Respiratory symptoms, sensitisation and occupational exposure in the shrimp processing industry.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Shellfish processing workers are highly susceptible to respiratory illnesses such as allergies and asthma. This study examined respiratory symptoms and biomarkers of allergy and asthma in Norwegian shrimp processing plant workers and evaluated allergenic and irritant protein exposures in the workplace.

Material and methods

The study included 35 shrimp processing workers and 21 controls. Respiratory symptoms were assessed via questionnaire; blood samples were analysed for allergy and asthma biomarkers and specific IgE levels. Air samples were analysed for protein levels and composition.

Results

Shrimp processing workers had four to five times higher odds of reporting acute upper and chronic lower respiratory symptoms than the controls. They also had signif

SUBMITTER: Zegeye FD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11967198 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature