Respiratory symptoms and abnormalities of lung function were studied in 84 female and 27 male hemp workers employed in two textile mills (A and B) processing soft hemp (C sativa). In mill A 46 women and 27 men were investigated and 38 female workers were studied in mill B. Forty nine women and 30 men from a non-dusty industry served as controls. A significantly higher prevalence of almost all chronic respiratory symptoms was found in female hemp workers when compared to control workers. Among the men these differences were significant for nasal catarrh and sinusitis. A high prevalence of byssinosis was found among female hemp workers in both mills (group A, 47.8%; group B, 57.9%) as well as in the male workers (66.7%). Statistically significant across shift reductions in lung function were found for all ventilatory capacity measurements in female and male hemp workers varying from 7.1% for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to 15.1% for flow rates at 50% vital capacity (FEF50). Measured Monday baseline values before the work shift were significantly lower than expected for hemp workers, being particularly reduced for FEF25 and FEF50. The data suggest that occupational exposure to hemp dust is a significant risk factor for the development of acute and chronic lung disease in workers employed in this textile industry.

https://oem.bmj.com/content/oemed/47/9/627.full.pdf

Occupational asthma induced by sisal hemp

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in hemp workers.

Immunological findings in hemp workers.

Occupational Allergies to Cannabis.

Cannabis sativa, commonly referred to as marijuana, is popularly recognized as a medicinal and recreational drug. Although the legal status of the plant and its derivatives has been debated in numerous social and legal forums, very little is known about the immunological effects following personal and more recently, occupational exposure. Current studies have shown that direct handling and consumption of C. sativa and its derivatives can elicit allergic reactions and in very rare cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Initially, Δ9-THC and cannabinol were suggested to be the potential allergic sensitizers; however, recent reports have demonstrated that allergic reactions to C. sativa may be driven by type I hypersensitivity mechanisms. In this chapter, we will examine the scenarios and routes of exposure to C. sativa that may result in allergic sensitization and provide insights into the key allergic determinants. Finally, the methodological challenges associated with studying the plant and the biotechnological advances in exposure assessment will be additionally discussed.

Occupational asthma induced by sisal hemp

Citations

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in hemp workers.

Immunological findings in hemp workers.

Occupational Allergies to Cannabis.

Allergenicity to Cannabis sativa L. and Methods to Assess Personal Exposure

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Byssinosis among hemp and sisal workers in Greece