Respiratory symptoms, lung function and cell surface markers in a group of hemp fiber processors.

BACKGROUND

Hemp dust exposure is associated with byssinosis and accelerated lung loss in longitudinal studies. The immunological changes associated with hemp dust exposure are less well understood.

METHODS

We studied a small group of current male hemp processors with a mean age of 43 years. Questionnaire data, lung function, serial FEV(1) and blood were collected from all workers.

RESULTS

In total, seven workers (64%) complained of at least one respiratory symptom (one with byssinosis). The mean percentage predicted FEV(1) was 91.5, FVC 97.7, PEF 92.1, and FEF(25-75) 79.5. Serial FEV(1) measurements in the two workers with work-related respiratory symptoms revealed a mean change in FEV(1) on the first working day of -12.9%. This contrasted with +6.25% on the last working day. Respective values for the two workers without work-related symptoms were -1.4 and +3.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung function changes and abnormalities in a profile of cell surface activation markers and antibodies were noted to relate to the presence of work-related respiratory symptoms, not seen in the control group.