The prevalence of exposure to high molecular weight asthmagens derived from plants among workers in Australia. Issue 10 (30th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El‐Zaemey, Sonia; Carey, Renee N.; Darcey, Ellie; Reid, Alison; Glass, Deborah C.; Driscoll, Tim R.; Crewe, Julie; Abramson, Michael J.; Si, Si; Benke, Geza; Fritschi, Lin
• Is Part Of: American journal of industrial medicine. Volume 61:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 824
• Page End: 830
• Publication Date: 2018-08-30
• Subjects: asthma -- asthmagens derived from plants -- occupation -- prevalence -- task; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Médecine du travail -- Périodiques; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22903
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-3586

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Limited information is available on exposure to high molecular weight (HMW) asthmagens derived from plants and on the main occupations and tasks that result in such exposure among workers. Methods: Data were collected as part of the Australian Work Exposures Study—Asthma. We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) using modified Poisson regression models to determine which factors were associated with exposure. Results: A 12.8% of 4878 workers were exposed to HMW asthmagens derived from plants. The highest prevalence of exposure was found among farmers/animal workers, education workers, and food processing workers. The main circumstances of exposure were through handling flour, freesias, or through raising livestock. Exposure was more common among female workers (aPR = 1.26, 1.10‐1.43) than males, while it was lower among workers born overseas (aPR = 0.70, 0.57‐0.86) than those born in Australia. Conclusion: Prevention of exposure to HMW asthmagens derived from plants requires a broad strategy targeting different tasks and occupations.