Organic dust exposure and work-related effects among recycling workers

Gladding, Toni; Thorn, Jorgen and Stott, David (2003). Organic dust exposure and work-related effects among recycling workers. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 43(6) pp. 584–591.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.10220

Abstract

Objective

To study organic dust exposure and work-related symptoms and effects in Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs).

Methods

159 MRF workers (91%) from nine MRFs participated. Measurements of airborne total dust, endotoxin and (1→3)-ß-D-glucan were made and cross-sectional questionnaires were carried out. Blood data was restricted to MRFs 4, 7 and 9 (45 workers). Blood sampling investigated differential cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and immunoglobulin (Ig)E.

Results

Workers exposed to higher amounts of endotoxin and (1→3)-ß-D-glucan, had an increased risk for respiratory symptoms as compared to those with lower exposure. Stomach problems and nausea were associated to higher (1→3)-ß-D-glucan exposure. MRF 4 had a higher (1→3)-ß-D-glucan exposure compared to 7 and 9, and respiratory symptoms, unusual tiredness and vomiting were reported more often in MRF 4. Monocyte numbers and ESR were significantly decreased in MRF 4 compared to MRF 7 and 9.

Conclusion

The results suggest that MRF workers exposed to higher levels of endotoxin and (1→3)-ß-D-glucan exhibit various work-related symptoms. The decrease in ESR and monocyte numbers related to (1→3)-ß-D-glucan exposure can indicate that this agent has a blocking effect on the inflammatory response in blood.

Viewing alternatives

Metrics

Public Attention

Altmetrics from Altmetric

Number of Citations

Citations from Dimensions
No digital document available to download for this item

Item Actions

Export

About