← Explorer/Network

Work-related symptoms and inflammation among sewage plant operatives

Thorn J, Beijer L2004International Journal of Occupational and Environmental HealthJournal Article
10.1179/oeh.2004.10.1.84PubMed
GastrointestinalImmune/InnateMusculoskeletalRespiratory/Sinus
Bacterial Endotoxins

Abstract

Sewage operatives at five sewage treatment plants (n = 59) and controls not exposed to sewage (n = 55) were examined to determine work-related symptoms and inflammatory responses. Symptoms were elicited using a questionnaire, and spirometry was performed. Inflammatory markers were determined in blood and nasal lavage. Workplace endotoxin and hydrogen sulfide were measured and adeno- and enterovirus antibodies were evaluated in blood. Gastrointestinal and airway symptoms, joint pains, unusual tiredness, and toxic pneumonitis were more common among operatives, and the proportion of blood neutrophils was higher among operatives as compared with controls. A relationship was found between several reported symptoms and the inflammatory markers. Hydrogen sulfide levels were very low. Endotoxin levels were generally low, but high at some work sites.

Key Biomarkers

Blood neutrophilsInflammatory markers in bloodInflammatory markers in nasal lavage

Symptom Clusters

Airway symptomsGastrointestinal symptomsJoint painsToxic pneumonitisUnusual tiredness

References (2)

  • Review: Endotoxin in the environment — exposure and effectsJournal of Endotoxin Research · 2002
  • Health effects among workers in sewage treatment plantsOccupational and Environmental Medicine · 1999

Related Papers

  • Synergistic interaction in simultaneous exposure to Streptomyces californicus and Stachybotrys chartarumEnvironmental Health Perspectives · 2004 · 5 shared tags
  • Comparison of inflammatory and cytotoxic lung responses in mice after intratracheal exposure to spores of two different Stachybotrys chartarum strainsToxicological Sciences · 2004 · 5 shared tags
  • Localization of Satratoxin-G in Stachybotrys chartarum Spores and Spore-Impacted Mouse Lung Using ImmunocytochemistryToxicologic Pathology · 2004 · 5 shared tags
  • Harmful molecular mechanisms in sepsisNature reviews. Immunology · 2008 · 5 shared tags
  • Correction to “Maitotoxin induces biphasic interleukin-1β secretion and membrane blebbing in murine macrophages”Mol Pharmacol · 2004 · 5 shared tags
  • HUMAN VISUAL FUNCTION IN THE NORTH CAROLINA CLINICAL STUDYON POSSIBLE ESTUARY-ASSOCIATED SYNDROMEJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health · 2001 ·
5 shared tags