Prevention of Work-related Asthma: Study Search Results

Study Details
Prevention LevelPrimary
AuthorFishwick D
Study Year2011
CountryUK
Molecular Weight of AgentHMW
CategoryPlants
AgentFlour dust
OccupationBakers
Outcome/DiagnosisRespiratory symptoms and sensitization
Activity InterventionWorkplace training programs
Participation Rate69% (264 of 380) subjects completed the assessments.
Intervention EffectivenessCurrent flour exposed workers being warned of the health implications were statistically more likely <ul> <li> To have been aware of the existence of exposure limits for flour (63 versus 48%, p<0.05)</li> <li> To keep flour dust levels down (44 versus 30%, p<0.05)</li> <li> To use respiratory protective equipment (93 versus 59%, p<0.01)</li> <li> To have commenced a health surveillance program (83 versus 41%, p<0.001)</li></ul> Work-related respiratory symptoms in those with current flour exposure according to whether workers were warned about the health implications of breathing flour dust: n (%) <ul> <li> Cough: 5 (7) vs 11 (10)</li> <li> Chest tightness: 3 (4) vs 14 (13)</li> <li> Wheeze: 1 (1) vs 12 (11) </li> <li> Dyspnoea 3 (4) vs 7 (6)</li> <li> Nasal symptoms 10 (14) vs 22 (20) </li> <li> Any lower respiratory 9 (12) vs 26 (24) </li> <li> Any symptoms 14 (19) vs 35 (31)</li></ul> Specific sensitization to workplace allergens was more prevalent but not significant at the 5% level in those not warned about the effects of flour dust.
Page last reviewed: May 25, 2022