Günay Güngör

Confirmed prevalence of food allergy and non‐allergic food hypersensitivity in a Mediterranean population

Background Until the present, no comprehensive studies evaluating the prevalence of food allergy and non‐allergic food hypersensitivity (FA/NAFH) in adults have been done in Turkey or its surrounding countries.

Respiratory Health Symptoms among Students Exposed to Different Levels of Air Pollution in a Turkish City

In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of respiratory health symptoms among high school students attending schools at industrial, urban and rural areas in a Turkish city. Three schools located in different zones of the city having different pollution characteristics were chosen based on the pollutant distribution maps using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software. A cross-sectional survey was performed among 667 high school students in the schools. Outdoor and indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) concentrations were also measured by passive samplers in the same schools to investigate possible routes of exposure. Chronic pulmonary disease (OR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.11–1.99; p = 0.008), tightness in the chest (OR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.22–2.02; p = 0.001), morning cough (OR = 1.81 95%CI: 1.19–2.75; p = 0.006) were higher among students in the industrial zone where nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels were also highest. There were no indoor sources of nitrogen dioxide and ozone exists in the schools except for the dining hall. As a conclusion, this study has noticed that air pollution and respiratory health problems among high school students are high in industrial zones and the use of passive samplers combined with GIS is an effective tool that may be used by public health researchers to identify pollutant zones and persons at risk.

Health Problems of Garbage Collectors in Istanbul

Diseases from poisonous gases and micro-organisms in the air near garbage dumps and poisoning by polluted underground water and soil may result in serious health problems. The object of this study was to determine the negative impact of their occupation on full-time garbage collectors and to determine the microbiologic flora of their immediate environment. This study was performed with 228 selected individuals who worked daily in 5 different garbage collection units in several districts of Istanbul. The level of exposure to microbiologic flora was studied using a Merck Air Sampler MAS 100, and total bacteria, yeast and mildew concentrations per square metre and minute (cfu/m2/min) were calculated. Respiratory functions of all individuals in the study were evaluated with a computerised spirometer (MIR spirobank). Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. were the commonest species detected followed by Candida spp., Mycelia sterilia, Rhizopus spp. and Mucor spp. The study of respiratory functions showed that the FVC%, FEV1%, PEF% and FEF25–75% of the garbage collectors were below 80% compared to non-collectors: OR = 2.89 (95% CI 1.14–7.30) in FVC%, OR = 2.89 (95% CI 1.41–5.92) in PEF%, OR = 2.46 (95% CI 1.33–4.56) in FEF25–75% and OR = 4.48 (95% CI 1.90–10.58) in FEV1%. A long expirium period and ronchus symptoms were detected in 11 collectors (31.4%) and 4 drivers (11.4%) out of 32 collectors and 35 drivers whose respiratory function tests gave low values. Clinical findings between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05), OR = 4.06 (95% CI 1.13–14.46). The exposure to airborne microbes could produce respiratory disorders, gastroenteritis, dermatitis and many other complaints.

Occupational and Environmental Risk Factors for the Sick Building Syndrome in Modern Offices in Istanbul: A Cross Sectional Study:

In this study we aimed to research the frequency of and possible risk factors for sick building syndrome (SBS) in indoor workplaces in Istanbul. The investigation was carried out in 50 non-governmental bank offices: 25 had a central ventilation system (the study group) and 25 a local ventilation system (the control group). Clinical outcomes were estimated by a standardised questionnaire completed by employees. In addition, the level of indoor gaseous pollutants and bio-aerosols (micro-fungi and bacteria) were measured. The most prevalent bio-aerosols found in the study offices were high densities of Penicillium and Aspergillus spores in contrast to the control offices where the predominant species were Cladasporium and Alternia spores. Findings of SBS were relatively increased in those working in buildings with a central air conditioning system (OR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.04-2.70); in those working for less than 3 years in the building (OR=1.91; 95% CI: 1.18-3.09); in those operating a photocopier frequently (OR=1.70; 95% CI: 1.15-2.53); in women (OR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.21-2.63) and in those with workplace dissatisfaction (OR=2.06; 95% CI: 1.40-3.05).

Microbiological Evaluation of Indoor Air of Kindergartens in Fatih District of Istanbul

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the total mould and bacteria levels in the kindergartens in Istanbul City, Fatih District. Materials: This is a cross sectional study and was performed in 15 preschool institutions in Fatih district in May 2007. Methods: Merck Air Sampler Mas 100 was used for measurements. Results: The total amounts of bacteria grown in the stations measured (classroom, lunch room, kitchen and toilets) were as follows: 946.43 ± 1033.79 CFU·m−3 in the morning and 849.29 ± 594 CFU·m−3 in the afternoon. Total mould numbers were 489.64 ± 441.25 CFU·m−3 in the morning and 993.39 ± 1013.52 CFU·m−3 in the afternoon. Cladosporium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were found to be the most commonly reproduced mould species. The total mould levels were found to be higher in stations with aluminium window framing and floor carpeting. Furthermore, when compared in terms of total mould levels, there was no difference between concrete and brick buildings; and also, total bacteria count was higher in brick buildings during the morning measurements. Conclusion: For providing a better indoor air quality in kindergartens, natural ventilation, polyvinyl chloride windows, concrete building, minimum furniture and textile materials (sofas, cushions, curtains and kids’ clothing) are preferable.

Fungal Flora at Solid Waste Storage Centres and Their Potential Allergenic Effects on the Workers

Purpose: The aim of this study was to find out the fungal flora at solid waste storage centres and its potential allergenic effects on the workers. Methods: Air samples from 10 solid waste storage centres were collected and plates were incubated for up to 14 days. The isolated fungi were identified by standard methods. In total, 599 solid waste sanitation workers who worked in those areas were questioned about nasoconjunctival and skin allergic symptoms and then underwent skin prick tests with different mould extracts. Results: Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., Rhizopus sp., Penicillium sp., Alternaria sp. and Trichoderma sp. were isolated in all areas, Aspergillus being the most abundant mould followed by others. According to skin prick tests, positivity to Aspergillus fumigatuswas found to be in the first order by 10.68%. There was a significant correlation between the nasal and conjunctival symptoms and skin test positivity to house dust mites (p = 0.002, p = 0.03). Skin complaints were correlated with skin test positivity to Penicillium notatum ( p = 0.04). Conclusion: Our findings showed that the workers of solid waste storage centres are under a moderate risk of becoming sensitised to some mould species, especially to Aspergillus sp. The environmental measurements and periodical medical check-ups must be taken into account in solid waste storage centres in order to assess the health risks.