Community outbreaks of asthma associated with inhalation of soybean dust

Article Abstract:

Asthma is a condition where the bronchial tubes that branch from the lungs become constricted due to spasm or swelling. The characteristic breathing difficulties and wheezing may be caused by an allergic reaction or from irritating particles in the air. Concentrated outbreaks of asthma have been noted in Barcelona, Spain, particularly near the harbor communities. There was a strong association between asthma outbreaks and the unloading of wheat products from local ships. It was assumed, therefore, that material unloaded from ships might contain the irritant responsible for the increase in emergency room admissions for treatment of asthma. The uncovered silos used for soybean storage and the movement of air containing soybean dust from the harbor to the city were found to be responsible for the outbreaks. It is suggested that soybean dust be considered the possible cause of bronchial asthma outbreaks in Barcelona, Spain.

Demographic aspects, Barcelona, Spain (City), Pollutants, Environmentally induced diseases, Environmental illness, Pneumoconiosis, Black lung disease, Barcelona

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Asthma visits to emergency rooms and soybean unloading in the harbors of Valencia and A Coruna, Spain

Article Abstract:

The association between asthma and soybean unloading in the harbors of two Spanish cities, Valencia and A Coruna, has been studied, 1993-95 by looking at asthma admissions and harbor activities retrospectively. Soybean unloading in the Barcelona harbor has been associated with major increases in the number of asthma patients coming to hospital emergency rooms, 1981-87, and it was found an allergenic immunoglobulin E-mediated mechanism was responsible. A low-molecular-weight allergen from soybean hulls was the main cause. Findings of the study indicate that asthma outbreaks are not a common hidden condition in areas where soybeans are unloaded. Weak associations found are probably causal, and appropriate control measures should be in place to cut emissions of soybean dust, especially where residential areas are nearby.

Spain, Physiological aspects, Environmental aspects, Harbors, Allergens

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Chikungunya outbreaks--The globalization of vectorborne diseases

Article Abstract:

Chikungunya fever, an arthralgic disease caused by a mosquito-borne alphavirus, affected an estimated two million people globally in 2006, and is expected to continue to spread through the following year. Sequence analysis of the chikungunya virus genome reveals that the global epidemic was caused by a new variant, which is common in viruses that have a positive-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) genome.

United States, Care and treatment, Causes of, Development and progression, Genetic aspects, World health, Vector-borne diseases

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