biostudies-literatureUnknown62(11)Robertson W<h4>Background</h4>Exposure to metal working fluid (MWF) has been associated with outbreaks of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) in the USA, with bacterial contamination of MWF being a possible cause, but is uncommon in the UK. Twelve workers developed EAA in a car engine manufacturing plant in the UK, presenting clinically between December 2003 and May 2004. This paper reports the subsequent epidemiological investigation of the whole workforce. The study had three aims: (1) to measure the extent of the outbreak by identifying other workers who may have developed EAA or other work-related respiratory diseases; (2) to provide case detection so that those affected could be treated; and (3) to provide epidemiological data to identify the cause of the outbreak.<h4>Methods</h4>The outbreak waThorax981-90https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC2117138biostudies-literatureClinical investigation of an outbreak of alveolitis and asthma in a car engine manufacturing plant.PMC2117138Moore VCRobertson WCrook BBurge CBGardner IEvans GSBurge PSRice SRobertson ASJaakkola MSDawkins PAKinoulty MRawbone RBurd MHarris-Roberts JfalseClinical investigation of an outbreak of alveolitis and asthma in a car engine manufacturing plant.<h4>Background</h4>Exposure to metal working fluid (MWF) has been associated with outbreaks of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) in the USA, with bacterial contamination of MWF being a possible cause, but is uncommon in the UK. Twelve workers developed EAA in a car engine manufacturing plant in the UK, presenting clinically between December 2003 and May 2004. This paper reports the subsequent epidemiological investigation of the whole workforce. The study had three aims: (1) to measure the extent of the outbreak by identifying other workers who may have developed EAA or other work-related respiratory diseases; (2) to provide case detection so that those affected could be treated; and (3) to provide epidemiological data to identify the cause of the outbreak.<h4>Methods</h4>The outbreak wa2007-01-01T00:00:00Z2007 Nov2025-04-21T14:47:28.687Z2019-03-27T02:22:05ZS-EPMC21171381750481810.1136/thx.2006.072199