Asthma and hand dermatitis in cleaning workers: characteristics and risk factors
Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: During the last decade, several studies highlighted a higher risk of asthma among workers using cleaning products and, more specifically, among cleaning workers. A hypothesis on a causal role of irritant exposure has been proposed. Given the large population exposed to these agents, not only at work, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms of the cleaning-related respiratory symptoms, as well as the risk factors of asthma in this workforce in order to achieve a healthier work and home environment. EPIASLI-2 aimed to disentangle the patho-physiological characteristics of asthma in cleaning workers as well as to identify the main risk factors for asthma and hand dermatitis. A two-stage sampling among Barcelona’s cleaning companies and their employees was performed during 2007-08. After a cross-sectional survey among the identified workers, a nested case-control study among current cleaners was conducted. The exposure and symptoms were measured by a questionnaire. In addition, we obtained blood and Exhaled Breath Condensate samples, Fe-NO, lung function and BHR measures. The project resulted in one review article and three original papers, all of them already published or submitted in international renowned journals. We found an increased prevalence of asthma and hand dermatitis symptoms among cleaning workers using irritants and multiuse products and among those working in hospitals and outdoor areas. The evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers and lung function suggests that eosinophilic inflammation does not play a key role. Nevertheless, an immunological mechanism of asthma must not be neglected. People exposed to high-risk cleaning products must be monitored and the exposure among this population must be reduced if not avoided.
Author: David Vizcaya Fernández
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2232933656