Anna Krakowiak
Research interests
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InterestsAllergy
Publications
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Occupational allergy to birds within the population of Polish bird keepers employed in zoo gardens.
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 09/2011; 24(3):292-303.
To evaluate the risk factors for the development of occupational allergy to birds among Polish zoo garden keepers. A total of 200 bird zookeepers employed in the Polish zoo gardens in KLódź, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Chorzów and Płock and exposed occupationally to bird allergens were examined using a question... [more] To evaluate the risk factors for the development of occupational allergy to birds among Polish zoo garden keepers. A total of 200 bird zookeepers employed in the Polish zoo gardens in KLódź, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Chorzów and Płock and exposed occupationally to bird allergens were examined using a questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPTs) to common allergens and bird allergens, spirometry and cytograms of nasal swab. The level of total IgE in serum and serum-specific IgE to parrot, canary, pigeon feathers and serum were also evaluated. Eight percent of bird zookeepers were sensitized to at least one of the bird allergens. The most frequent allergens yielding positive SPT results were D. farinae - 32 cases (16%), D. pteronyssinus - 30 cases (15%) and grass pollens (16.5%). In the studied group, allergen-specific IgE against bird allergens occurred with the following frequency: 87 (43.5%) against canary feathers and/or serum, 80 (40%) against parrot feathers and/or serum and 82 (41%) against pigeon feathers and/or serum. Occupational allergy was diagnosed in 39 (26.5%) cases, occupational rhinitis was present in 22 (15%) cases, occupational asthma in 20 (13.6%) subjects, occupational conjunctivitis in 18 (12.2%) cases, whereas occupational skin diseases in 11 (7.5%) cases. More eosinophils were found in nose swab cytograms among bird zookeepers with occupational airway allergy. The findings indicate that occupational allergy to birds is an important health problem among zoo bird keepers in Poland.
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Epidemiology of acute poisonings during 2003-2007 in Toxicology Unit, Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland.
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 06/2011; 24(2):199-207.
The epidemiology of acute poisonings, observed in Toxicology Unit in Łódź, is the main objective of the study. The authors present frequency of respective kinds of poisoning cases and associated mortality. They discuss also the structure of poisonings with regard to type and causative agents over a ... [more] The epidemiology of acute poisonings, observed in Toxicology Unit in Łódź, is the main objective of the study. The authors present frequency of respective kinds of poisoning cases and associated mortality. They discuss also the structure of poisonings with regard to type and causative agents over a period between 2003 and 2007. The data used for the analysis were obtained from National Poison Information Center in Łódź. They were divided into two groups. The first one comprised information about patients treated at the Toxicology Unit (TU), whereas the other one included cases treated in other hospitals and only consulted by TU staff. Analysis of the data shows that overdosage of medications was the most frequent cause of hospitalization during 2006-2007. It constituted also the leading cause of deaths due to poisoning during 2003-2005. However, it was superseded during the subsequent period of 2006-2007 by intoxication with alcohols which was associated with the highest number of deaths in the latter period. Situation changed dynamically also with regard to the intention of poisoning. Suicidal poisonings constituted the largest group in 2003, whereas poisonings caused by abuse, including dependence-related abuse, were the most frequent in subsequent years. Patients between 15 and 30 years old formed the largest group among the total number of poisonings. The results of our study on epidemiology of acute poisoning in Łódź between 2003-2007 show that poisoning is a frequent cause of admission to hospital and constitutes a major health problem in Łódź district because of large number of hospital admissions, associated mortality and the high proportion of patients at young age.
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[Toxic liver injuries--a current view on pathogenesis. Part I].
Medycyna pracy. 01/2011; 62(1):47-55.
