Professional paper

Respiratory Function and Allergic Reactions in Paper Recycling Workers

Eugenija Žuškin
Jadranka Mustajbegović
Božica Kanceljak-Macan
Jelena Macan
Vlasta Dečković-Vukres
Ksenija Vitale

Abstract

Respiratory function and allergic reactions were studied in 101 male workers in paper recycling and in 87 nonexposed male control workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves with readings on forced vital capacity (FVC), one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and maximum expiratory flows at 50% and the last 25% (FEF50 and FEF25, respectively). Skin prick test with paper dust allergens, some nonoccupational allergens, and total immunoglobulin IgE analysis were used to assess immunological status. Significantly higher prevalences of all chronic respiratory symptoms were recorded in the exposed workers than in controls. The highest prevalence was recorded for chronic cough (36.6%), followed by chronic phlegm (34.7%), chronic bronchitis (33.7%), sinusitis (31.7%), nasal catarrh (29.7%), and dyspnea (16.8%). Occupational asthma was diagnosed in four paper recycling workers only (4.0%). FEF50 and FEF25 values were significantly lower than predicted, indicating obstructive changes located mostly in the smaller airways. Skin tests to paper allergens were found positive in 16 (15.8%) paper recycling workers and none in controls. An increase in total immunoglobulin IgE was found in 21% of paper recycling workers and 5% of controls (P<0.05). Our data indicate that exposure to air pollutants in paper recycling industry may lead to the development of respiratory symptoms accompanied by lung function and immunological impairment.

Keywords

allergic reactions; allergologic testing; paper recycling; respiratory function; respiratory symptoms; ventilatory capacity; workers

Hrčak ID:

3312

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/3312

Publication date:

17.12.1998.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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