Bronchial reactivity in green coffee exposure.

Abstract

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.

Evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility.

“…Some employees reported their nose and sinus symptoms were caused or aggravated by green coffee dust, chaff, or roasted coffee dust. Coffee dust is an organic dust and, as noted earlier, exposure to coffee dust is known to cause respiratory symptoms and a known risk factor for occupational asthma Zuskin et al 1979Zuskin et al , 1985Zuskin et al , 1993Thomas et al 1991;Sakwari et al 2013].…”

“…Green and roasted coffee dust and castor beans (from cross-contamination of bags used to transport coffee) are known risk factors for occupational asthma [Figley and Rawling 1950;Karr et al 1978;Zuskin et al 1979Zuskin et al , 1985Thomas 1991]. Persons who become sensitized (develop an immune reaction) to coffee dust can subsequently react to relatively low concentrations in the air.…”

Evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility and attached retail café.

“…Coffee dust is an organic dust known to cause respiratory symptoms [Zuskin et al 1993;Sakwari et al 2013]. Green and roasted coffee dust are known risk factors for occupational asthma [Figley and Rawling 1950;Karr et al 1978;Zuskin et al 1979Zuskin et al , 1985Thomas 1991]. Persons who become sensitized (develop an immune reaction) to coffee dust can subsequently react to relatively low concentrations in the air.…”

Evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility.

“…Coffee dust is an organic dust known to cause respiratory symptoms [Zuskin et al 1993;Sakwari et al 2013]. Green and roasted coffee dust and castor beans (from cross-contamination of bags used to transport coffee) are known risk factors for occupational asthma [Figley and Rawling 1950;Karr et al 1978;Zuskin et al 1979Zuskin et al , 1985Thomas 1991]. Persons who become sensitized (develop an immune reaction) to coffee dust can subsequently react to relatively low concentrations in the air.…”