Toxic liver injury poses an important heath problem in occupational medicine. Toxic response of this organ may arise from acute or chronic exposure to different substances. The final toxicological response to different toxicants may be defined as the regeneration of cells, loss of their function or ... [more] Toxic liver injury poses an important heath problem in occupational medicine. Toxic response of this organ may arise from acute or chronic exposure to different substances. The final toxicological response to different toxicants may be defined as the regeneration of cells, loss of their function or necrosis. The morphology of toxic drug- or chemical-induced liver injury usuall differentiates into one of the following phenotypes: cholestatic injury, hepato- cellular injury, often associated with elevated l enzymes, mitochondrial injuries and delayed immunological injury. In this article, the authors present current knowledge of the pathogenesis of morphological changes in hepatocytes as the result of exposure to xenobiotics.
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[Toxic liver injuries--a current view on pathogenesis. Part II].
Medycyna pracy. 01/2011; 62(2):203-10.
Liver plays an important role in biological detoxication of xenobiotics. During this process, one can observe the inactivation and successful elimination of metabolites and toxic substances. The metabolic reactions responsible for detoxications include phases I and II. The phase I reactions increase... [more] Liver plays an important role in biological detoxication of xenobiotics. During this process, one can observe the inactivation and successful elimination of metabolites and toxic substances. The metabolic reactions responsible for detoxications include phases I and II. The phase I reactions increase polarity of xenobiotics through inserting new functional groups to xenobiotic molecules, while during phase II conjugation to endogenous hydrophilic molecules results in potent increase in polarity and water solubility. Phase III involves the transport process mediated by transmembranous transporter proteins, which remove a large number of xenobiotics from blood into liver. Oxidative stress and oxidation of lipids may lead to liver injury. Functional impairment of mitochondrial metabolism is associated with intensive production of reactive oxygen species. The underlying mechanisms during mitochondrial dysfunction may lead to cellular necrosis and apoptosis.
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[The analysis of legal basis of telediagnosis and teleconsultation in clinical practice. are we allowed to consult our patients via phone? Part I].
Medycyna pracy. 01/2010; 61(2):155-63.
Telemedicine means the delivery of medical service without personal contact between the patient and physician. Although Polish legal regulations do not prohibit so called "distant medical treatment", they do not specify clear and ambiguous terms of such a service. The practitioner faces nu... [more] Telemedicine means the delivery of medical service without personal contact between the patient and physician. Although Polish legal regulations do not prohibit so called "distant medical treatment", they do not specify clear and ambiguous terms of such a service. The practitioner faces numerous doubts concerning the telediagnosis and teleconsultation. The authors discuss the problems of acceptability of telediagnosis and teleconsultation in Poland. The material comprised a whole set of legal acts of the Polish and European origin that could have any impact on the legal basis of telemedicine in Poland. The method applied was of interpretative nature, and the texts of above-mentioned acts were thoroughly analyzed, providing the first comprehensive study on this subject. The results applied to practitioners of numerous medical specializations, but it should be stated that the examples studied and analyzed focused on teleconsultations in occupational medicine. The analysis revealed that current legal regulations do not specify the exact form the medical consultations should acquire. Nevertheless, it should be admitted that "distant consultation"; via the Internet, phone or other means of IT is not prohibited. The authors emphasize, however, that the distant consultations should be treated as an exception to the rule, which says that the patient should be personally consulted by the physician. The achievements of information technology greatly contributes to the quality of diagnostic and therapeutic processes. The existence of many unclear and ambiguous rules and opinions makes it necessary to establish legal regulations specifying the principles of distant exchange of medical data.
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[Health hazards associated with occupational exposure to birds].
Medycyna pracy. 01/2010; 61(2):213-22.
The occupational group particularly exposed to contact with birds are zoo keepers, animal shop workers, individual bird's keepers and food industry workers. Work associated with contact with birds may contribute to the development of different symptoms and diseases, including allergic and contag... [more] The occupational group particularly exposed to contact with birds are zoo keepers, animal shop workers, individual bird's keepers and food industry workers. Work associated with contact with birds may contribute to the development of different symptoms and diseases, including allergic and contagious ones. This paper reviews the most common allergens occurring in the environment of bird's keepers, namely: feathers, egg proteins, allergens of plant origin, acarinae, allergens from latex and disinfectants. The most common health effects associated with occupational exposure to birds are also presented. Taking account of not fully understood pathogenesis of allergy to these allergens, complexity of occupational exposure and a possible coincidence of non-specific irritant effects of factors present in work environment, the diagnostic and certification procedures for occupational allergic diseases require highly specialized investigations. Objective and subjective medical examinations, taken medical history and physical examination also play a significant role in diagnostics of contagious diseases, whereas different laboratory tests are used in searching for their etiologic factors. The prevention of diseases associated with occupational exposure to birds comprises educational work, technical actions (hygiene prophylaxis) and medical prophylaxis.
