Title
Modelling exposure in flour processing sectors in The Netherlands: A baseline measurement in the context of an intervention program
Author
Meijster, T.
Tielemans, E.
de Pater, N.
Heederik, D.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2006
Abstract
Introduction: Recent studies have shown that even low exposure levels to flour dust and related allergens can cause severe respiratory symptoms. In The Netherlands the Dutch government and responsible branch organizations [from bakeries (traditional & industrial), flour mills and bakery ingredient producers] signed a covenant to reduce exposure to flour dust and decrease the prevalence of work-related occupational airway disease. This paper describes a sector wide survey to measure exposure to flour dust, wheat allergens and fungal α-amylase. The results are being used to underpin various elements of the covenant. Methods: A dataset containing 910 personal measurements was compiled from four field studies containing information on exposure and potential determinants. The dataset represents a baseline estimate of exposure for four major flour processing sectors in The Netherlands. Exposure models for all sectors and agents were generated, based on job, tasks and company size, taking into account worker and company as random effect components. Use of control measures and, where possible, their effect were evaluated. Results: Flour dust and enzyme exposures vary strongly between sectors. The job performed and specific tasks were identified as important determinants of exposure. The number of identified control measures during walk-through surveys, and their effectiveness in reduction of dust exposure was generally limited. The exposure models explained significant exposure variability between companies and workers but performed poorly in explaining day to day differences in exposure. Discussion: The dataset serves as a baseline estimate and will be compared with a post intervention survey in the near future. The information obtained on control measures can be used to optimize the intervention scenarios that will be implemented in the different sectors by external occupational hygienists. The predictive exposure models will provide a relevant measure of average personal exposure that will be used in the sector wide health surveillance system. © The Author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society. Chemicals / CAS: amylase, 9000-90-2, 9000-92-4, 9001-19-8; Allergens; Dust; alpha-Amylase, 3.2.1.1
Subject
Health
Food and Chemical Risk Analysis
Bakeries
Control measures
Exposure modeling
Flour dust
Fungal α-amylase
Wheat allergens
Bakeries
Diseases
Dust
Food processing
Health care
Societies and institutions
Control measures
Exposure modeling
Flour dust
Respiratory symptoms
Wheat allergens
Agricultural products
article
controlled study
data base
dust exposure
exposure variable
flour
human
industrial worker
intervention study
Netherlands
occupational exposure
occupational hazard
occupational safety
priority journal
work environment
biological model
dust
enzymology
exposure
food industry
fungus
immunology
occupational disease
respiratory tract disease
wheat
allergen
amylase
Allergens
alpha-Amylase
Dust
Flour
Food-Processing Industry
Fungi
Humans
Inhalation Exposure
Models, Biological
Netherlands
Occupational Diseases
Occupational Exposure
Respiratory Tract Diseases
Triticum
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:745eb1f4-b0e9-4f1a-9bd8-4119040c2185
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/annhyg/mem008
TNO identifier
239914
ISSN
0003-4878
Source
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 51 (3), 293-304
Document type
article