Naslov
Immunological and respiratory changes in tobacco workers

Autori
Žuškin, Eugenija ; Mustajbegović, Jadranka ; Schachter, E. Neil ; Kanceljak, Božica ; Macan, Jelena ; Kern, Josipa ; Buneta, Lucija ; Pucarin-Cvetković, Jasna

Izvornik
American journal of industrial medicine (0271-3586) 45 (2004), 1; 76-83

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
tobacco workers ; respiratory function ; immunological status

Sažetak
Backgroud:Tobacco workers develop respiratory changes following occupational exposure to tobacco dust. Methods: This study investigated 102 tobacco workers as well as a group of 30 matched control workers. Immunological testing, symptom questionnaire, and lung function measurements were performed in all workers. Results: Increased total IgE was found in 12.7% of tobacco workers but in none of the controls (P<0.05). Increased specific IgE (tobacco allergen) was recorded in 26.7% of tobacco workers with positive skin tests to tobacco extract but in none of the controls (P<0.05). Regression analysis of ventilatory tests in female tobacco workers indicated a significant association of FEF75 to employment and smoking among workers with positive skin tests to tobacco. There were, however, no other associations between positive immunologic findings and lung function abnormalities and symptoms. Conclusions: Our study found increased immunological reactions in the tobacco workers. However, with the possible exception of lung function at low lung volume in female workers, these reactions do not appear to contribute significantly to the symptoms and lung function abnormalities seen in these workers.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

POVEZANOST RADA