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Poisonings with street drugs:a review of 1993-2008 data from the toxicology unit in Poland.
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 01/2010; 23(4):357-65.
Drugs of abuse have been known in many cultures and geographical zones, and also in Poland the extent of substance abuse has been increasing. This report refers to patients treated for poisonings with street drugs at the Toxicology Unit (TU), Łódź, Poland during the period 1993-2008. The data to be ... [more] Drugs of abuse have been known in many cultures and geographical zones, and also in Poland the extent of substance abuse has been increasing. This report refers to patients treated for poisonings with street drugs at the Toxicology Unit (TU), Łódź, Poland during the period 1993-2008. The data to be analyzed was obtained from medical files of all patients treated for street drugs or hallucinogens abuse. The kind of the drugs used has changed significantly; between 1993 and 1998 the majority of patients were opiate users, in 1999-2002 the dominant drug was amphetamine and in 2003-2008 there was recurrent increase in the number of opiate poisonings. Male patients were represented in the studied group more often than female ones. The percentages of patients treated after suicidal attempts ranged from 9.3% in 1993-1994 to 15.9% in 2007-2008. During the analyzed period 1993-2008, cases of overdose were less frequent, while accidental intoxications became more common. Drug abuse is a serious problem in Poland, it has expanded in recent years and it is likely to expand further in the years to come. The treatment of drug-addicted people needs to be improved and a suitable prevention program should be developed.
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[Poisoning with weever fish venom: a case report].
Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2009; 66(8):464-5.
Poland's access to the EU causes that there is the risk of poisoning from sources outside Poland. This is confirmed by the case reported below. The Weeverfish Trachinus draco lives in the coastal waters of West Africa and Europe (including those of the Mediterranean Sea) and belongs to the most ... [more] Poland's access to the EU causes that there is the risk of poisoning from sources outside Poland. This is confirmed by the case reported below. The Weeverfish Trachinus draco lives in the coastal waters of West Africa and Europe (including those of the Mediterranean Sea) and belongs to the most poisonous fish species. The venom of Trachinus draco contains proteins that cause cellular membrane depolarisation, and haemolysis. A 35-yr. man was admitted to the Toxicological Department of the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine for symptoms, such as: a strong pain, swelling and reddening of the left leg, that had appeared after contact with an unidentified fish when he had been enjoying a bath in the Mediterranean Sea. In the additional examinations, slight abnormalities were detected only in the results of blood agglutination test. The patient was discharged from the hospital 7 days later in good condition.
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Is the risk of allergic hypersensitivity to fungi increased by indoor exposure to moulds?
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 01/2009; 22(4):343-54.
Moulds are frequently found in the indoor environment of residential houses. An association between domestic mould contamination and respiratory symptoms has been reported, but mould exposure as a risk factor for allergy to moulds is not well documented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prev... [more] Moulds are frequently found in the indoor environment of residential houses. An association between domestic mould contamination and respiratory symptoms has been reported, but mould exposure as a risk factor for allergy to moulds is not well documented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of allergic hypersensitivity to moulds. A group of 243 participants was examined. Of these 118 lived in dwellings with evident signs of fungal contamination (study group) and 125 in non-contaminated sites (controls). An interview, skin prick tests to common and fungal allergens, evaluation of total serum IgE and specific IgE to moulds, resting spirometry as well as mycological analysis in building were performed for each participant. 19.8% subjects were sensitized to at least one mould allergen. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the history of respiratory and skin symptoms, smoking cigarettes in the past and positive skin prick tests (SPT) to common allergens (dust mite and grass pollens) or the presence of a cat as a pet animal were the significant associated factors of hypersensitivity to moulds. The association between indoor fungal exposure and the development of fungal allergy was not confirmed in our study.
