Review article
Reactions of the respiratory system to exposure to organic aerosols
Eugenija Žuškin
; Škola narodnog zdravlja »Andrija Štampar« Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Božica Kanceljak
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Marko Šarić
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jadranka Mustajbegović
; Škola narodnog zdravlja »Andrija Štampar« Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Viktorija Bradić
; Croatia osiguranje d.d., Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The effects of organic aerosols (coffee, teas, spices, confectionery, soy, animal feed) on the respiratory system of workers occupationally exposed to these aerosols are presented. Described are possible mechanisms responsible for the development of respiratory impairment. Our studies indicate the possibility of development of respiratory impairment in exposed workers. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases varied from 2.7 to 56.3% and of acute symptoms from 9.9 to 78.9% of exposed workers. Statistically significant acute reductions of ventilatory capacity (FVC, FEV1, FEF50, FEF25) were recorded duing the work shift. Described are some immunological changes which can develop in exposure to organic aerosols. Experimental studies with water organic dust extracts on isolated guinea pig trachea suggest that bronohoconstrictive changes in humans may be reproduced in non-sensitized guinea pigs. The need for taking preventive medical examinations in order to prevent development of respiratory and/or immunological impairment is stressed.
Keywords
immunological reactions; occupational exposure; prevention; respiratory functio
Hrčak ID:
145107
URI
Publication date:
15.7.1996.
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