Nasal Hypersensitivity in Wood Furniture Workers

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Abstract
Occupational nasal allergies caused by molds and wood dust were extensively studied in 6 wood furniture factories. The concentration of molds, wood dust and endotoxins was registered and occasionally high values were found. Paecilomyces sp. was the most common mold. Answers to a special questionnaire showed that 16% (42/268) of the wood workers with a mean exposure time of 12 yr had a history compatible with hypersensitivity in the upper airways associated with their work. Calculations based on skin prick tests and provocation tests with relevant allergens showed that the wood furniture workers had an incidence of allergy to molds in 3% and to wood dust in 2%. Most of the workers (5.7) sensitive to molds and/or woods were also skin prick sensitive to other allergens. No statistical difference concerning the presence of precipitating antibodies against mold and wood antigens could be registered between workers with discomfort and workers without symptoms.

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