Exposure to bioaerosols, respiratory health and lung-specific proteins: a prospective study in garbage and wastewater workers.

Abstract

To prospectively assess respiratory health in wastewater workers and garbage collectors over 5 years. Exposure, respiratory symptoms and conditions, spirometry and lung-specific proteins were assessed yearly in a cohort of 304 controls, 247 wastewater workers and 52 garbage collectors. Results were analysed with random coefficient models and linear regression taking into account several potential confounders. Symptoms, spirometry and lung-specific proteins were not affected by occupational exposure. In this population no effects of occupational exposure to bioaerosols were found, probably because of good working conditions.