Allergen Exposure Affects Quality, Quantity of Work

March 21, 2001
Allergen exposure has a negative impact on the quantity and\r\nquality of work among those with allergic rhinitis or asthma,\r\nresearchers reported.

Allergen exposure has a negative impact on the quantity and quality of work among those with allergic rhinitis or asthma, researchers reported Tuesday at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) annual meeting.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School, University of Arizona in Tuscon, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and Galt Associates Inc., Blue Bell, Pa., lead by Dr. R.C. Kessler, analyzed the effects of pollen and mold exposure on work performance using data from the National Survey of Daily Experiences (NSDE).

The survey reached 739 employed respondents, including 81 patients with allergic rhinitis, 75 with asthma and 32 with both allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Each respondent assessed impairments in work on a daily basis for a randomly assigned week.

Quality of work was assessed by self-report on reduction in work quality during the assigned week.

Work quality was assessed by three questions including a 1-10 scale rating the magnitude of the work reduction.

Pollen and mold count data from the AAAAI''s National Allergy Bureau were merged with the NSDE data to assess the association of pollen and mold exposure with daily work quality and quantity.

Researchers found that grass pollen exposure and the number of circulating allergens are strong predictors of work impairment.

Kessler and his colleagues concluded that these results reflect the strong association between allergen exposure and its impact on both the quantity and quality of work among those with allergic rhinitis or asthma.

The researchers concluded that the association is particularly strong among those with both disorders.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!