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Torben Sigsgaard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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increased incidence of respiratory symptoms among female Woodworkers exposed to dry wood
European Respiratory Journal, 2009Co-Authors: Gitte Jacobsen, Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of new respiratory symptoms in relation to wood dust exposure in a 6-yr follow-up study. A total of 1,377 Woodworkers (1,137 males; 240 females) and 297 reference workers (137 males; 160 females) participated. Data on respiratory symptoms, employment and smoking habits were collected. Wood dust exposure was assessed from baseline dust measurements, and cumulative wood dust exposure was assessed by study-specific job exposure matrices and exposure time. The geometric mean (geometric sd) dust level decreased during the study period from 0.94 (2.1) to 0.60 (1.6) mg·m−3. Adjusted analysis revealed positive associations for cumulative incidence proportion of chronic bronchitis and daily coughing for female Woodworkers versus female reference workers. The cumulative incidence proportion of daily coughing and chronic bronchitis were found to be associated with baseline wood dust exposure in a dose-dependent manner. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for daily coughing (with reference to the lowest exposure quartile) was 1.6 (0.6–4.3), 3.2 (0.9–6.8) and 3.8 (1.5–9.7), respectively, in the second and third lowest and the highest quartile. The figures for chronic bronchitis were, accordingly, 2.3 (0.4–14.5), 3.0 (0.5–18.7) and 6.0 (1.2–28.8). In conclusion, female Woodworkers in this low exposure cohort showed an increased incidence of coughing and bronchitis, whereas no relations to wood dust exposure were seen for male Woodworkers.
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longitudinal lung function decline and wood dust exposure in the furniture industry
European Respiratory Journal, 2008Co-Authors: Gitte Jacobsen, Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, E Taudorf, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between change in lung function and cumulative exposure to wood dust. In total, 1,112 Woodworkers (927 males, 185 females) and 235 reference workers (104 males, 185 females) participated in a 6-yr longitudinal study. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC), height and weight were measured, and questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms, wood dust exposure and smoking habits were collected. Cumulative inhalable wood dust exposure was assessed using a study-specific job exposure matrix and exposure time. The median (range) for cumulative wood dust exposure was 3.75 (0-7.55) mg x year x m(-3). A dose-response relationship between cumulative wood dust exposure and percent annual decrease in FEV(1) was suggested for female workers. This was confirmed in a linear regression model adjusted for confounders, including smoking, height and age. An additional difference of -14.50 mL x yr(-1) and -27.97 mL x yr(-1) was revealed for females exposed to 3.75-4.71 mg x yr x m(-3) or to >4.71 mg x yr x m(-3), respectively, compared with non-/low-exposed females. For females, a positive trend between wood dust exposure and the cumulative incidence proportion of FEV(1)/FVC <70% was suggested. In conclusion, in the present low-exposed cohort, female Woodworkers had an accelerated decline in lung function, which may be clinically relevant.
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Indices of asthma among atopic and non-atopic Woodworkers.
Occupational and environmental medicine, 2004Co-Authors: Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, Dick Heederik, E Taudorf, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:Aims: To investigate the relation between wood dust exposure and different indices of asthma among Woodworkers and non-exposed subjects. Methods: A total of 302 Woodworkers and 71 non-exposed subjects answered a respiratory health questionnaire, underwent a non-specific bronchial provocation test using the Yan method, and received a skin prick test with 12 common inhalant allergens. Subgroups performed repeated peak flow monitoring and underwent a reversibility test. A total of 347 dust measurements among 234 Woodworkers were performed with passive dust monitors. Results: The overall geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) exposure to inhalable dust was 0.96 (2.02) mg/m3. There was a tendency to increased risk of asthma among atopic Woodworkers compared to atopic non-exposed subjects, with ORs between 3.0 (0.8–11.9) (symptomatic BHR) and 1.3 (0.5–4.2) (work related symptoms). In Woodworkers, asthma was associated with atopy, with ORs between 7.4 (2.8–19.7) (symptomatic BHR) and 4.2 (2.4–7.7) (asthma symptoms). Asthma was related to dust level, most pronounced for symptomatic BHR among atopics, with OR 22.9 (1.0–523.6) for the highest compared to the lowest dust level. For work related asthma symptoms the association with dust level was seen only for non-atopics. Conclusions: Wood dust exposure was associated with asthma, despite a low dust level compared to other studies. Atopy was an important effect modifier in the association between asthma and wood dust exposure.
