Prevalence of upper and lower respiratory symptoms in workers exposed to colophony and MBTS

Abstract

Rationale We assessed the prevalence of upper and lower work-related (WR) respiratory symptoms in 66 male subjects (mean age 37.4, SD 7.8) exposed to colophony and Dibenzothiazole Disulfide (MBTS), an occupational irritant, while working in linoleum production and in 17 nonexposed control subjects. Methods All completed a questionnaire and underwent skin prick test (SPT) for common allergens, and nasal peak inspiratory flow. Spirometry was carried-out only in exposed workers. Results Mean exposure duration was 6.3 (SD 3.9). SPT were positive in 40% of exposed and in 50% of control subjects. WR asthma was found in one subject, WR rhino-conjunctivitis in 5 (7.6%), WR cough/breathlessness in 5 (7.6%), and WR upper airway irritation in 21 (31.8%). A mild airway obstruction was found in 10 subjects (15.2%) 5 of whom were nonsmokers. 6 of the subjects with mild airway obstruction had WR symptoms: 2 had asthma and rhino-conjunctivitis, 2 rhino-conjunctivitis, and 2 upper airway irritation. Nasal peak inspiratory flow measurements were not different in exposed and control subjects, or in symptomatic and asymptomatic workers, but were lower in subjects with mild airway obstruction (100.7 L/min, SD 24.1) than in those with normal spirometry (122.8 L/min, SD 48.0). Conclusions Subjects with a simultaneous exposure to colophony and MBTS tend to have a high prevalence of upper respiratory symptoms associated with a mild airway obstruction. Nasal peak inspiratory flow measurements had a low sensitivity in detecting work-related nasal symptoms.