditions challenge tests) were performed. Results: In group A – in 9 cases we obtained positive results of specific inhalation challenge tests with metals (in 3 cases with nickel, in 4 cases with chromium, in 1 case with cobalt and in 1 case with manganese). Nine cases of metal-induced occupational asthma were recognized. In group B – only in one case we obtained positive results of work-like conditions challenge test (clinical and spirometry changes, eosinophil influx in induced sputum), which confirmed the diagnosis of occupational asthma. In most of examined welders (62%), pulmonary changes in chest X-ray images were noted. The statistical analysis revealed that working as a welder for more than 10 years is the coexisting factor of presence of chest X-ray changes (p- or q-type nodular changes or interstitial changes). Positive results of skin prick tests with metal salts were the coexisting factors of occupational asthma due to metals among examined group of welders. Conclusions: Specific inhalation challenge plays the key role in diagnostics of metal-induced asthma in welders. Pulmonary changes in chest X-ray were found in a significant percentage of examined welders.

9

Occupational exposure to diisocyanates in polyurethane foam factory workers

73%

Świerczyńska-Machura D., Brzeźnicki S., Nowakowska-Świrta E., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Wittczak T., Dudek W., Bonczarowska M., Wesolowski W., Czerczak S., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 6

985-998

EN

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate health effects of occupational exposure to diisocyanates (DIC) among polyurethane foam products factory workers. Material and Methods Thirty workers had a physical examination, skin prick tests with common allergens, allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to diisocyanates and pulmonary function tests. Concentrations of selected isocyanates in the workplace air samples as well as concentration of their metabolites in the urine samples collected from the workers of the plant were determined. Results The most frequent work-related symptoms reported by the examined subjects were rhinitis and skin symptoms. Sensitization to at least 1 common allergen was noted in 26.7% of the subjects. Spirometry changes of bronchial obstruction of a mild degree was observed in 5 workers. The specific IgE antibodies to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4,4’-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) were not detected in any of the patients’ serum. Cellular profiles of the collected induced sputum (ISP) did not reveal any abnormalities. Air concentrations of TDI isomers ranged 0.2–58.9 μg/m³ and in 7 cases they exceeded the Combined Exposure Index (CEI) value for those compounds. Concentrations of TDI metabolites in post-shift urine samples were significantly higher than in the case of pre-shift urine samples and in 6 cases they exceeded the British Biological Monitoring Guidance Value (BMGV – 1 μmol amine/mol creatinine). We didn’t find a correlation between urinary concentrations of TDI, concentrations in the air and concentrations of toluenediamine (TDA) in the post shift urine samples. Lack of such a correlation may be an effect of the respiratory protective equipment use. Conclusions Determination of specific IgE in serum is not sensitive enough to serve as a biomarker. Estimation of concentrations of diisocyanate metabolites in urine samples and the presence of work-related allergic symptoms seem to be an adequate method for occupational exposure monitoring of DIC, which may help to determine workers at risk as well as to recognize hazardous workplaces.

10

The prevalence of asthma work relatedness: Preliminary data

73%

Dudek W., Kupryś-Lipińska I., Wittczak T., Świerczyńska-Machura D., Kupczyk M., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Kuna P., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 6

1025-1029

EN

Objectives About 5–10% of asthmatics do not respond well to standard treatment plan. Occupational exposure may be one of the factors that can be linked with treatment failure. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of work-related asthma (WRA) among adult asthmatics under follow up in an outpatient allergy clinic and to create a useful tool for detecting individuals with possible WRA. Material and Methods Preliminary 5-question questionnaire designed to recognize WRA was presented to 300 asthmatics. All patients with positive preliminary verification along with 50 subjects from control group were asked to fill up a detailed questionnaire. The WRA was diagnosed by positive match for asthma symptoms in combination with workplace exposure indicated in the detailed WRA questionnaire followed by confirmation of each WRA case by detailed exposure analysis. Results Work-related asthma was recognized in 63 subjects (21% of study group). The preliminary questionnaire has 76.9% sensitivity and 94% specificity in recognition of WRA. Occupational exposure to irritants is a risk factor of WRA recognition (relative risk (RR) = 2.09 (1.44:3.03)). Working in exposure-free environment is a factor against WRA recognition (RR = 0.38 (0.24:0.61)). Among subjects with work-related asthma, the uncontrolled course of the disease is significantly more frequent (p = 0.012). Subjects with WRA more often report sickness absenteeism due to asthma than those without WRA (9.6% vs. 3.2%, respectively), but the observed differences did not reach the statistical significance. Conclusions Short 5-question questionnaire seems to be a promising tool to detect individuals with possible work-related asthma in the outpatient setting for further evaluation and additional attention.

Refine search results

Work-related symptoms among workers exposed to black tea dust

Occupational allergy to birds within the population of Polish bird keepers employed in zoo gardens

Occupational allergy to Limonium sinuatum - a case report

Immunological determinants in a murine model of toluene diisocyanate-induced asthma

Work-related respiratory symptoms among health centres cleaners: A cross-sectional study

Occupational asthma caused by samba (Triplochiton scleroxylon) wood dust in a professional maker of wooden models of airplanes: A case study

Contact blepharoconjunctivitis due to black henna - A case report

Metal-induced asthma and chest X-ray changes in welders

Occupational exposure to diisocyanates in polyurethane foam factory workers

The prevalence of asthma work relatedness: Preliminary data