D3.135 - Nasal and respiratory symptoms, functional features, and sensitization to platinum salts in platinum catalysts manufacturing workers

We aimed at evaluation of clinical outcomes (nasal and respiratory symptoms), functional features and platinum salts sensitization (PSS) in platinum catalysts manufacturing.

The current cross-sectional study included 105 platinum catalysts manufacturing workers (exposed group - EG) (60 males and 45 females, mean age 35.1±8.3 years, mean tenure 12.2±7.3 years) and 65 office workers (control group - CG), matched by gender, age, tenure, and smoking habits. We assessed both groups by a questionnaire on clinical outcomes in the last 12 months, skin prick tests to common inhalant allergens and platinum salts, spirometry (all parameters expressed in %predicted), histamine challenge (PC20 £ 8 mg/mL), and assessment by job exposure matrices (JEMs). 

Overall nasal symptoms were more frequent in EG with significant difference for rhinorhoea (40% vs. 20%, p<0.05). EG workers had more frequently respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months in comparison with CG workers; the difference was significant for cough (32.4% vs. 13.8%, p<0.05), phlegm (23.8% vs. 10.8%, p<0.05), and wheezing (15.2% vs. 7.7%, p<0.05). Similar prevalence of allergic sensitization to common inhalant allergens was detected in both groups. Sensitization to platinum salts was registered in three EG workers (2.9%). Spirometry demonstrated lower parameters in EG workers with significant difference for MEF25, MEF50, and MEF75. Significant association was registered between respiratory symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsivenes (BHR) in both groups. According to JEMs, high intensity (OR=1.69, 95%CI 0.9-2.9) of exposure to platinum salts on a regular basis (OR=1.71, 95%CI 1.1-2.5) predicted BHR in EG workers.

Our data confirm the role of occupational exposure in platinum catalysts manufacturing workers in the development of adverse respiratory and nasal effects, lung function changes, and PSS.