Abstract
The aim of this cohort study was the evaluation of specific IgG antibodies as bio-markers of exposure to actinomycetes and molds compared with health effects of the exposed workers. A total of 123 compost workers from 42 composting plants and 48 control subjects were examined in 1996/1997 and 2001. The compost workers suffered more frequently from complaints of the conjunctivae and the upper airways compared to the control subjects. The forced vital capacity of the compost workers decreased significantly during the follow-up. Three suspected cases of occupational diseases were observed. Compared with control subjects, levels of specific IgG antibodies of the compost workers were significantly higher at both times of examination; for the actinomycetes, a significant decrease was observed in the compost workers within the 5 years of follow-up. A significant association of the course of specific IgG antibodies with the health complaints or the decrease of forced vital capacity was not observed.
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