Occupational risk factors for rhinitis in greenhouse flower and ornamental plant growers.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between rhinitis, exposure to workplace air contaminants, and occupational characteristics in greenhouse flower and ornamental plant (OP) growers.

Methods: A random sample of growers cultivating such crops and participating in the European Farmers' Study was selected for a cross-sectional assessment of (1) rhinitis in the last year, (2) sensitization to workplace allergens, and (3) occupation characteristics. Associations between variables were assessed through univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: Thirty-nine greenhouse flower and OP growers participated in the study (mean, 48.6; SD, 10.2 years; 35 men). Rhinitis was reported by 12 (31%) of them and was significantly related to sensitization to workplace allergens (odds ratio [OR], 13.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.59-67.23) and pesticide application by hand pump (OR, 12.50; 95% CI, 2.00-78.05). After adjustment for these variables rhinitis emerged as significantly related to number of hours worked inside the greenhouse per day (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.05-3.23).

Conclusion: Rhinitis is often reported by greenhouse flower and OP growers and is related to sensitization to workplace allergens and pesticide application by hand pump. The disease shows a dose-response relationship with the number of hours spent inside the greenhouse per day, a finding supporting a causal link with greenhouse exposure.