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Work-related respiratory symptoms in bird zoo keepers--questionnaire data.
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 01/2009; 22(4):393-9.
To investigate the risk factors for the development of airway diseases from occupational exposure to birds' allergens among Polish zoo garden keepers caring for birds. Two hundred workers responded to the questionnaire including the history of work-related symptoms, job characteristics, descript... [more] To investigate the risk factors for the development of airway diseases from occupational exposure to birds' allergens among Polish zoo garden keepers caring for birds. Two hundred workers responded to the questionnaire including the history of work-related symptoms, job characteristics, description of occupational exposure, information on smoking habit, contact with birds and animals at home and family history of allergic diseases. General work-related symptoms were reported by 58 subjects (29%), whereas work-related respiratory symptoms were found in 40 workers (20%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the significant role of positive family history of atopy and occupational contact with parrots either in the development of work-related symptoms or work-related respiratory allergic symptoms. The findings may confirm that work-related respiratory symptoms are an important health problem among zoo bird keepers in Poland.
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Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels After Specific Inahalatory Challenge Test in Subjects with Diagnosed Occupational Asthma.
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 11/2008;
Objectives: Measuring exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a useful method for the assessment of bronchial inflammation in asthmatic subjects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in eNO level in the subjects with suspected occupational asthma (OA) after a specific inhalation test (SIT) with oc... [more] Objectives: Measuring exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a useful method for the assessment of bronchial inflammation in asthmatic subjects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in eNO level in the subjects with suspected occupational asthma (OA) after a specific inhalation test (SIT) with occupational agents. Materials and Methods: Forty two patients, including 17 farmers, 15 bakers and 10 health care workers had a physical examination, skin prick tests with common and occupational allergens, total serum IgE level, specific anti-allergen IgE determinations, spirometry and SIT. Also, morphological changes in induced sputum (ISP) and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were analysed and eNO measurements were performed. Results: SIT revealed a significant increase in the proportion of eosinophils in NLF and in ISP in the cases with diagnosed OA. Moreover, these cases showed significantly increased eNO levels only 24 h after SIT, compared to the measurements before SIT. We also found a significant correlation between eNO level at 24 h after SIT and the percentage of eosinophils in NLF before, and 4 and 24 h after SIT, as well as in ISP before and 24 h after SIT in all subjects with diagnosed OA. Conclusion: The findings may confirm the usefulness of exhaled nitric oxide measurements for diagnosing OA.
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IL-18 Levels in Nasal Lavage After Inhalatory Challenge Test with Flour in Bakers Diagnosed with Occupational Asthma.
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 08/2008;
Objectives: The authors discuss the outcomes of a study on IL-18 concentration in nasal washings after the inhalatory challenge test with flour allergens (ICHT-F) in bakers with flour-induced occupational airway allergy (OAA) Methods: We measured IL-18 concentration using ELISA kit and assessed morp... [more] Objectives: The authors discuss the outcomes of a study on IL-18 concentration in nasal washings after the inhalatory challenge test with flour allergens (ICHT-F) in bakers with flour-induced occupational airway allergy (OAA) Methods: We measured IL-18 concentration using ELISA kit and assessed morphological changes in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) before, and 4 h and 24 h after ICHT-F in three groups of subjects: Group A - 9 patients with diagnosed OAA (occupational asthma and rhinitis), Group B - 10 patients with atopic asthma and rhinitis, and Group C - 9 healthy volunteers. Results: In Group A, significant differences in the basophil proportion in NLF were noted only 24 h after ICHT-F. Both the basophil proportion and total eosinophil count were higher in Group A than in Group C at this time-point. Group A also showed a statistically significant increase in IL-18 levels 4 h after the challenge. A significant relationship was noted between the proportion of basophils 4 h after ICHT-F and IL-18 level at 24 h after the test. Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating an increased expression of IL-18 in nasal washings of subjects diagnosed with OAA to flour allergens. The observed higher concentrations of IL-18 in nasal washings after ICHT as well as the increase in the proportion of basophils provide evidence for the important role of IL-18 in persistent allergic inflammation.
