Chronic bronchitis in oil industry workers exposed to hydrocarbons: role of cigarette smoking and gender differences

Abstract

Results During the studied period, hydrocarbon levels in the air of all workplaces were persistently high: aliphatic hydrocarbon levels were 1800mg/m3 (maximum allowable concentration, MAC = 1000mg/m3) and aromatic hydrocarbon levels were 341.5ng/m3 (MAC = 150ng/m3, marker: 3,4-benzo[a]pyrene). The prevalence of chronic bronchitis in hydrocarbon-exposed females was 16.2%, higher than in exposed males 11.3%. Smokers in each group had significantly higher rates of chronic bronchitis than non-smokers. Linear regression analysis showed strong correlation between exposure and chronic bronchitis: males (r = 0.61) and females (r =0.72).