Moulds at work: symptoms of occupational mould allergy
Frequent contact with moulds has a negative impact on our health. If they are present in the workplace, we have to come into contact with them for several or even more than ten hours a day. Therefore, the risk of allergic symptoms is high. How can an occupational allergy to moulds manifest itself?
– Swelling, redness and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose,
– chronic bronchitis and pulmonary fibrosis,
– can also cause the development of bronchial asthma [1].
Furthermore, frequent contact with moulds can cause allergic alveolitis [1]. In connection with this condition caused by occupational hypersensitivity to moulds, disease entities such as farmer’s lung, carpenter’s lung, mushroom grower’s lung and cheesemaker’s disease are mentioned [7].
The greatest exposure to mould allergies is through inhalation. Their spores are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and irritate the nose or eyes. Contact with them by touching or eating them is less toxic to the body, as it then retains most of its defence reactions. However, remember that they are still dangerous [1].
Occupations with a risk of mould allergy
Workers in carpentry and paper mills, in particular, are exposed to moulds of the Alternaria species. These spores can be found in wood such as oak, spruce, pine, mahogany and cedar. On the other hand, workers in breweries and malting factories may be exposed to Aspergillus moulds as they colonise mouldy barley grains [1].
People who are also particularly exposed to almost constant contact with moulds are museum and library workers and conservationists. Objects in these places are highly exposed to fungal spores. Spores can be found on: museum exhibits, filmstrips, textiles, leather, glue, parchment or wax seals. In fact, it is interesting to note that old books can contain up to 269 different species of mould [2].
Mould spores will not leave even those working in the bakery, food or chemical industry. They can be found in flours or bakery ingredients, as well as detergents [3].
Farmers may also be at risk of occupational allergy caused by moulds. When carrying out field work, they may be exposed mainly to Cladosporium and Alternaria, which parasitise plants, and to Aspergillus and Penicilium that develop in fodder [4].
Which other workers are at risk of occupational allergy to moulds?
– Gardeners, florists and florists,
– Workers in the tobacco industry, renovation companies, swimming pools, saunas and palm houses,
– Cleaning personnel at hotels [5, 6].
Natalia Gajek
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tłumaczenie: Julia Majsiak
