Sensitization to green coffee beans and work-related allergic symptoms in coffee workers

Abstract

Background Occupational respiratory allergy to green coffee beans (GCB) and to castor beans (CB) was studied in 112 workers in a modern coffee manufacturing plant of Trieste (Italy), where the process is completely automatic, the environmental conditions are good and where exposure to CB can be considered absent because since 1970, only new sacks have been used for coffee transportation. Methods All subjects were interviewed by a trained doctor using a questionnaire to investigate allergic symptoms and predisposing factors. Sensitization to GCB and to common allergens (pollens, molds, house dust mites) were evaluated by the skin‐prick test. The serum of subjects with a positive skin‐prick test to CGB or who had symptoms at work was tested for specific IgE (RAST) for GCB and CB. Lung function was evaluated by a Ponigraph spirometer. Results Sensitization to GCB was found in 25.8% of green coffee workers (31 cases), in 2.7% of roasted coffee workers (37 cases) and in 4.5% of the clerks (44 cases), p < 0.01. The evaluation of IgE specific for CB gave positive results only in 3 of 10 subjects sensitized to GCB. A total of 20% of GCB workers (6 cases) complained of work‐related respiratory symptoms (asthma and/or rhinitis) compared with only one subject in the roasted coffee group and one in the control group (p < 0.01). Asthma was reported by 2/31 of the green coffee workers and by 1/44 of roasted coffee workers. Conclusions There was a significant correlation between sensitization to GCB and work related symptoms (p < 0.01), common allergic symptoms (p < 0.05) and atopy by prick test (<0.01). These results point to the need to evaluate atopic status in workers and identify the most susceptible subjects, with the aim of informing them of their at‐risk status and monitoring their progress. This makes it possible to diagnose sooner those symptoms possibly indicative of a work‐related disease, because even in presence of good environmental conditions and even when symptoms are mild, it is almost always the atopic subjects who are affected. Am. J. Ind. Med. 34:623–627, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Personal Exposure to Dust and Endotoxin in Robusta and Arabica Coffee Processing Factories in Tanzania

“…The dust from primary coffee processing has been reported to contain a higher percent of larger, coarse particles from the husks (Smith et al, 1985), which may be different from the dust in secondary processing. However, the range of total dust levels in secondary coffee factories is reported to be comparable to our study (0.07–63mg/m 3 ; Zuskin et al, 1979; Jones et al, 1982; Thomas et al, 1991; Larese et al, 1998). …”

“…Mean values for total dust were not given in those studies; hence, we cannot compare further. Other exposure studies in the coffee industry have been performed in secondary factories in Croatia, the USA, United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany (Zuskin et al, 1979; Jones et al, 1982; Thomas et al, 1991; Larese et al, 1998; Oldenburg et al, 2009), where the difference in the dust content might be due to the different stage in coffee processing. The dust from primary coffee processing has been reported to contain a higher percent of larger, coarse particles from the husks (Smith et al, 1985), which may be different from the dust in secondary processing.…”

“…Dust exposure in coffee factories may lead to development of respiratory symptoms, lung and airway diseases, and allergies (Figley and Rawling, 1950; van Toorn, 1970; Karr et al, 1978; Zuskin et al, 1985, 1993; Larese et al, 1998; Oldenburg et al, 2009). A study conducted in Arabica and Robusta factories in Uganda reported a higher prevalence of cough and dyspnea among coffee workers compared with control group (Sekimpi et al, 1996).…”

Dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms among coffee curing workers in Kilimanjaro: a cross sectional study

“…It is difficult to know if the reported symptoms may develop into more serious conditions. Previous studies have shown that work with green coffee may cause both irritation and allergic respiratory symptoms [4,7]: Some studies suggest that coffee workers may develop allergic alveolitis [24] while others suggest asthma [10,22]. …”

“…In Croatia, a study done among healthy individuals showed that exposure to coffee dust extracts induced a significant decrease in lung function and increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness [12]. Workers in secondary coffee processing (in coffee silos, coffee haulage companies, and coffee manufacturing companies) had reduced lung function and higher prevalence of chronic cough and chronic bronchitis than controls [4,7,8,12]. The few studies [1,9,13] done in developing countries where primary coffee processing (curing) takes place, also indicated that exposed workers have an increased risk of developing airway symptoms.…”