Respiratory disorders of the producers and users of man made mineral fibres - Comparative study

Abstract

Aim: We proposed to emphasize the possible differences related to respiratory diseases among a factory producing man made mineral fibres (MMMF) compared with MMMF users in a building site. Methods: The work conditions have been evaluated by microscope analysis of MMMF levels in the workplace air. The estimation of MMMF exposure impact upon health status has been carried out by investigations focused on the respiratory system. We have studied 85 workers in a MMMF factory (mean age=38.2 yrs, mean length of service=16 yrs,) and 93 constructors (mean age=37.8 yrs, mean length of service=18 yrs). Results: The environmental analysis has shown: MMMF mean concentration in the factory varied between 0.65-0.89 respirable fibres (rfb)/cm 3 vs 0.25-0.35rfb/cm 3 in building site; both concentration has been below the Toxic Limit Value (TLV). Health status: MMMF producers had a higher prevalence of irritative respiratory symptoms (compared to the users) with different clinic aspects: nasal congestion and nasopharyngeal irritation (65% vs 32%), sneezing (63% vs 21%), laryngeal irritation (60% vs15%), dry cough (55% vs 14%) and chest tightness (30% vs 18%). The Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) has put in evidence a distal obstructive syndrome in 35% of the producers (vs 18%) strongly associated with the length of service in both groups (p Conclusions: The higher frequency of symptoms in the factory workers compared with those from the building site seems to be related to the higher level of workplace exposure to MMMF. Even if this level was below TLV values, the exposure to this hazard might be involved in the determinism of the obstructive impairment of the lung function in both groups of exposed workers.