Washington – NIOSH recently issued information (.pdf file) for health care providers on treating workers with flavoring-related lung disease.
Employees who work with or near flavoring chemicals containing diacetyl or 2,3-pentanedione may be at risk for chronic lung conditions. NIOSH said health care providers should take the following steps when treating these workers:
- Take an occupational history. Respiratory symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, night sweats and weight loss.
- Respond by conducting a medical evaluation, which may include spirometry or chest X-rays, among other tests.
- Advise patients on avoiding further exposure and speaking to their supervisor about training and exposure control methods.
- Report cases to your state health department and NIOSH.
