Respiratory effects of occupational exposures in a milk powder factory

Abstract

Ingestion of milk powder is a known cause of allergies in children, but the risks to respiratory health from exposure to inhaled milk powder have not been studied previously. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of occupational exposures in a milk powder factory on respiratory symptoms and lung function.A cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 milk powder factory workers (response rate 77%) and 76 office workers (73%) from four factories in Thailand. All participants answered a questionnaire and performed spirometry. Measurements of concentrations of dust were used to give additional information on exposures.Mean respirable dust concentrations in the factory were 0.02-2.18 mg?m -3. The risk of breathlessness and nasal symptoms were significantly increased in production and packing staff. The risk of skin symptoms was significantly increased in those adding vitamin mixture to milk powder. Factory workers showed significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second measured as percentage of predicted value.The present study provides new evidence that workers exposed to milk powder by inhalation are at an increased risk of nasal symptoms, wheezing and breathlessness, and exhibit reduced spirometric lung function, even at relatively low air concentrations of milk dust.

Effects of occupational exposures and smoking on lung function in tile factory workers

“…They included 186 production workers, 7 warehouse workers, 16 maintenance staV, and 23 quality control staV. Altogether 76 oYce workers (response rate 73%) from four factories formed the unexposed control population, including 16 from this tile factory, 18 from a wood furniture factory, 24 from a milk powder factory, and 18 from a microWber factory (Sripaiboonkij et al 2008;2009a and b). OYce workers were managers, other administrative staV, chauVeurs, and security staV checking ID badges at the gate.…”

Vitamins as asthmagens in the workplace: Table 1—

“…Apparent differences in FIP values between studies are most likely explained by the small numbers of participants in both studies. In addition, the FeNO values at low flows, known to predominantly influence Daw, NO and Caw,NO [1] differed between studies. The majority of mothers of control infants in the present study were atopic and this is relavent since maternal atopy is known to influence nitric oxide in infants [9].…”

“…The cross-sectional study by SRIPAIBOONKIJ et al [1] on 167 milk powder factory workers from four factories in Thailand reported an increased risk of developing work related symptoms compared with office workers. Milk protein allergy as a cause of occupational asthma is well recognised.…”

“…Breathlessness and nasal symptoms were increased in packing workers, who were also exposed to vitamins in their work. SRIPAIBOONKIJ et al [1] suggest that the skin symptoms were probably related to natural rubber latex from the factory workers' gloves.…”

Workshop – Cough: Exercise, speech and music

“…Some singers are convinced of this process, others think it is a myth. Workers on the production line of a powdered milk factory complain of cough and wheezing far more than those in adjacent offices [52], but this is probably not surprising and may be irrelevant to singing.…”