Exposure-response relations for work-related respiratory symptoms and sensitisation in workers exposed to alpha-amylase. Brisman J, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Venables KM, Putcha V, Gordon S, Taylor AJ. AIMS: To explore relations between exposure to fungal alpha-amylase and the risk of new work-related respiratory symptoms or sensitisation. METHODS: A _____________study among 300 bakers and millers had follow up for a maximum of seven years. Exposure to alpha-amylase was estimated by air measurements and questionnaires and classified into three categories (low, medium and high). Symptoms were recorded with a self-administered questionnaire and skin sensitisation was assessed using a skin prick test (SPT). RESULTS: There were 36 new cases of chest symptoms, 86 of eyes/nose symptoms, and 24 of a positive SPT to alpha-amylase. There were exposure-response relations for chest and eyes/nose symptoms and for sensitisation, and a significantly increased prevalence ratio for chest symptoms in the highest exposure category. CONCLUSION: A reduction in alpha-amylase exposure is likely to reduce the risk for respiratory morbidity in bakery workers.
What is the healthy worker effect and how will it apply to this study?