OBJECTIVETo assess the health effects of dusts in enzyme production plants.

METHODSThe concentration of enzyme-containing dusts, the enzyme and the wheat-containing dusts and their health effects on workers were investigated in three enzyme production plants. Air samples were collected by high volume sampler and personal sampler. Total dust was weighed and its content of enzyme was analyzed by enzyme activity method. Health effects were assessed by the questionnaire, the pulmonary function and the skin prick test.

RESULTSIt was found that the geometric mean of enzyme-containing dust was 8.91 mg/m(3), the industrial enzyme was 1.68 mg/m(3), and the wheat-containing dust was 6.93 mg/m(3). The enzyme-containing dust higher than 20 mg/m(3) caused eye symptoms. The wheat-containing dust at 6.93 mg/m(3) might result in skin and nose symptoms. The sensitization could be observed in enzyme and wheat exposed workers.

CONCLUSIONAdverse effects may arise for the health of the workers if the concentration of enzyme-containing dusts and the wheat-containing dusts is up to a certain limit and it is necessary to make the limit of these indexes.