It has previously been claimed that working as a baker
involves, as a consequence, a great risk of evolving allergy
and respiratory symptoms. The basis for this assumption
was based on cross-sectional studies.
In this study, undertaken by Tina Skjodt (Aarhus University
Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark) and her team, bakers' apprentices
were followed prospectively for three years to determine
the sequence by which allergy, asthma and allergic rhinitis
evolved. An extensive panel of common and occupational
allergens was used for regular testing.
Surprisingly, only a few bakers' apprentices became sensitised
to occupational allergens, whereas the occurrence of new
respiratory symptoms was high. The development of new symptoms
was associated with the duration of exposure. Thus, the
study points toward mechanisms other than allergy as being
responsible for respiratory symptoms among bakers' apprentices.
Title of Original Article
The incidence of respiratory symptoms and sensitisation
in baker apprentices
European Respiratory Journal (Erj), Vol. 32, No 2
The European Respiratory Journal is the peer-reviewed
scientific publication of the European Respiratory Society
(more than 8,000 specialists in lung diseases and respiratory
medicine in Europe, the United States and Australia).
European Respiratory Journal
