Outbreak of lead poisoning in high voltage tower conservators.

Objectives: A changing character of lead exposure has been observed over many years. However, construction workers involved in the renovation of painted steel structures are still severely exposed to lead and its compounds. In 2004, we observed an outbreak of lead poisoning in high voltage tower conservators working abroad.

Prevalence and host determinants of occupational bronchial asthma in animal shelter workers.

Objective: We examined the risk factors for the development of airway allergy in animal shelter workers.

Methods: The study population comprised 88 animal shelter workers occupationally exposed to cats and dogs. They responded to a questionnaire concerning the history of exposure to animal allergens and job characteristics and were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) to common and occupational allergens (cat and dog), and determination of total serum IgE level and specific IgE.

Risk factors associated with airway allergic diseases from exposure to laboratory animal allergens among veterinarians.

Objectives: Investigate the risk factors for the development of occupational airway allergy (OAA) from exposure to laboratory animal allergens (LAA) among Polish veterinarians.

Methods: Two hundred veterinarians responded to the questionnaire and were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) to common allergens and LAA (rat, mouse, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit). Evaluation of total serum IgE level and specific IgE against occupational allergens was performed.