Meta-analysis of Occupational Asthma among Carpet Makers

Background The occupations most commonly implicated include carpet making, paint sprayers, bakers and pastry makers, nurses, chemical workers, animal handlers, welders, food processing workers and timber workers. Carpet makers are categorized under the high risk occupation as they use guar gum which is considered as an asthma-producing substance. Objective 1) To know the type of compounds found in carpet and its relation in causing asthma with the help of Meta analysis studies, and 2) to compare the carpet makers with the other occupations Method Survey studies (1990- 2010) conducted at carpet manufacturing plants, were retrieved by searching computerized databases from Medline, Pubmed, and Highwire. Carpet-manufacturing plants use guar gum to adhere the dye to the fiber. Survey included a questionnaire and skin prick tests with common allergens and guar gum (1 mg/ml). IgE and IgG antibodies to guar gum were also measured in blood. Result The risk of developing asthma is determined less by individual susceptibility and more by the level of exposure to its causes, therefore the higher the exposure, the greater the risk and by implication lowering the level of exposure reduces the incidence of disease Conclusion Allergic sensitization to workplace can result in occupational asthma, rhinitis and dermatoses. Work disability among adults with asthma is common in people with low socio economic status irrespective of the measure used to assess it. Guar gum acts as a triggering factor in causing occupational rhinitis and asthma.