Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms in Foundry Workers

Abstract

Foundry workers are more likely to die from chronic bronchitis and emphysema than men in other occupations (OPCS, 1995) but a report published by the U.K. Department of Social Security in 1992 (DSS, 1992) concluded that it was unable on the present evidence to recommend prescription of chronic bronchitis and emphysema in metal workers. Although studies cited in the report found an excess of non-malignant respiratory disease, the reviewers felt that inadequate allowance had been made for potential confounders and, specifically, for age, smoking history and previous exposure in other dusty industries. The present study was set up, in collaboration with the Foundry Section of the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union, to determine whether foundry workers had an excess risk, compared to unexposed men in similar occupations, of either chronic bronchitis or decreased lung function (FEV!) and whether any such excess persisted after allowance for confounders. Further, it was of interest to determine any relationship between exposure, within the foundry workers, and symptoms or decrease in FEVi. The present paper addresses particularly this latter question and attempts to determine which, if any, index of cumulative exposure to foundry dust best explains the reduction in lung function or an increase in chronic bronchitis.