Increased Risk of Allergic Rhinitis Among Coal Mine Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE

Allergic rhinitis (AR) represents one of the most prevalent respiratory disorders. Mining workers face sustained occupational exposure to elevated airborne pollutant concentrations. However, environmental epidemiology data documenting AR prevalence among this workforce in mining-intensive regions remain limited. This study, which focuses on mining settings within northern China cities, examines the association between occupational air pollutant exposure and AR prevalence among coal miners.

METHODS

We implemented a cross-sectional survey to assess AR prevalence (self-report) and risk factors in mining workers within heavily industrialized Ordos city in northern China. A total of 538 mining workers were finally included. Subsequently, descriptive statistics characterized baseline distributions of demographic, clinical, and environmental covariates. Logistic regression modeling was employed: (a) crude association assessment via age- and sex-adjusted analysis; (b) confounder-adjusted multivariable regression to differentiate risk-enhancing and protective exposures influencing AR prevalence.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients (28.07%) were identified with AR. Longer work duration of occupational exposure in mining settings conferred a significantly increased risk of AR [OR: 1.041(95% CI = 1.002-1.083), p = 0.0417]. Moreover, alcohol consumption habits [OR: 1.675 (95% CI = 1.028-2.728), p = 0.0384], food allergy histories [OR: 5.614 (95% CI = 1.905-16.547), p = 0.0018], and family atopy [OR: 5.511(95% CI = 2.501-12.144), p < 0.0001] significantly heightened the risk of AR development, while higher educational attainment emerged as a protective factor against AR [OR: 0.54 (95% CI = 0.325-0.897), p = 0.0174].

CONCLUSION

Chronic occupational exposure in coal mines was related to the risk of AR. This study revealed epidemiological evidence to improve AR management in mining occupational settings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.