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respiratory symptoms and lung function among danish Woodworkers
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2002Co-Authors: Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, E Taudorf, Anders B Mikkelsen, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:A cross-sectional study including 54 furniture factories and three control factories was conducted to survey lung function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Woodworkers. Spirometry was performed on 2423 persons. Questionnaires regarding respiratory symptoms and wood dust exposure were com
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nasal patency is related to dust exposure in Woodworkers
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2002Co-Authors: Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, Torben Sigsgaard, Niels Trolle Andersen, O F PedersenAbstract:Objectives: A cross sectional study of 54 furniture factories and three control factories was conducted to investigate the relation between subjective and objective nasal obstruction and exposure to wood dust. Methods: Acoustic rhinometry was performed on 161 Woodworkers and 19 controls. For each person, four measuring rounds were performed: before work, after 4 hours of work, and after 7 hours of work before and after decongestion. Before the first and third measuring round, each person rated the current feeling of nasal obstruction in the left and right nostril separately, using a visual analogue scale. Personal passive dust measurements were performed on 140 Woodworkers. Results: The mean (SD) of equivalent inhalable dust was relatively low, 1.17 (0.62) mg/m3, range 0.17–3.44 mg/m3. The exposure was divided into four levels: controls, low exposure, medium exposure, and high exposure. For the two highest concentrations of exposure, a significant increase in congestion—decreased nasal cavity volume and cross sectional areas—was found after 4 and 7 hours of work, compared with before work. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed positive correlations between concentration of dust and change in mucosal swelling. A significant increase in self rated nasal obstruction was found after work compared with before work for the two highest exposure groups. No correlation between objective nasal variables and self rated nasal obstruction was found. Conclusion: Exposure to wood dust was related in a dose dependent manner to acute nasal obstruction measured by acoustic rhinometry and self reported obstruction, but no correlation was found between measured and self reported obstruction.
Vivi Schlünssen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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increased incidence of respiratory symptoms among female Woodworkers exposed to dry wood
European Respiratory Journal, 2009Co-Authors: Gitte Jacobsen, Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of new respiratory symptoms in relation to wood dust exposure in a 6-yr follow-up study. A total of 1,377 Woodworkers (1,137 males; 240 females) and 297 reference workers (137 males; 160 females) participated. Data on respiratory symptoms, employment and smoking habits were collected. Wood dust exposure was assessed from baseline dust measurements, and cumulative wood dust exposure was assessed by study-specific job exposure matrices and exposure time. The geometric mean (geometric sd) dust level decreased during the study period from 0.94 (2.1) to 0.60 (1.6) mg·m−3. Adjusted analysis revealed positive associations for cumulative incidence proportion of chronic bronchitis and daily coughing for female Woodworkers versus female reference workers. The cumulative incidence proportion of daily coughing and chronic bronchitis were found to be associated with baseline wood dust exposure in a dose-dependent manner. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for daily coughing (with reference to the lowest exposure quartile) was 1.6 (0.6–4.3), 3.2 (0.9–6.8) and 3.8 (1.5–9.7), respectively, in the second and third lowest and the highest quartile. The figures for chronic bronchitis were, accordingly, 2.3 (0.4–14.5), 3.0 (0.5–18.7) and 6.0 (1.2–28.8). In conclusion, female Woodworkers in this low exposure cohort showed an increased incidence of coughing and bronchitis, whereas no relations to wood dust exposure were seen for male Woodworkers.
