Suberosis at Public Health Unit (PHU) of Santa Maria da Feira/Arouca (F/A) (Portugal)

Abstract Introduction Santa Maria da Feira (SMF) is currently one of the largest producers of cork in Portugal. Suberosis is an occupational disease of workers in the cork processing industry, associated with repeated exposure to moldy cork dust, usually presenting itself as a disease of the pulmonary interstitium (Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis). This study aims to assess the impact of occupational health interventions on the cork industry, in terms of health promotion and risk prevention. Methods We assessed 10 different cork companies distributed in 10 parishes of SMF. Results With regard to health promotion, we highlight the development of healthy workplaces and the strong commitment to training health professionals with regard to the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Regarding the prevention of risks, emphasis is placed on the two areas that imply greater professional risks: storage and the process of drilling and boring. The storage of cork is done most of the time in dark and humid places, providing ideal conditions for the development of mold and the process of drilling and boring exposes workers to large amounts of moldy cork dust. In these settings, investing in PPE namely protective gloves and mask, as well as collective prevention measures, namely effective ventilation systems and regular control of humidity conditions, are essential to health protection of workers. Conclusions SMF has a prevalence of Suberosis well above the national average. In order to respond to this issue, the cork industry must reinforce the investment in terms of PPE, with the use of uniform, cuffs, safety shoes and visor, variable with the specific production process. In terms of collective protection, the signaling of the main hazards and the information available in the workstations regarding mandatory/recommended PPE, isolation of the areas with the most dangerous tasks as well as the maximum possible turnover between tasks are essential in terms of Occupational Health. Key messages Suberosis is an occupational disease of workers in the cork industry, associated with repeated exposure to moldy cork dust, usually presenting itself as a disease of the pulmonary interstitium. The development of healthy workplaces, the correct use of PPE and the investment in effective ventilation systems and control of humidity, are essential to health protection of cork workers.