Bakers have high risk of asthma

Exposure to flour can trigger asthma

Bakers are at an increased risk of developing asthma, researchers have warned.

They told the British Thoracic Society's winter meeting that the daily exposure to flour heightens their risk of breathing problems.

Experts say cleaners and cabinet makers are also at a high risk of developing occupational asthma.

They warn that the public should also be aware of the potential risks associated with baking.

Many people with occupational asthma feel ill from Monday to Friday and then recover at weekend and holidays. Martin Dockrell, National Asthma Campaig

Researchers at the Health and Safety Laboratory, Sheffield talked to 113 bakers.

They found almost half reported breathing related symptoms. 27% reported nasal irritation, 25% a respiratory symptom, 16% chest tightness, 10% cough and 10% wheeze.

Cough was the first symptom experienced by the bakers.

'Be vigilant'

Dr Andrew Curran of the Health and Safety Laboratory commented: "Occupational asthma remains a significant problem in the baking industry - at least 80 new cases are reported each year in the UK.

"The new research has shown that coughing is a common symptom that can start shortly after bakers begin working in the industry. Other symptoms take longer to develop. "

He added: "Everyone exposed to flour dust in their job or has frequent exposure at home should be vigilant and aware of the risk to their respiratory health.

"If you work with flour and develop any respiratory symptoms you should see your GP and report it to your employer."

Dr David Fishwick, who also works at the HSL said: "We hope that these findings will highlight the issue and help the Health and Safety Executive deliver on its aim to reduce occupational asthma by 30% over the next 7 years."

But John Sanders, of the Federation of Bakers, said: "Occupational asthma is an issue for our members, but I don't think this gives an accurate picture of the extent of the problem."

He said far fewer cases occurred than the BTS suggested. "For example, my information suggests there were two reported in 2001."

Dr John Harvey, Chairman of the Communications Committee of the British Thoracic Society said: "We have known for many years that certain occupations have an increased risk of developing lung conditions such as asthma and it is important that employers take the necessary steps to protect their staff.

"It is also important that the general public are aware of the potential health risks associated with household tasks such as baking and should see their GP if they develop persistent breathlessness, cough or wheeze."

'Specific trigger'

Martin Dockrell, of the National Asthma Campaign, said: "Occupational asthma is now the most common form of industrial lung disease throughout the developed world with thousands of new cases in the UK every year and hundreds of potential causes from cleaning products to car paints.

"This kind of asthma is quite specific. Attacks are often triggered by one substance alone and when that trigger is removed people's health improves, that's why many people with occupational asthma feel ill from Monday to Friday and then recover at weekend and holidays. "