Study of the prevalence of chronic, non-specific lung disease and related health problems in the grain-handling industry. Technical report

Technical Report · Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:6504168

Rankin, J; Bates, J; Claremont, A; Dennis, W; doPico, G A

A total of 310 grain handlers was studied, with attention to prevalence and characteristics of clinical, psychological, immunological, radiological, serological blood and urine parameters to determine any apparent effects from grain-dust exposure. Grain handlers had a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and signs than did the city workers who comprised the comparison group. Evidence of accumulative respiratory effect due to recurring exposures to grain dust was found. Acute and chronic airway reactions were induced by exposure to grain dust. Wheezing and dyspnea on exposure were related to length of employment. Grain fever syndrome was prevalent. Cases of acute recurrent conjunctivitis and rhinitis were found along with skin pruritus, mainly on exposure to barley dust. Pesticide exposure caused temporary disabling symptoms. Lung function was adversely affected by grain-dust exposure. Exposure to grain mites and insects in contaminated cereal grain caused a reaction among grain workers.

• Research Organization: Wisconsin Univ., Madison (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6504168
• Report Number(s): PB-87-164273/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
DUSTS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
FOOD INDUSTRY
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
PESTICIDES
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INHALATION
INSECTS
INSPECTION
MITES
RESPIRATION
TOXICITY
AIR POLLUTION
ANIMALS
ARACHNIDS
ARTHROPODS
INDUSTRY
INTAKE
INVERTEBRATES
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
POLLUTION
SAFETY
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
552000 - Public Health