Increased risk of bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in certain occupations

I wonder if you can give me any information regarding the possibility of increased risk of bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in certain occupations. It is my understanding that the Aspergillus exposure is likely to be higher if one is working with organic waste such as gardeners. I have a patient who has developed allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis on the background of mild asthma. She works in a refuse depot.The patient actually works in an office but the building is on the refuse site. Does this increase her chance of developing this problem? Thank you for your help.

Occupational Asthma, Specialist, 2/20/2006, 5/1/2011,

I have at least 2 workers in refuse transfer sites or incinerators who have problems with Aspergillus fumigatus, but none actually have bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Both started with occupational asthma, but at least one has now developed extrinsic allergic alveolitis which is quite agressive. Compost heap turning is another situation where high levels of A.fumigatus spores are found. The answer to your question is that occupational asthma is possible. Serial peak flow records would be the next step.

2/20/2006

HI, I too worked adjacent to a refuse station where composting was a common practise. I have been a welder all of life with no sympton of asthma. When I first started to work next to the rubbish dump, I started to have severe sinus problems, asthma symptons. I worked there for 18 months before I decided it wasnt doing my health anygood. I have had 11 sinus procedures and an aspergillus abcsess removed from my lung and swallowing difficulties due to the sensitivities. I am willing to share my experiences. I also have an air quality report which confirms the amount of fungal spores collected.

5/1/2011