Sensitization and lung function in workers occupationally exposed to natural thickening products

Background: Three workers engaged in the manufacture of natural thickener p roducts (Cassia spp., guar, and tamarind flour) were occupationally sensiti zed to Cassia spp. Therefore, a cross-sectional study. on the prevalence of sensitization among and respiratory health of the employees of this plant was conducted. Methods and Results: Sixty-two workers (36 with high, 26 with low exposure) participated in the survey. Skin prick tests and specific IgE tests with e xtracts of these components revealed that 11.3% were sensitized to Cassia s pp. and 9.7% to at least one species of storage mites, with a significantly higher portion of atopic subjects in the sensitized group. Overall, 55% of the subjects reported work-related symptoms (upper and lower airways, eyes , or skin). FVC % pred. was significantly lower in highly exposed workers, while RV % pred. and RV%TLC % pred. were significantly higher in this group . In the multivariate model, sensitization was not a risk factor for impair ment of lung function. Conclusions: Dust exposure to flours may not only cause allergic sensitizat ion but also induce chronic changes in lung function.