Respiratory symptoms, lung function and cell surface markers in a group ofhemp fiber processors

Background Hemp dust exposure is associated with byssinosis and accelerated lung loss in longitudinal studies. The immunological changes associated wi th hemp dust exposure are less well understood, Methods We studied a small group of current male hemp processors with a mea n age of 43 years. Questionnaire data, lung function, aerial FEVI and blood were collected from all workers. Results In total, seven workers (64%) complained of at least one respirator y symptom (one with byssinosis), The mean percentage predicted FEVI was 91. 5, FVC 97.7, PEF 92.1, and FEF25-75 79.5. Serial FEVI measurements in the t wo workers with work-related respiratory symptoms revealed a mean change in FEVI on the first working day of -12.9%. This contrasted with +6.25% on th e East working day Respective values for the two workers without work-relat ed symptoms were -1.4 and +3.2%. Conclusions Lung function changes and abnormalities in a profile of cell su rface activation markers and antibodies were noted to relate to the presenc e of work-related respiratory symptoms, not seen in the control group. Publ ished 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.(dagger).