A NIOSH-indexed study of workers processing dried fruits and teas found more positive occupational-allergen skin tests, elevated IgE, higher chronic respiratory symptoms, and across-shift reductions in ventilatory capacity among exposed workers.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Respiratory Function and Immunologic Status in Workers Processing Dried Fruits and Teas ↗Dust entry
Dried-fruit processing dust
Organic aerosol and dust generated while processing dried fruits and related food products.
Airborne form
aerosol
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
respiratory symptomsdyspneanasal irritationimmunologic sensitizationreduced ventilatory capacity
Evidence
Controls
- enclosed food processing
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust collection
- allergen exposure monitoring
- medical surveillance
- appropriate respiratory protection