Authors
Huff-S; Stocks-JM; Saito-R; Blihartz-P; Levin-J; Glazer-C; Bailey-R; Cummings-K; Kriess-K; McCague-A-B
Source
MMWR 2013 Apr; 62(16):305-307
Abstract
Obliterative bronchiolitis, a rare, irreversible form of fixed obstructive lung disease, has been identified in workers exposed to flavoring chemicals while working in the microwave-popcorn and flavoring-manufacturing industries; the occupational risk to workers outside these industries is largely unknown. This report describes two cases of obliterative bronchiolitis identified in workers employed in a small coffee-processing facility. Both patients’ illness was misdiagnosed before they received a diagnosis of work-related obliterative bronchiolitis, which had not been identified previously in the coffee-processing industry. These cases reinforce the need for exposure evaluation in all industries in which workers are exposed to flavoring chemicals. Additionally, a high index of suspicion is required when these potentially exposed workers have progressive shortness of breath. If obliterative bronchiolitis is suspected, immediate protection from further exposure is crucial to prevent further deterioration of lung function.
Keywords
Lung; Lung-disease; Diseases; Workers; Exposure-levels; Risk-factors; Chemical-composition; Chemical-properties; Food-additives; Coffee-workers; Humans; Men; Women; Respiration; Respiratory-irritants; Respiratory-system-disorders; Pulmonary-system; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Pulmonary-function; Pulmonary-disorders; Etiology; Spirometry
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
wja6@cdc.gov
Source Name
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report