Prevalence rates of chronic non-specific respiratory disease in fire fighters.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study measured the prevalence of chronic non-specific respiratory disease in 1,768 Boston fire fighters. Simple pulmonary function tests, forced vital capacity and 1-second forced expiratory volume, and a standardized respiratory symptom questionnaire classified fire fighters into one of several categories of chronic non-specific respiratory disease. Relevant exposure information was also obtained. Experienced fire fighters had a higher chronic non-specific respiratory disease rate than new fire fighters of the same age group, although cigarette smoking partially obscured the occupational effect. Several indicators of occupational exposure and their resulting symptoms were associated with higher chronic non-specific respiratory disease rates. Significantly higher disease rates were found in fire fighters who smoked or had smoked cigarettes in the past. Although selection factors may result in a population of fire fighters who have less chronic non-specific respiratory disease than the ge...