Acute lung function response to cotton dust in atopic and non-atopic individuals.

Abstract

Acute spirometric responses to inhaled cotton dust were examined in a population of 226 healthy, non-asthmatic adults whose atopic status had been evaluated by skin prick tests to 10 common environmental allergens. Exposure to cotton dust occurred in model cardrooms where elutriated dust levels were carefully controlled (1.02 mg/m3). Atopy, defined as positive prick tests to at least two allergens, was observed in 26% of subjects. Significant forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) decrements occurred after exposure to cotton dust independent of atopic status (p< 0.001). The mean FEV1 decline in atopic subjects, however, was significantly greater than in non-atopic subjects (p < 0.05). Degree of atopy, as measured by number of positive skin tests, also exhibited a significant association with cotton induced decrements in FEV, (p< 0.05). These data suggest that atopy may be an important determinant of the magnitude of the acute pulmonary response to cotton dust. This may reflect the non-specific airways hyperresponsiveness that has been described in non-asthmatic, atopic individuals.Acute decrements in lung function have been observed in cotton textile workers and in previously unexposed individuals after exposure to cotton dust.' 2 This response has been related to concentrations of total and respirable dust, and to grade, microbial, and endotoxin content of cotton.36 The precise role of the atopic state in acute pulmonary responses to cotton dust is the subject of considerable speculation but may be of great importance if acute declines in lung function are found to be related to the chronic respiratory disease described in cotton textile workers. '8 During the course of selecting volunteer subjects for a study of the pulmonary effects of dust from pretreated cotton, atopic status was evaluated by performing prick tests to common inhalant allergens. Skin tests were used to examine the relation between atopy and acute spirometric responses to controlled concentrations of untreated cotton dust. We report here the results of this investigation.

Respiratory disorders and atopy in cotton, wool, and other textile mill workers in denmark

“…Dividing the asymptomatic workers into atopics and nonatopics, we found that changes in FEV,% were greatest among atopic persons, although there were no significant differences between cotton workers; the %FEV was significantly greater among atopic than among nonatopic persons in the other textile industries. The finding of a greater fall in FEV,% among atopic cotton workers is in accordance with other studies of the cotton industry [Sepulveda et al, 1984;Jones et al, 19801. To our knowledge, no published study from other parts of the textile industry confirms our finding that atopic workers show the greatest positive change in FEV,% during working hours.…”

“…There are still other components of the dust and individual differences in susceptibility that may account for part of the differences, since the determination coefficient was only about 8%. Many authors have been concerned about the different components of dust [Schilling, 1956;Kennedy et al, 1987;Johnsen et al, 1986;Cooper et al, 1986;Buck and Bouhuys, 19811 and about individual susceptibility [Sepulveda et al, 1984;Jones et al, 19801, but still no definite answer has come to the puzzle of byssinosis, possibly because it is the combined effect of allergens and toxins acting in concert, as shown by Norn et al [1986]. Still, it has to be emphasized that, in the present survey, one component of the dust, i.e., respirable endotoxin in the highest concentrations, had a greater effect on FEV,% than 20 cigarettes per day.…”

Across-shift changes of exhaled nitric oxide and spirometric indices among cotton textile workers

“…The authors have reported significant decreases in FEV 1 but also significant decreases in FEV 1 /FVC, FEF 25-75% and PEF among woodworkers after exposure to wood dust, which was also higher than in the control group [32]. Acute response after exposure to cotton dust was also assessed by Sepulveda et al They have found that exposure to cotton dust significantly decreased spirometric parameters, especially in atopic subjects [33]. Sandstrom et al have compared cellular profile and fibronectin of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid among healthy individuals before and after inhalation of lipopolysaccharide.…”

Acute Lung Function Response to Dust in Street Sweepers

“…A study on acute lung function response to cotton dust in atopic and non-atopic individuals showed a significant decrease in FEV1 values after exposure to cotton dust, independent of atopic status. Significant exposure related decreases occurred in all spirometric indices like FVC, FEF25 and FEF50, independent of atopic status [20]. Yet another study showed that bronchial hyper responsiveness tended to be higher in cleaners who suffered from tight or wheezy chest at work.…”