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- Title
Wheat allergen exposure and the prevalence of work-related sensitization and allergy in bakery workers.
- Authors
Jacobs, J. H.; Meijster, T.; Meijer, E.; Suarthana, E.; Heederik, D.
- Abstract
Background: Occupational airway diseases are common among bakers. The present study describes the association between exposure to wheat allergen levels and sensitization to wheat allergens, work-related upper and lower respiratory symptoms and asthma in bakery workers. Methods: As part of a Health Surveillance System for early detection of (allergic) occupational airway diseases a so-called ‘validation study’ was performed among Dutch bakers for validation of a diagnostic model that predict the likelihood of sensitization to specific workplace allergens. The present study used serology and questionnaire results of a subgroup of 860 bakers participating in the validation study. An earlier developed job-exposure matrix was used to predict average and cumulative personal exposure to wheat allergens. Results: The prevalence of wheat sensitization, work-related respiratory symptoms and asthma increased till average wheat exposure levels of approximately 25–30 μg/m3, leveled off and decreased at higher exposure concentrations. Exposure–response curves showed a stronger pronounced bell-shape with cumulative exposure. Associations were strongest for asthma and work-related lower respiratory symptoms (PR∼2 and PR∼3.5–4.5 for average and cumulative exposure, respectively). Associations were only found in atopics. Wheat sensitization was an important factor in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: In accordance with earlier studies, the present study showed a bell-shaped exposure–response relationship especially for cumulative wheat allergen exposure with sensitization, allergic respiratory symptoms and asthma. The healthy worker effect may be the possible explanation for the bell-shaped relationship.
- Subjects
ALLERGENS; WHEAT diseases &; pests; BAKERY employees; ASTHMATICS; RESPIRATORY allergy
- Publication
Allergy, 2008, Vol 63, Issue 12, p1597
- ISSN
0105-4538
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01698.x