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Occupational asthma due to manganese exposure: a case report.
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 02/2008; 21(1):81-3.
Manganese belongs to a group of agents called "transitional metals" that are known to induce occupational asthma. However, well-documented cases of manganese-induced asthma have been lacking thus far. We have discussed a case of a 42-year-old non-smoking welder with work-related dyspnea. A... [more] Manganese belongs to a group of agents called "transitional metals" that are known to induce occupational asthma. However, well-documented cases of manganese-induced asthma have been lacking thus far. We have discussed a case of a 42-year-old non-smoking welder with work-related dyspnea. A number of clinical procedures were performed including clinical examination, routine laboratory tests, total serum IgE, skin prick tests to common aeroallergens and manganese nitrate, resting spirometry test, histamine challenge, and a single-blind, placebo-controlled specific inhalation challenge with 0.1% manganese chloride solution. Clinical findings and laboratory test results remained normal but a significant bronchial hyperreactivity was found. During the specific inhalation challenge, dyspnea and a significant decrease in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) were observed. An increased proportion of eosinophils and basophils in induced sputum could also be noted at 4 and 24 h after the challenge. The argument for recognizing the condition as occupational asthma was a positive clinical response to the specific challenge test as well as the morphological changes found in induced sputum. To our knowledge, this is the first well-documented case of manganese-induced occupational asthma.
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1.12Impact points
Challenge testing in the diagnosis of occupational allergic conjunctivitis.
Occupational medicine (Oxford, England). 11/2007; 57(7):532-4.
BACKGROUND: Providing evidence for the allergic aetiology of ocular symptoms developing as a result of occupational exposure is important for compensation procedures in many countries. AIM: To perform cellular analysis of tear fluid before and after a specific challenge test with high-molecular weig... [more] BACKGROUND: Providing evidence for the allergic aetiology of ocular symptoms developing as a result of occupational exposure is important for compensation procedures in many countries. AIM: To perform cellular analysis of tear fluid before and after a specific challenge test with high-molecular weight allergens in symptomatic subjects. METHODS: The subjects were 23 bakers with a history of conjunctivitis or rhinoconjunctivitis associated with occupational exposure to wheat flour and positive skin prick test with this allergen. A specific inhalation challenge test with wheat flour and a placebo test were performed. The symptom score (SS) and cellular changes in tear fluid and nasal washings were assessed. RESULTS: Specific provocation test induced significant eosinophil influx in tear fluid in only six patients. No changes in the proportion of other cells could be observed. Cytological changes in tear fluid did not correlate with either ocular SS (Pearson r = 0.18, P = 0.40) or changes in the nasal lavage fluid or SS (Pearson r = 0.13, P = 0.56). However, an analysis of SS results obtained at 30 min and at 24 h after the challenge revealed that cellular changes in tear fluid correlated significantly both with the early and late changes in SS (Pearson r = 0.52, P < 0.05 and Pearson r = 0.81, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of cellular changes in tear fluid during specific inhalation challenge test seems to be a valuable diagnostic tool in occupational ocular allergy. However, the discrepancy between the findings of cellular analysis and SS revealed by the present study requires further research.
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2.25Impact points
Risk factors associated with airway allergic diseases from exposure to laboratory animal allergens among veterinarians.
International archives of occupational and environmental health. 06/2007; 80(6):465-75.
