Occupational health in the north is involved in a project aimed at preventing asthma and allergy symptoms among those involved in the slaughtering and processing of salmon and trout. The project is based at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University Hospital of North Norway and has been granted 12 million Norwegian Kroner from the Norwegian Research Council. Data collection was recently finished (May 2023).
Background: Aquaculture is a growing industry in Norway and High North countries. Previous research showed that salmon industry workers have an increased risk of airway symptoms. Biological components like allergens, enzymes, microorganisms and endotoxins are released into the atmosphere during salmon processing. They are inhaled by workers as small particles and droplets, bioaerosols, causing allergies and respiratory diseases including asthma. Dermal contact with biological components increases the risk of contact dermatitis. While these risk factors are important in terms of negative health effects, health-promoting factors can positively influence workers’ health. However, so far data from the seafood industry are scarce. Aim: The main objective of this project is to find effective measures to reduce bioaerosol exposure and thus prevent negative health effects among salmon industry workers. To counterbalance a solely risk-focused approach, the project also seeks to identify health-promoting factors in the work environment. Material and methods: Workplace interventions will be carried out at nine salmon processing plants in Northern-, Central- and Western Norway. Air samples from workplaces will be collected and analysed. Workers will answer questionnaires and undergo health examinations prior to and after implementation of measures to reduce bioaerosol exposure. The project is multicentred with the lead at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital North Norway, Tromsø. Partners are Haukeland University Hospital (Bergen), St. Olavs Hospital (Trondheim), University of Bergen and UiT The Arctic University of Norway, as well as several national and international collaborators. Results/discussion: The project will generate knowledge on exposure to bioactive molecules and agents in the salmon industry associated with allergies, respiratory and dermal diseases. It will provide insight into single exposure agents and combinations of importance to symptoms and disease development, including disease mechanisms. Knowledge of exposure levels associated with negative health effects may serve as basis for establishment of governmental exposure limit values and thus have a potential for improving health in salmon industry workers. As many of the Norwegian aquaculture employees are immigrant workers, the study may also have a potential to reduce inequalities in health. Knowledge on health-promoting factors can contribute to a better work environment which is known to improve workers’ well-being, reduce sickness absence and increase production. Thereby, it can benefit employees, employers and society. A multidisciplinary approach integrates natural and social sciences, medicine, occupational hygiene, and psychology. A close dialog between researchers, workers and industry management is emphasised in all project phases.
Norges forskningsråd