Dust exposure and health of workers in duck hatcheries

Abstract

Objectives. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate dust exposure and respiratory health of workers in duck hatcheries in western France. Method. Ninety volunteer workers, who work in sorting rooms and/or incubation rooms, participated in exposure assessments and medical examinations. Medical examinations were performed by occupational health practitioners. They filled-in a questionnaire with the workers, followed by a lung function test on each worker. General characteristics and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms were described in each type of working rooms. Associations between symptoms and exposure (working room or dust level) were studied in GEE multivariate models. Results. Overall prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm) and chronic bronchitis were similar or lower than in the reference population. However, prevalence of these symptoms was higher for those working in sorting rooms, that were associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function. Respirable dust was also significantly associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of asthma and rhinitis were well above those in the reference population, but did not vary among working rooms. Descriptive data suggested an occupational origin for some cases. Conclusion. Hatchery workers were at increased risk of compromised respiratory health due to dust exposure, particularly those who work in sorting rooms. Asthma and rhinitis were in excess in this population of workers. Thorough clinical examination of these workers should be performed and all exposures assessed.

Association Between Organic Dust Exposure and Adult-Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies

“…Guillam et al 39. found that Hatchery workers in sorting rooms were at increased risk of compromised respiratory health such as asthma and rhinitis due to dust exposure.…”

Ethyl pyruvate reduces organic dust-induced airway inflammation by targeting HMGB1-RAGE signaling

“…OD is a complex mixture of particulate matter of varying sizes, microbes and microbial products [4]. Workers from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) involved in swine, diary [5] and poultry production including duck hatcheries [6] (reviewed in [2]) as well as other industries (sewage handlers, waste handlers and bakery workers) are persistently exposed to the OD.…”

Nano–Calcium Carbonate Affect the Respiratory and Function Through Inducing Oxidative Stress

“…Thus, it is of great significance to study the influence of nano-CaCO 3 on human respiratory system. 13,14 However, human health data regarding exposure to NPs are still limited. Serum biomarkers of early effect related to oxidative stress and inflammation were the most common pathways investigated.…”

“…Respirable dust was also significantly associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms. Thus, it is of great significance to study the influence of nano-CaCO 3 on human respiratory system 13,14 . However, human health data regarding exposure to NPs are still limited.…”