Occupational Allergy and Asthma Among Salt Water Fish Processing Workers | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

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Citation
Tags

HERO ID

2139590

Reference Type

Journal Article

Title

Occupational Allergy and Asthma Among Salt Water Fish Processing Workers

Author(s)

Jeebhay, MF; Robins, TG; Miller, ME; Bateman, E; Smuts, M; Baatjies, R; Lopata, AL

Year

2008

Is Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Journal

American Journal of Industrial Medicine
ISSN: 0271-3586
EISSN: 1097-0274

Volume

Issue

Page Numbers

899-910

Language

English

PMID

18726880

DOI

10.1002/ajim.20635

Web of Science Id

WOS:000261198400002

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fish processing is a common economic activity in Southern Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and host determinants of allergic symptoms, allergic sensitization, bronchial hyper-responsiveness and asthma among workers processing saltwater fish.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 594 currently employed workers in two processing plants involved in pilchard canning and fishmeal processing. A modified European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire was used. Skin prick tests (SPT) used extracts of common airborne allergens, fresh fish (pilchard, anchovy, maasbanker, mackerel, red eye) and fishmeal. Spirometry and methacholine challenge tests (MCTs; tidal breathing method) used ATS guidelines.

RESULTS: Work-related ocular-nasal symptoms (26%) were more common than asthma symptoms (16%). The prevalence of atopy was 36%, while 7% were sensitized to fish species and 26% had NSBH (PC(20) < or = 8 mg/ml or > or =12% increase in FEV(1) post-bronchodilator). The prevalence of probable occupational asthma was 1.8% and fish allergic rhino-conjunctivitis 2.6%. Women were more likely to report work-related asthma symptoms (OR = 1.94) and have NSBH (OR = 3.09), while men were more likely to be sensitized to fish (OR = 2.06) and have airway obstruction (OR = 4.17). Atopy (OR = 3.16) and current smoking (OR = 2.37), but not habitual seafood consumption were associated with sensitization to fish.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on comparison with previous published studies, the prevalence of occupational asthma to salt water fish is lower than due to shellfish. The gendered distribution of work and exposures in fish processing operations together with atopy and cigarette smoking are important determinants of occupational allergy and asthma.

Keywords

fish processing; occupational allergy; work-related asthma; atopy; smoking; gender