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longitudinal lung function decline and wood dust exposure in the furniture industry
European Respiratory Journal, 2008Co-Authors: Gitte Jacobsen, Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, E Taudorf, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between change in lung function and cumulative exposure to wood dust. In total, 1,112 Woodworkers (927 males, 185 females) and 235 reference workers (104 males, 185 females) participated in a 6-yr longitudinal study. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC), height and weight were measured, and questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms, wood dust exposure and smoking habits were collected. Cumulative inhalable wood dust exposure was assessed using a study-specific job exposure matrix and exposure time. The median (range) for cumulative wood dust exposure was 3.75 (0-7.55) mg x year x m(-3). A dose-response relationship between cumulative wood dust exposure and percent annual decrease in FEV(1) was suggested for female workers. This was confirmed in a linear regression model adjusted for confounders, including smoking, height and age. An additional difference of -14.50 mL x yr(-1) and -27.97 mL x yr(-1) was revealed for females exposed to 3.75-4.71 mg x yr x m(-3) or to >4.71 mg x yr x m(-3), respectively, compared with non-/low-exposed females. For females, a positive trend between wood dust exposure and the cumulative incidence proportion of FEV(1)/FVC <70% was suggested. In conclusion, in the present low-exposed cohort, female Woodworkers had an accelerated decline in lung function, which may be clinically relevant.
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Indices of asthma among atopic and non-atopic Woodworkers.
Occupational and environmental medicine, 2004Co-Authors: Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, Dick Heederik, E Taudorf, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:Aims: To investigate the relation between wood dust exposure and different indices of asthma among Woodworkers and non-exposed subjects. Methods: A total of 302 Woodworkers and 71 non-exposed subjects answered a respiratory health questionnaire, underwent a non-specific bronchial provocation test using the Yan method, and received a skin prick test with 12 common inhalant allergens. Subgroups performed repeated peak flow monitoring and underwent a reversibility test. A total of 347 dust measurements among 234 Woodworkers were performed with passive dust monitors. Results: The overall geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) exposure to inhalable dust was 0.96 (2.02) mg/m3. There was a tendency to increased risk of asthma among atopic Woodworkers compared to atopic non-exposed subjects, with ORs between 3.0 (0.8–11.9) (symptomatic BHR) and 1.3 (0.5–4.2) (work related symptoms). In Woodworkers, asthma was associated with atopy, with ORs between 7.4 (2.8–19.7) (symptomatic BHR) and 4.2 (2.4–7.7) (asthma symptoms). Asthma was related to dust level, most pronounced for symptomatic BHR among atopics, with OR 22.9 (1.0–523.6) for the highest compared to the lowest dust level. For work related asthma symptoms the association with dust level was seen only for non-atopics. Conclusions: Wood dust exposure was associated with asthma, despite a low dust level compared to other studies. Atopy was an important effect modifier in the association between asthma and wood dust exposure.
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respiratory symptoms and lung function among danish Woodworkers
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2002Co-Authors: Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, E Taudorf, Anders B Mikkelsen, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:A cross-sectional study including 54 furniture factories and three control factories was conducted to survey lung function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Woodworkers. Spirometry was performed on 2423 persons. Questionnaires regarding respiratory symptoms and wood dust exposure were com
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nasal patency is related to dust exposure in Woodworkers
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2002Co-Authors: Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, Torben Sigsgaard, Niels Trolle Andersen, O F PedersenAbstract:Objectives: A cross sectional study of 54 furniture factories and three control factories was conducted to investigate the relation between subjective and objective nasal obstruction and exposure to wood dust. Methods: Acoustic rhinometry was performed on 161 Woodworkers and 19 controls. For each person, four measuring rounds were performed: before work, after 4 hours of work, and after 7 hours of work before and after decongestion. Before the first and third measuring round, each person rated the current feeling of nasal obstruction in the left and right nostril separately, using a visual analogue scale. Personal passive dust measurements were performed on 140 Woodworkers. Results: The mean (SD) of equivalent inhalable dust was relatively low, 1.17 (0.62) mg/m3, range 0.17–3.44 mg/m3. The exposure was divided into four levels: controls, low exposure, medium exposure, and high exposure. For the two highest concentrations of exposure, a significant increase in congestion—decreased nasal cavity volume and cross sectional areas—was found after 4 and 7 hours of work, compared with before work. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed positive correlations between concentration of dust and change in mucosal swelling. A significant increase in self rated nasal obstruction was found after work compared with before work for the two highest exposure groups. No correlation between objective nasal variables and self rated nasal obstruction was found. Conclusion: Exposure to wood dust was related in a dose dependent manner to acute nasal obstruction measured by acoustic rhinometry and self reported obstruction, but no correlation was found between measured and self reported obstruction.
