An Investigation of Latex Sensitivity and Respiratory Complaints in Workers in a Rubber-Based Material Manufacturing Industry

Elverişli M. F., Yildiz Gülhan P., Mungan D., Erçelik M., Şahin İ. E., Güleç Balbay E., ...More

Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, vol.65, no.6, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 65 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002830
  • Journal Name: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, Environment Index, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of latex sensitivity in a workplace that produced rubber-based vehicle seals. METHOD: The serum latex-specific IgE levels, respiratory complaints, PFT, serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13 levels of all male workers (n = 108) exposed to latex in the workplace, which produced rubber seals, were compared with the control group (n = 52). RESULTS: The rates of latex-specific IgE >0.10 kU/L in the workers and control group were 12.3% and 4.1%, respectively ( P = 0.147). There was no difference in IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 levels between latex-specific IgE-positive, and -negative participants. CONCLUSION: Latex sensitivity was higher in workers who used rubber as a raw material than in the control group but it was not statistically significant.