OBJECTIVES: Investigate the risk factors for the development of occupational airway allergy (OAA) from exposure to laboratory animal allergens (LAA) among Polish veterinarians. METHODS: Two hundred veterinarians responded to the questionnaire and were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) to common all... [more] OBJECTIVES: Investigate the risk factors for the development of occupational airway allergy (OAA) from exposure to laboratory animal allergens (LAA) among Polish veterinarians. METHODS: Two hundred veterinarians responded to the questionnaire and were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) to common allergens and LAA (rat, mouse, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit). Evaluation of total serum IgE level and specific IgE against occupational allergens was performed. In addition, bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured before and after specific challenge testing (SCT) only in the subjects with work-related symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma (OA). RESULTS: The prevalence of asthmatic and ocular symptoms was statistically more prevalent in the group of veterinarians sensitised to LAA versus non-sensitised subjects. The most frequent occupational allergens of skin and serum reactivity were LAA (44.5 and 31.5%, respectively). In 41 (20.5%) and in 22 (11%) subjects out of 200 veterinarians, serum specific IgE to natural rubber latex (NRL) allergens and disinfectants was also found. Serum sensitisation to cat allergens and daily contact with laboratory animals (LA) increased the risk for developing isolated occupational rhinitis. Furthermore, working time of more than 10 years and daily contact with LA were also significant risk factors for the development of OAA. Measuring PEFR and BHR before and after SCT is a useful method to confirm the presence of OA. CONCLUSIONS: Allergy to LAA is an important health problem among veterinary medicine practitioners in Poland.
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2.25Impact points
Prevalence and host determinants of occupational bronchial asthma in animal shelter workers.
International archives of occupational and environmental health. 05/2007; 80(5):423-32.
OBJECTIVE: We examined the risk factors for the development of airway allergy in animal shelter workers. METHODS: The study population comprised 88 animal shelter workers occupationally exposed to cats and dogs. They responded to a questionnaire concerning the history of exposure to animal allergens... [more] OBJECTIVE: We examined the risk factors for the development of airway allergy in animal shelter workers. METHODS: The study population comprised 88 animal shelter workers occupationally exposed to cats and dogs. They responded to a questionnaire concerning the history of exposure to animal allergens and job characteristics and were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) to common and occupational allergens (cat and dog), and determination of total serum IgE level and specific IgE. In addition, SPT with rat and mouse allergens were performed. Bronchial hyperreactivity and peak expiratory flow rate were measured at work and off work only in workers with work-related symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma (OA). RESULTS: The prevalence of OA was 9.1%. Sensitization to dog allergens was higher than to cats. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant role of positive family history of atopy and having a dog as pet in the past for the development of occupational airway allergy (OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.76, 20.00; P = 0.003; OR 6.47; 95% CI 1.90, 22.02; P = 0.002, respectively). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk for developing OA was most clearly associated with growing up in the country (OR 7.59; 95% CI 1.25, 45.9; P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Allergic disease is a serious occupational health concern for subjects who have occupational contact with cats and dogs.
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[Sick building syndrome due to exposure to pentachlorophenol in the office: a case report]
Medycyna pracy. 02/2006; 57(1):21-4.
"Sick building syndrome" (SBS) is a group of symptoms experienced by people working in various buildings. This or another term "building-related illness" (BRI) is used to define illnesses related to modern buildings, mainly offices, in which people spend many working hours. SBS a... [more] "Sick building syndrome" (SBS) is a group of symptoms experienced by people working in various buildings. This or another term "building-related illness" (BRI) is used to define illnesses related to modern buildings, mainly offices, in which people spend many working hours. SBS applies to a group of diseases with a fairly homogenous clinical picture and etiology (specific - infectious, allergic and non-specific--for example irritant symptoms). A case of a 51-year-old non-smoking female office worker is reported. After having her working premise renovated, she started to suffer from irritation of mucous membrane of the throat, sore throat and dysphonia. She claimed that these symptoms were associated with exposure to pentachlorophenol (PCP) emitted by the elements of ceiling impregnated with PCP-containing varnish. The concentration of PCP was below the hygiene standards adopted for the work environment. There were no grounds for recognizing occupational intoxication, but the case met the criteria for the sick building syndrome.