Inger Schaumburg - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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increased incidence of respiratory symptoms among female Woodworkers exposed to dry wood
European Respiratory Journal, 2009Co-Authors: Gitte Jacobsen, Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of new respiratory symptoms in relation to wood dust exposure in a 6-yr follow-up study. A total of 1,377 Woodworkers (1,137 males; 240 females) and 297 reference workers (137 males; 160 females) participated. Data on respiratory symptoms, employment and smoking habits were collected. Wood dust exposure was assessed from baseline dust measurements, and cumulative wood dust exposure was assessed by study-specific job exposure matrices and exposure time. The geometric mean (geometric sd) dust level decreased during the study period from 0.94 (2.1) to 0.60 (1.6) mg·m−3. Adjusted analysis revealed positive associations for cumulative incidence proportion of chronic bronchitis and daily coughing for female Woodworkers versus female reference workers. The cumulative incidence proportion of daily coughing and chronic bronchitis were found to be associated with baseline wood dust exposure in a dose-dependent manner. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for daily coughing (with reference to the lowest exposure quartile) was 1.6 (0.6–4.3), 3.2 (0.9–6.8) and 3.8 (1.5–9.7), respectively, in the second and third lowest and the highest quartile. The figures for chronic bronchitis were, accordingly, 2.3 (0.4–14.5), 3.0 (0.5–18.7) and 6.0 (1.2–28.8). In conclusion, female Woodworkers in this low exposure cohort showed an increased incidence of coughing and bronchitis, whereas no relations to wood dust exposure were seen for male Woodworkers.
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longitudinal lung function decline and wood dust exposure in the furniture industry
European Respiratory Journal, 2008Co-Authors: Gitte Jacobsen, Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, E Taudorf, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between change in lung function and cumulative exposure to wood dust. In total, 1,112 Woodworkers (927 males, 185 females) and 235 reference workers (104 males, 185 females) participated in a 6-yr longitudinal study. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC), height and weight were measured, and questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms, wood dust exposure and smoking habits were collected. Cumulative inhalable wood dust exposure was assessed using a study-specific job exposure matrix and exposure time. The median (range) for cumulative wood dust exposure was 3.75 (0-7.55) mg x year x m(-3). A dose-response relationship between cumulative wood dust exposure and percent annual decrease in FEV(1) was suggested for female workers. This was confirmed in a linear regression model adjusted for confounders, including smoking, height and age. An additional difference of -14.50 mL x yr(-1) and -27.97 mL x yr(-1) was revealed for females exposed to 3.75-4.71 mg x yr x m(-3) or to >4.71 mg x yr x m(-3), respectively, compared with non-/low-exposed females. For females, a positive trend between wood dust exposure and the cumulative incidence proportion of FEV(1)/FVC <70% was suggested. In conclusion, in the present low-exposed cohort, female Woodworkers had an accelerated decline in lung function, which may be clinically relevant.
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Indices of asthma among atopic and non-atopic Woodworkers.
Occupational and environmental medicine, 2004Co-Authors: Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, Dick Heederik, E Taudorf, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:Aims: To investigate the relation between wood dust exposure and different indices of asthma among Woodworkers and non-exposed subjects. Methods: A total of 302 Woodworkers and 71 non-exposed subjects answered a respiratory health questionnaire, underwent a non-specific bronchial provocation test using the Yan method, and received a skin prick test with 12 common inhalant allergens. Subgroups performed repeated peak flow monitoring and underwent a reversibility test. A total of 347 dust measurements among 234 Woodworkers were performed with passive dust monitors. Results: The overall geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) exposure to inhalable dust was 0.96 (2.02) mg/m3. There was a tendency to increased risk of asthma among atopic Woodworkers compared to atopic non-exposed subjects, with ORs between 3.0 (0.8–11.9) (symptomatic BHR) and 1.3 (0.5–4.2) (work related symptoms). In Woodworkers, asthma was associated with atopy, with ORs between 7.4 (2.8–19.7) (symptomatic BHR) and 4.2 (2.4–7.7) (asthma symptoms). Asthma was related to dust level, most pronounced for symptomatic BHR among atopics, with OR 22.9 (1.0–523.6) for the highest compared to the lowest dust level. For work related asthma symptoms the association with dust level was seen only for non-atopics. Conclusions: Wood dust exposure was associated with asthma, despite a low dust level compared to other studies. Atopy was an important effect modifier in the association between asthma and wood dust exposure.
