Airway Function and Respiratory Symptoms in Sanitation Workers

Zuśkin, E; Mustajbegović, Jadranka; En, Schachter; Kern, Josipa; Pavicic, D.; Budak, A

doi:10.1097/00043764-199605000-00013

Cited by 16 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Likewise, no clinically significant decrease in FVC, FEV 1 , or FEV 1 /FVC was found. Thus, there is some heterogeneity between the conclusions of studies on this topic (Thorn et al 2002;Yang et al 2001;Bunger et al 2000;Friis et al 1999;Rylander 1999;Thorn et al 1998;Ivens et al 1997;Zuskin et al 1996;Poulsen et al 1995;Sigsgaard et al 1994;Zuskin et al 1993;Malmros et al 1992;Nethercott and Holness 1988;Rylander et al 1977;Rufener-Press et al 1976). Both true differences in exposure and methodological factors explain these apparently contradictory findings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clara cell protein and surfactant protein�B in garbage collectors and in wastewater workers exposed to bioaerosols

Steiner¹,

Jeggli²,

Tschopp

et al. 2005

Int Arch Occup Environ Health

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Objectives: Inhalation of bioaerosols has been hypothesised to cause ''toxic pneumonitis'' that should increase lung epithelial permeability at the bronchioloalveolar level. Serum Clara cell protein (CC16) and serum surfactant protein B (SPB) have been proposed as sensitive markers of lung epithelial injury. This study was aimed at looking for increased lung epithelial permeability by determining CC16 and SPB in workers exposed to bioaerosols from wastewater or garbage. Methods: Subjects (778 wastewater, garbage and control workers; participation 61%) underwent a medical examination, lung function tests [American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria], and determination of CC16 and SPB. Symptoms of endotoxin exposure and several potential confounders (age, gender, smoking, kidney function, obesity) were looked for. Results were examined with multiple linear or logistic regression. Results: Exposure to bioaerosols increased CC16 concentration in the wastewater workers. No effect of exposure on SPB was found. No clue to work-related respiratory diseases was found. Conclusions: The increase in CC16 in serum supports the hypothesis that bioaerosols cause subclinical ''toxic pneumonitis'', even at low exposure.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clara cell protein and surfactant protein�B in garbage collectors and in wastewater workers exposed to bioaerosols

Steiner¹,

Jeggli²,

Tschopp

et al. 2005

Int Arch Occup Environ Health

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“…Various studies have been conducted inside and outside of Japan regarding the safety and health of garbage collectors (GC). There are several study reports on respiratory symptoms caused by dust, mites, and bacteria in Europe [1][2][3] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Field Study on the Physiological Workload of Garbage Collectors in the Japanese Summer

2012

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A field study designed to reveal the physiological workload on garbage collectors (GC) was conducted in Japan. Three drivers who only operated a garbage truck, three loaders who actually collected as a team, three solo collectors, and one clerical worker, totaling 10 male workers participated in this study. The ambient temperature and the relative humidity, activity intensity, and heart rate were measured on the three days in July. The mean heart rate of the workers, excluding the clerical worker, was 97.5 bpm. There were cases in which the heart rate limit, as defined by ACGIH, was exceeded, including a case in which the loader sustainably exceeded this limit for over an hour. There were 10 worker-days in which the 58%HRmax level (corresponding to the permissible limit specified in the Netherlands) was exceeded based on the findings of the 18 worker-days for the loaders and solo collectors. There were many cases in which the energetic load of GC in the humid summertime in Japan exceeded the permissible limits as established in the U.S.A. and the Netherlands. The careful inspection of the actual work conditions and improvements in the work environment should be implemented for the occupational safety and health of GC.

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“…The health risks associated with this type of industry are, however, not yet clear. The few studies that assessed health risks [1][2][3][4][5][6] showed that workers in waste handling, particularly workers collecting and processing domestic organic waste for composting, are at risk of developing various health effects-such as respiratory symptoms, systemic influenza-like symptoms, and gastrointestinal problems.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Upper airway inflammation and respiratory symptoms in domestic waste collectors

Wouters

Hilhorst²,

Kleppe³

et al. 2002

Occup Environ Med

113

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Objectives: To compare respiratory symptoms and upper airway inflammation in domestic waste collectors and controls, and to find the association between measures of upper airway inflammation on the one hand and exposure concentrations of organic dust or respiratory symptoms on the other hand. Methods: In a cross sectional study among 47 waste collectors and 15 controls, questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms were collected. Nasal lavage (NAL), to assess upper airway inflammation, was performed before and after a work shift at the beginning and at the end of the working week. In NAL fluid, cells were counted and differentiated and concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL6), IL8, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and IL1β were measured. In collectors, inhalable dust samples were collected in which bacterial endotoxin and mould β(1→3)-glucan were assessed. Results: Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher in waste collectors than in controls. Geometric mean exposure concentrations were 0.58 mg/m 3 for dust, 39 EU/m 3 for endotoxin, and 1.3 µg/m 3 for β(1→3)-glucan. At the end of the week collectors had higher concentrations of total cells and IL8 in NAL before and after a shift than controls (cells, before 1.9-fold p<0.10, after 3.3-fold p<0.01; IL8, before and after 1.8-fold p<0.05), and after/before work shift ratios of total cells were also higher (2.3-fold p=0.06) in collectors than in controls. Cells in NAL fluid consisted predominantly of neutrophils and epithelial cells, whereas eosinophils and mononuclear cells were rarely found. Exposure to dust and endotoxin was associated with concentrations of IL8 after the shift (p<0.05). Increased concentrations of IL8 (p<0.05) and total cells (p<0.10) after the shift were associated with respiratory symptoms. Concentrations of IL6, TNFα, and IL1β were not associated with waste collecting, symptoms, or exposure. Conclusions: Waste collectors show signs of increased upper airway inflammation and respiratory symptoms compared with controls. Exposure to organic dust probably underlies the inflammation mediated by neutrophils that result in respiratory symptoms.

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Airway Function and Respiratory Symptoms in Sanitation Workers

Cited by 16 publications

References 12 publications

Clara cell protein and surfactant protein�B in garbage collectors and in wastewater workers exposed to bioaerosols

Clara cell protein and surfactant protein�B in garbage collectors and in wastewater workers exposed to bioaerosols

A Field Study on the Physiological Workload of Garbage Collectors in the Japanese Summer

Upper airway inflammation and respiratory symptoms in domestic waste collectors

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