Respiratory health status among seafarers in the Russian trawler and merchant fleets

Introduction: Trawler fishermen and merchant seafarers have tough working conditions. Besides being exposed to a challenging environment, trawler fishermen are also engaged in on-board fish processing, which is considered as additional exposure compared to merchant seafarers.  

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to characterize respiratory health status in both groups of seamen.  

Methods: In total 127 trawler fishermen and 118 merchant seafarers were enrolled during their regular medical health examinations. The study protocol comprised a standardized questionnaire, lung function test and measurements of fractional nitric oxide concentrations (FENO) in exhaled air.  Results: Self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma was reported only by trawler fishermen (3.9%, p<0.05). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) of respiratory symptoms were more often elevated in trawler fishermen compared to merchant seafarers. Trawler fishermen had reduced spirometric parameters: FEV1 % of predicted values (adjusted B: -5.28, 95% CI: -9.28 to 1.27), FVC % of predicted values (adjusted B: -5.21, 95% CI: -9.25 to -1.17). Increased OR of work-related cough with phlegm (OR: 6.6, 95% CI: 1.8-21.9), running nose (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.7), and frequent sneezing (OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.0-12.7) were found among those trawler workers whose work tasks included filleting of fish. FENO levels were not significantly different between trawler and merchant seamen.  

Conclusion: The present study indicated that trawler fishermen exhibited impaired lung function and were more likely to have asthma. Filleting of fish is suggested as a risk factor for work-related respiratory symptoms.