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respiratory symptoms and lung function among danish Woodworkers
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2002Co-Authors: Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, E Taudorf, Anders B Mikkelsen, Torben SigsgaardAbstract:A cross-sectional study including 54 furniture factories and three control factories was conducted to survey lung function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Woodworkers. Spirometry was performed on 2423 persons. Questionnaires regarding respiratory symptoms and wood dust exposure were com
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nasal patency is related to dust exposure in Woodworkers
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2002Co-Authors: Vivi Schlünssen, Inger Schaumburg, Torben Sigsgaard, Niels Trolle Andersen, O F PedersenAbstract:Objectives: A cross sectional study of 54 furniture factories and three control factories was conducted to investigate the relation between subjective and objective nasal obstruction and exposure to wood dust. Methods: Acoustic rhinometry was performed on 161 Woodworkers and 19 controls. For each person, four measuring rounds were performed: before work, after 4 hours of work, and after 7 hours of work before and after decongestion. Before the first and third measuring round, each person rated the current feeling of nasal obstruction in the left and right nostril separately, using a visual analogue scale. Personal passive dust measurements were performed on 140 Woodworkers. Results: The mean (SD) of equivalent inhalable dust was relatively low, 1.17 (0.62) mg/m3, range 0.17–3.44 mg/m3. The exposure was divided into four levels: controls, low exposure, medium exposure, and high exposure. For the two highest concentrations of exposure, a significant increase in congestion—decreased nasal cavity volume and cross sectional areas—was found after 4 and 7 hours of work, compared with before work. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed positive correlations between concentration of dust and change in mucosal swelling. A significant increase in self rated nasal obstruction was found after work compared with before work for the two highest exposure groups. No correlation between objective nasal variables and self rated nasal obstruction was found. Conclusion: Exposure to wood dust was related in a dose dependent manner to acute nasal obstruction measured by acoustic rhinometry and self reported obstruction, but no correlation was found between measured and self reported obstruction.
Christopher Barber - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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s105 respiratory symptoms lung function and sensitisation across different exposure groups of british Woodworkers
Thorax, 2017Co-Authors: Ruth Wiggans, Jade Sumner, E Robinson, Christopher BarberAbstract:Background Wood dust is a leading cause of occupational asthma (OA) in the UK, with over 2 00 000 people exposed annually. There have been no recent studies examining respiratory health in British Woodworkers. Aim We surveyed British Woodworkers to examine how respiratory symptoms, airway inflammation, lung function and sensitisation relate to wood dust exposure. Methods British Woodworkers were recruited to a cross-sectional study. All workers underwent a validated respiratory symptom questionnaire, job history and exposure measurement. Spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) were recorded to American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards. Blood was taken for total and specific IgE to hard and soft wood. Results 269 workers participated (Table 1). Most were men (n=261, 97%), with a mean age of 42.4 years (SD 12.6) and 18.9 (12.8) years woodworking. Mean current wood dust exposure was 1.9 mg/m3 (SD 0.9, IQR 1.4). Current asthma symptoms (CAS, defined as wheezing, nocturnal chest tightness, exertional/nocturnal/resting breathlessness, or asthma medication use within the last 12 months) were common, reported by 123 (46%). Work-related respiratory symptoms were less common, reported by 29 (11%). Forty one (18%) people had a FENO ≥40 ppb. Only one worker had a positive IgE to soft wood. Ten (4%) had an FEV1/FVC less than the lower limit of normal ( Conclusion CAS are common among British Woodworkers, reported by nearly half. One fifth fulfilled BTS criteria for high FENO despite low sensitisation rates. The highest exposed were at lower risk for WRRS, suggesting a healthy worker effect. No clear relationship between exposure and lung function was identified. Mechanisms for asthma among Woodworkers may not be IgE mediated, and longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the exposure response relationship.
