Respiratory symptoms and abnormalities of lung function were studied in 84 female and 27 male hemp workers employed in two textile mills (A and B) processing soft hemp (C sativa). In mill A 46 women and 27 men were investigated and 38 female workers were studied in mill B. Forty nine women and 30 men from a non-dusty industry served as controls. A significantly higher prevalence of almost all chronic respiratory symptoms was found in female hemp workers when compared to control workers. Among the men these differences were significant for nasal catarrh and sinusitis. A high prevalence of byssinosis was found among female hemp workers in both mills (group A, 47-8%; group B, 57-9%) as well as in the male workers (66 7%). Statistically significant across shift reductions in lung function were found for all ventilatory capacity measurements in female and male hemp workers varying from 7-1% for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV,) to 15-1% for flow rates at 50% vital capacity (FEF,4). Measured Monday baseline values before the work shift were significantly lower than expected for hemp workers, being particularly reduced for FEF,, and FEF5,. The data suggest that occupational exposure to hemp dust is a significant risk factor for the development of acute and chronic lung disease in workers employed in this textile industry.In the early 18th century Ramazzini' recognised that hemp workers suffer from asthmatic symptoms due to occupational exposure to dust. More recently an asthma-like disease among hemp workers was

Exposure to aerosols of organic dusts such as coffee, tea, spices, soy, fur, and animal food in an occupational setting can affect the respiratory health of industrial workers. Based on our experience with workers from many small industries processing organic materials, we discuss the clinical features and possible mechanisms responsible for the respiratory impairment associated with these types of dust exposure. Significantly higher prevalences for most chronic respiratory symptoms were found among exposed workers than among control workers. Smoking appears to aggravate these symptoms. A large number of exposed workers complained of acute symptoms which developed during the work shift. In exposed workers, significant across-shift reductions in lung function were recorded for all spirometric tests, but particularly for the flow rates at 50% and 25% of vital capacity on maximum expiratory flow-volume curves. Comparison of preshift measured ventilatory capacity tests with predicted normal values indicates that these workers demonstrate obstructive changes affecting primarily flow rate at low lung volumes. The data suggest that exposure to organic aerosols in industrial settings, particularly in conjunction with smoking, may be associated with the development of chronic obstructive lung disease.

Separate diagnostic dust mite lists for the coastal and inland areas because of climatic and dwelling differences required to be implemented. Compared with traditional heating, central heating significantly increases the risk of exposure to Der f 1 levels >2 microg/g of dust (odds ratio, 7.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.43-37.87; P = 0.01).

Respiratory symptoms and lung function were studied in nine coffee workers who complained of job related respiratory symptoms. Six described symptoms characteristic of occupational asthma. Lung function data showed obstructive changes mostly in the smaller airways with no impairment in diffusing capacity. Bronchoprovocation testing with green coffee allergen provoked immediate asthmatic reactions with acute reductions of ventilatory capacity in four workers. The relative fall in FEF2575% (ranging from 28% to 66%) was greater than in FEV1 (ranging from 18% to 62% of the control values). Eight of the nine workers had an increased total IgE serum level; five had positive intradermal skin tests to green coffee allergen. Most of the six healthy subjects experimentally exposed to green coffee dust in the working environment showed an acute fall in flow rates on maximum expiratory flow-volume curves. These results indicate that bronchoprovocation with green coffee allergen or green coffee dust may be used to identify subjects sensitive to green coffee.Asthma or other allergic symptoms in coffee workers have been described by several authors suggesting a reagin mediated reaction to inhaled green coffee.' -5 In our epidemiological studies of the effect of coffee dust on respiratory function in coffee workers we found that several coffee processors complained of respiratory symptoms accompanied by acute or chronic changes in lung function.67 Somazi and Wutrich showed an acute decrease in lung function after the inhalation of green coffee allergen,8 and Karr et al reported a fall in FEV, in two subjects after a bronchial provocation challenge with green coffee beans.5 Experimental studies with green and roasted coffee allergen on isolated guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle have indicated a bronchoconstrictive effect of green coffee dust.9In the present investigation lung function measurement and bronchial provocation testing with green coffee dust allergen were performed in coffee workers who complained of respiratory difficulties during the working shift. In addition, we studied acute lung function changes in healthy volunteers experimentally exposed to green coffee dust in the working environment. The following definitions were used:Chronic coughlphlegm-Cough or phlegm production or both on most days for at least three months in the year.Chronic bronchitis-Cough and phlegm for a minimum of three months in the year and for not less than two successive years.Dyspnoea grades-Grade 2: shortness of breath with hurrying on level ground or walking up a slight hill; grade 3: shortness of breath when walking with other people on level ground; grade 4: shortness of breath when walking at own pace on level ground.

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