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Outbreak of lead poisoning in high voltage tower conservators.
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 02/2006; 19(3):181-4.
OBJECTIVES: A changing character of lead exposure has been observed over many years. However, construction workers involved in the renovation of painted steel structures are still severely exposed to lead and its compounds. In 2004, we observed an outbreak of lead poisoning in high voltage tower con... [more] OBJECTIVES: A changing character of lead exposure has been observed over many years. However, construction workers involved in the renovation of painted steel structures are still severely exposed to lead and its compounds. In 2004, we observed an outbreak of lead poisoning in high voltage tower conservators working abroad. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As many as 27 male workers with suspected lead poisoning were hospitalized in the Department of Occupational Disease, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lódź, Poland. They were involved in removing an old lead-containing paint from high voltage towers. RESULTS: On admission to the department, 70% of treated workers showed laboratory signs of anemia in their blood count. After treatment the signs persisted in 25% of patients. Also alkaline dotting in erythrocytes was present in 13 subjects. Sub-acute lead poisoning manifested by abdominal cramps with coexisting anemia and increased lead absorption symptoms was most frequently diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: The high lead exposure of the examined high voltage tower cleaners was due to specific working conditions. In such cases overprotection of the environment may lead to severe health effects in humans.
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[Occupational allergy caused by ornamental plants]
Medycyna pracy. 02/2006; 57(4):359-64.
The problem of allergy to decorative plants is still poorly known. Reports on occupational allergy to flowers are scarce and usually concern gardeners, greenhouse workers and florists. The handling, smelling and caring of flowers may cause rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, urticaria and also contact derm... [more] The problem of allergy to decorative plants is still poorly known. Reports on occupational allergy to flowers are scarce and usually concern gardeners, greenhouse workers and florists. The handling, smelling and caring of flowers may cause rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, urticaria and also contact dermatitis. Plants of the Compositae family that includes many different species have been frequently described. Chrysanthemum flowers, the strongest sensitizer among ornamental Compositae plants, especially contribute to the development of contact dermatitis. Allergy to Liliaceae, mostly to tulips, hyacinths, lilies and crocuses has quite often been reported as well as sensitization to rose pollen in rose planters. Occupational sensitization to flowers of other families, among which spathe flowers, primulas, weeping fig or Stephanotis floribunda should be mentioned, is less frequent. Exposure to ornamental flowers is common in the general population. Persons occupationally involved in cultivation of flowers and who demonstrate allergic symptoms are often forced to change their jobs. Candidates to these occupations with diagnosed atopy should be informed about the risk of developing allergy to flowers, which could make them unable to perform the job.
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1.12Impact points
Glutaraldehyde-induced occupational asthma: BALF components and BALF and serum Clara cell protein (CC16) changes due to specific inhalatory provocation test.
Occupational medicine (Oxford, England). 11/2005; 55(7):572-4.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) components and Clara cell protein (CC16) concentration in serum and BALF in patients with glutaraldehyde (GA)-induced asthma, before and after a specific inhalatory provocation test (SIPT) with GA, in compariso... [more] OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) components and Clara cell protein (CC16) concentration in serum and BALF in patients with glutaraldehyde (GA)-induced asthma, before and after a specific inhalatory provocation test (SIPT) with GA, in comparison to atopic asthmatics and healthy individuals. METHODS: Spirometry and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed before and after SIPT. The serum and BALF concentrations of CC16 and cytogram content in BALF were evaluated. RESULTS: In GA-sensitized asthmatics, the level of CC16 in BALF and serum was significantly lower at 24 h after SIPT in comparison with the values recorded prior to the experiment. There was a significant increase in the proportion of eosinophils, basophils and lymphocytes in BALF of GA-sensitized asthmatics obtained after SIPT. CONCLUSIONS: The determination of CC16 either in serum or in BALF is a non-invasive test to detect Clara cell damage.
Following (3)
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Małgorzata Kotwica
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine -
Wojciech Dudek
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine -
Wojciech Hanke
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
