PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Heldal, K.K.
AU  - Halstensen, A.S.
AU  - Thorn, J.
AU  - Eduard, W.
AU  - Halstensen, T.S.
TI  - Airway inflammation in waste handlers exposed to bioaerosols assessed by induced sputum
AID  - 10.1183/09031936.03.00059702
DP  - 2003 Apr 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - 641--645
VI  - 21
IP  - 4
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/21/4/641.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/21/4/641.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2003 Apr 01; 21
AB  - Work-associated lower airway inflammation in waste collectors was examined by induced sputum and correlated with the bioaerosol exposure. Organic waste collectors (n=25) underwent induced sputum collection and spirometry before work on Monday and the following Thursday. Total cells, cell differentials, interleukin (IL)-8 and eosinophilic cationic protein were determined. Personal full-shift exposure measurements were performed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and analysed for total bacteria, fungal spores, endotoxins and β(1–3)-glucans. The percentage of neutrophils (46–58%) and the IL-8 concentration (1.1–1.4 ng·mL−1) increased from Monday to Thursday. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was significantly reduced on Thursday, and the decrease in FEV1/forced vital capacity correlated with the increase in the percentage of neutrophils. The median exposure to endotoxin (range 7–180 EU·m−3) and β(1–3)-glucan (range 5–220 ng·m−3) was correlated with the increase in IL-8. Bioaerosol exposure during waste collection induced an inflammatory response in the lower airways, characterised by neutrophils and interleukin-8 secretion, that influenced the lung function. The inflammatory response was related to microbial components in the bioaerosol and was more pronounced for endotoxin than β(1–3)-glucan exposure. No associations were found for mould spores or bacteria.