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Summary Serological measurements of specific IgE to Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus and grass pollen showed statistically highly significant correlations with prick test reactions, the sizes of weals elicited, nasal tests and the clinical history. In subjects with negative prick tests, intracutaneous tests gave reactions which were not associated with specific IgE or reactions to nasal tests. Highly significant correlations were also found between total IgE values and prick test reactions to the allergens tested and to 48/80 but not to histamine; there was a negative correlation with reactions to anti‐IgE serum. The reactions to prick tests identified almost all subjects with specific IgE.

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Summary This paper describes the investigation of respiratory disease presenting in a group of men employed on the printing floor of a factory. The air‐conditioning units supplying this floor were found to be contaminated with a variety of micro‐organisms. The specific cause of the disease was not identified but an alteration in the system of humidification led to the complete resolution of symptoms.

History of acute symptoms (cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, stuffy nose, and skin itching/rash) following exposure to grain dust was obtained from 661 male and 535 female current and former farmers. These symptoms were relatively common: 60% of male and 25% of female farmers reported at least one such symptom on exposure to grain dust. Association of cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and stuffy nose with skin reactivity and capacity to form IgE is consistent with an allergic nature of these symptoms. Barley and oats dust were perceived as dust most often producing symptoms. On the other hand, grain fever showed a different pattern, i.e., it was not associated with either skin reactivity or total IgE. Smoking might modify the susceptibility to react to grain dust with symptoms. Only those who reported wheezing on exposure to grain dust may have an increased risk to develop chronic airflow obstruction.