Reduced lung function among sisal processors

Kayumba, Akwilina; Moen, Bente E.; Bråtveit, Magne; Eduard, Wijnand; Mashalla, Yohana

doi:10.1136/oem.2010.059592

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…However, these factors are unlikely to influence the higher prevalence of airway obstruction observed in the TAHs, despite a very low prevalence of current smokers (1%) suggesting that tobacco exposures were unlikely to be responsible for the obstructive lung disease burden observed. Compared with other Tanzanian working populations exposed to dusty jobs, the prevalence of airway obstruction in this study was relatively similar or slightly lower 62–66 …”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 42%

“…Compared with other Tanzanian working populations exposed to dusty jobs, the prevalence of airway obstruction in this study was relatively similar or slightly lower. [62][63][64][65][66] In this study, the overall prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness was higher in the SAHWs (14%) compared with TAHWs (8%). This could be explained by the use of a more sensitive test (MCT), compared to the pre-and post-BD spirometry used in the TAH.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 48%

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Work‐related allergy and asthma associated with cleaning agents in health workers in Southern African tertiary hospitals

Mwanga

Baatjies

Singh

et al. 2022

American J Industrial Med

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Background: Health workers (HWs) are exposed to diverse cleaning agents in large hospitals. This study determined the prevalence of work-related symptoms, allergic sensitization, and lung function abnormalities in HWs of two tertiary hospitals in Southern Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 699 HWs (South Africa: SAH, n = 346; Tanzania: TAH, n = 353) was conducted. Health outcomes were assessed using a standardized ECRHS questionnaire, immunological tests (specific IgE antibody to common aeroallergens and to occupational allergens: natural rubber latex [NRL] Hev b5 and Hev b6.02, chlorhexidine, and ortho-phthalaldehyde [OPA]), spirometry [pre-and postbronchodilator], methacholine challenge, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).Results: A large proportion of participants (78%) were women. Median age was 42 years, with 76% nurses, 12% cleaners, and 5% administrative workers. Current smoking was more common in SAHWs (12%) than TAHWs (1%). The overall prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma was 7%. Atopy was present in 43% of HWs, while 4% were sensitized to OPA, 2% to NRL, and 1% to chlorhexidine. Prevalence of work-related ocular-nasal symptoms (16%) was higher than skin (12%) and chest (7%) symptoms. TAHWs had significantly lower mean lung volumes, higher degrees of significant airflow obstruction and impaired lung function. The prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in SAHWs (14%) was high. Overall, 23% of HWs had abnormal FeNO; 6% having high (>50 ppb) levels. FeNO was positively associated with sensitization to occupational allergens, primarily OPA and NRL.Conclusions: HWs from both hospitals had similar prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms. Sensitization to OPA and NRL appears to be contributing to allergic airway inflammation in these HWs.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 42%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 48%

Work‐related allergy and asthma associated with cleaning agents in health workers in Southern African tertiary hospitals

Mwanga

Baatjies

Singh

et al. 2022

American J Industrial Med

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“…As has been mentioned, sisal production is labor intensive, but workers have also been documented to be exposed to health and safety hazards while harvesting and processing the fibers (Brockway, 1979 ; Sabea, 2001 ; Kayumba et al, 2007 , 2008a , b , 2009 , 2011 ). While some might consider this to be an issue that will eventually disappear with the overall decline of the industry, sisal fiber production has increased in recent years due to the development of new uses for sisal.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, prices of sisal fibers have in large measure not accounted for the aforementioned human capital costs and health risks of laborers, which are primarily located in developing nations (Brockway, 1979 ). While processing sisal, workers are exposed to high levels of dust, and have had high incidences of respiratory symptoms, which have led to reduced lung function (Stott, 1958 ; Mustafa et al, 1978 ; Baker et al, 1979 ; Zuskin et al, 1994 ; Kayumba et al, 2007 , 2008a , 2009 , 2011 ). If the sisal industry is to be revived, efforts need to be made to ensure safe working conditions for laborers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Agave as a model CAM crop system for a warming and drying world

Stewart

2015

Front. Plant Sci.

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As climate change leads to drier and warmer conditions in semi-arid regions, growing resource-intensive C3 and C4 crops will become more challenging. Such crops will be subjected to increased frequency and intensity of drought and heat stress. However, agaves, even more than pineapple (Ananas comosus) and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica and related species), typify highly productive plants that will respond favorably to global warming, both in natural and cultivated settings. With nearly 200 species spread throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, agaves have evolved traits, including crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), that allow them to survive extreme heat and drought. Agaves have been used as sources of food, beverage, and fiber by societies for hundreds of years. The varied uses of Agave, combined with its unique adaptations to environmental stress, warrant its consideration as a model CAM crop. Besides the damaging cycles of surplus and shortage that have long beset the tequila industry, the relatively long maturation cycle of Agave, its monocarpic flowering habit, and unique morphology comprise the biggest barriers to its widespread use as a crop suitable for mechanized production. Despite these challenges, agaves exhibit potential as crops since they can be grown on marginal lands, but with more resource input than is widely assumed. If these constraints can be reconciled, Agave shows considerable promise as an alternative source for food, alternative sweeteners, and even bioenergy. And despite the many unknowns regarding agaves, they provide a means to resolve disparities in resource availability and needs between natural and human systems in semi-arid regions.

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Agave sisalana

Lim¹

2013

Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants

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Reduced lung function among sisal processors

Abstract: The results indicate a relationship between work in sisal brushing departments and the development of obstructive lung disorders.

Cited by 3 publications

References 15 publications

Work‐related allergy and asthma associated with cleaning agents in health workers in Southern African tertiary hospitals

Work‐related allergy and asthma associated with cleaning agents in health workers in Southern African tertiary hospitals

Agave as a model CAM crop system for a warming and drying world

Agave sisalana

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