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impact of work related respiratory symptoms on quality of life and productivity in british Woodworkers
European Respiratory Journal, 2016Co-Authors: Ruth Wiggans, Jade Sumner, E Robinson, Christopher BarberAbstract:Background: Work-related respiratory symptoms (WRRS) are common in Woodworkers, and may significantly impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and productivity. Aims: To examine associations between WRRS, HRQoL and productivity in British Woodworkers. Methods: Participants were administered a validated questionnaire; symptoms were considered work-related if they improved away from work or on holiday. Spirometry was measured to ATS/ERS standards. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L (EQ-5D). Productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI:GH v2). Results: 269 workers participated (261 men, 97%). Mean age was 42 (95% CI 40 – 44) years, and average time woodworking was 19 (17 – 20) years. 27 (10%) workers reported WRRS (cough, breathlessness, wheeze or chest tightness). Demographics, including smoking status and lung function, were similar between those with and without WRRS. WRRS were associated with poorer HRQoL scores measured by visual analogue score (VAS) (mean VAS 68.9 vs 83.0, p=0.001); significance was maintained after controlling for confounders including predicted FEV 1 and FVC (β estimate = 0.057, p Conclusions: WRRS are associated with impaired HRQoL in Woodworkers, even in the presence of normal lung function. Despite this, WRRS were not significantly associated with poor productivity. More work is required to understand the impact WRRS have on individuals suffering them.
Ruth Wiggans - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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s105 respiratory symptoms lung function and sensitisation across different exposure groups of british Woodworkers
Thorax, 2017Co-Authors: Ruth Wiggans, Jade Sumner, E Robinson, Christopher BarberAbstract:Background Wood dust is a leading cause of occupational asthma (OA) in the UK, with over 2 00 000 people exposed annually. There have been no recent studies examining respiratory health in British Woodworkers. Aim We surveyed British Woodworkers to examine how respiratory symptoms, airway inflammation, lung function and sensitisation relate to wood dust exposure. Methods British Woodworkers were recruited to a cross-sectional study. All workers underwent a validated respiratory symptom questionnaire, job history and exposure measurement. Spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) were recorded to American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards. Blood was taken for total and specific IgE to hard and soft wood. Results 269 workers participated (Table 1). Most were men (n=261, 97%), with a mean age of 42.4 years (SD 12.6) and 18.9 (12.8) years woodworking. Mean current wood dust exposure was 1.9 mg/m3 (SD 0.9, IQR 1.4). Current asthma symptoms (CAS, defined as wheezing, nocturnal chest tightness, exertional/nocturnal/resting breathlessness, or asthma medication use within the last 12 months) were common, reported by 123 (46%). Work-related respiratory symptoms were less common, reported by 29 (11%). Forty one (18%) people had a FENO ≥40 ppb. Only one worker had a positive IgE to soft wood. Ten (4%) had an FEV1/FVC less than the lower limit of normal ( Conclusion CAS are common among British Woodworkers, reported by nearly half. One fifth fulfilled BTS criteria for high FENO despite low sensitisation rates. The highest exposed were at lower risk for WRRS, suggesting a healthy worker effect. No clear relationship between exposure and lung function was identified. Mechanisms for asthma among Woodworkers may not be IgE mediated, and longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the exposure response relationship.
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impact of work related respiratory symptoms on quality of life and productivity in british Woodworkers
European Respiratory Journal, 2016Co-Authors: Ruth Wiggans, Jade Sumner, E Robinson, Christopher BarberAbstract:Background: Work-related respiratory symptoms (WRRS) are common in Woodworkers, and may significantly impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and productivity. Aims: To examine associations between WRRS, HRQoL and productivity in British Woodworkers. Methods: Participants were administered a validated questionnaire; symptoms were considered work-related if they improved away from work or on holiday. Spirometry was measured to ATS/ERS standards. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L (EQ-5D). Productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI:GH v2). Results: 269 workers participated (261 men, 97%). Mean age was 42 (95% CI 40 – 44) years, and average time woodworking was 19 (17 – 20) years. 27 (10%) workers reported WRRS (cough, breathlessness, wheeze or chest tightness). Demographics, including smoking status and lung function, were similar between those with and without WRRS. WRRS were associated with poorer HRQoL scores measured by visual analogue score (VAS) (mean VAS 68.9 vs 83.0, p=0.001); significance was maintained after controlling for confounders including predicted FEV 1 and FVC (β estimate = 0.057, p Conclusions: WRRS are associated with impaired HRQoL in Woodworkers, even in the presence of normal lung function. Despite this, WRRS were not significantly associated with poor productivity. More work is required to understand the impact WRRS have on individuals suffering them.
