Who are the subjects of the research on the influence of milk powder?

Prolonged exposure to baby milk powder increases the risk of breathing problems, including wheezing and breathlessness, a study has found. It looked at 170 Thai factory workers who made the powder, but the team from University of Birmingham says the risk could also apply to nannies. Mothers and babies are safe, because they have relatively little exposure. But the study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, says at-risk workers should be monitored. The researchers compared these workers’ health with that of 76 office workers using a questionnaire and lung function tests. Twice as many people who worked with milk powder had symptoms, with 24% experiencing wheezing and 33% having breathlessness compared to 12% and 16% of the office workers. Those working with the powder were also found to be twice as likely to have had asthma.
    "Nannies, and bakers, both groups who are exposed to milk powder during their work life, may also benefit from respiratory tests," said Dr Jaakkola, who led the researchers.