Chronic Phlegm Research Articles

Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Receipt of a Breathing Test in 26 States and the District of Columbia, 2017–2018

Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Receipt of a Breathing Test in 26 States and the District of Columbia, 2017–2018

Does diet quality moderate the long-term effects of discrete but extreme PM2.5 exposure on respiratory symptoms? A study of the Hazelwood coalmine fire

In 2014, a fire at an open cut coalmine in regional Victoria, Australia burned for 6 weeks. Residents of the nearby town of Morwell were exposed to smoke, which included high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). We investigated whether the long-term effects of PM2.5 on respiratory health were moderated by diet quality. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of data collected 8.5 years after the mine fire from 282 residents of Morwell and 166 residents from the nearby unexposed town of Sale. Primary outcomes were respiratory symptoms. Exposure was coalmine fire-related PM2.5 and diet quality was assessed as Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) derived using the Australian Eating Survey (AES). The moderating effect of diet quality on respiratory outcomes associated with PM2.5 was assessed using logistic regression models, adjusting for potential confounders. Diet quality was poor in this sample, with 60% in the lowest category of overall diet quality. Overall diet quality and fruit and vegetable quality significantly attenuated the association between PM2.5 and prevalence of chronic cough and phlegm. Sauce/condiment intake was associated with a greater effect of PM2.5 on COPD prevalence. No other moderating effects were significant. The moderating effects of overall diet quality and vegetable and fruit intake aligned with a priori hypotheses, suggesting potential protective benefits. While more evidence is needed to confirm these findings, improving diets, especially fruit and vegetable intake, may provide some protection against the effects of smoke exposure from fire events.

Smoking, respiratory symptoms, lung function and life expectancy: A longitudinal study of ageing.

Prognostic indices have been developed to predict various outcomes, including mortality. These indices and hazard ratios may be difficult for patients to understand. We investigated the association between smoking, respiratory symptoms and lung function with remaining life expectancy (LE) in older adults. Data were from the 2004/05 English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) (n = 8930), participants aged ≥50-years, with mortality data until 2012. Respiratory symptoms included were chronic phlegm and shortness of breath (SOB). The association between smoking, respiratory symptoms and FEV1/FVC, and remaining LE was estimated using a parametric survival function and adjusted for covariates including age at baseline and sex. The extent to which symptoms and FEV1/FVC predicted differences in remaining LE varied by smoking. Compared to asymptomatic never smokers with normal lung function (the reference group), in never smokers, only those with SOB had a significant reduction in remaining LE. In former and current smokers, those with respiratory symptoms had significantly lower remaining LE compared to the reference group if they had FEV1/FVC <0.70 compared to those with FEV1/FVC ≥0.70. Males aged 50-years, current smokers with SOB and FEV1/FVC <0.70, had a remaining LE of 19.2 (95%CI: 16.5-22.2) years, a decrease of 8.1 (5.3-10.8) years, compared to the reference group. Smoking, respiratory symptoms and FEV1/FVC are strongly associated with remaining LE in older people. The use of remaining LE to communicate mortality risk to patients needs further investigation.

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function impairment among textile industry workers in Alexandria, Egypt.

Occupational exposure to cotton dust is still an important cause of respiratory problems in textile workers particularly in less developed countries like Egypt. Evaluate respiratory symptoms and diseases, and pulmonary function pattern among Egyptian textile workers. Cross sectional comparative study was conducted from December 2019 to September 2020 in a textile factory in Egypt; 364 male workers (184 cotton dust exposed workers, and 180 unexposed workers) were included. Participants were subjected to an interviewing questionnaire, British Medical Research Council questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function tests, and byssinosis grading format. Descriptive and analytic statistics were conducted. Chronic cough, phlegm production, and shortness of breath grade I, II and III were more reported in cotton dust exposed workers than unexposed workers (P#x003C;0.01, P#x003C;0.01, and P=0.02, respectively). Prevalence of chronic bronchitis was significantly higher among cotton dust exposed workers (12%) than unexposed workers (3.9%) (P#x003C;0.01). The mean percent predicted values of lung function indices reflecting large-1irway function (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEFR, and FEF75) were significantly lower in cotton dust exposed workers (P#x003C;0.01). Prevalence of byssinosis was 22.8%. Workers with byssinosis had significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, cross-shift reduction in PEFR and significant decrease in mean percent predicted values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF75, and FEF50 than workers without byssinosis. This study revealed a substantial association between cotton dust exposure at work and respiratory symptoms and morbidity. Regular measurement of cross shift change in PEFR is recommended among exposed workers for early diagnosis of byssinosis.

Occupational exposure to silicon dioxide and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in the cement manufacturing industries: A review.

The aim of this review was to assess the association between occupational exposure to silicon dioxide and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in the cement manufacturing industries. Approximately 60 articles published from 2010 to 2021 were found and four independent reviewers extracted the data from each eligible study using PubMed, Google scholar etc. The following terms were used: exposure to cement dust, exposure to silicon dioxide etc. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered while searching for the studies. In this review, a total of 14 articles were included in this study. Chronic cough was the most prevalence exposure symptoms (OR 1.90; CI 9.90, 0.78), with wheezing reported to be the least experienced symptom (OR 1.34; CI 11.5, 0.50). Two studies reported exposure concentration ranging from 0.026 to 0.044 mg/m3, and 0.27 mg/m3 was also reported in one study. The FEV1 and FVC was lower in exposed workers when compared to the control group. Studies reported the crystalline silica quartz to be 21.5% in limestone, 22.5% in bauxite, 21.22% in clinker, and 21.22% in raw cement. Chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing, and shortness of breath or dyspnea was found to be significantly prevalence among workers, particularly cleaning personnel, in the cement manufacturing industries.

Ciliary dyskinesia in severe asthma is not affected by chronic mucus hypersecretion.

Chronic mucus hypersecretion (CMH) is linked to increased asthma severity. Ciliary dyskinesia is present in severe asthma but CMH was not associated with a worse ciliary dysfunction, suggesting another mechanism to explain chronic cough and phlegm. https://bit.ly/3JNUgGr.

Respiratory and population effects of e-cigarettes: A Chinese perspective.

Respiratory and population effects of e-cigarettes: A Chinese perspective.

#5129 CLINICAL-FUNCTIONAL KIDNEY-LUNG LINK IN A POPULATION OF HEMODIALYZED PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims We know that lung and kidney are intimately related from a functional standpoint, both in physiological conditions and in diseases. The close relationship between lung and kidney (kidney-lung link) is evidence of a homeostatic connection between all organs and systems in an attempt to maintain the body system balance. In a recent review [1] we emphasized the importance to search for the clinical signs of a disease not only in the primary affected organ but also in organ functionally related. Method For this purpose we examined 81 hemodialyzed patients, with a mean age of 66.6 ± 13 years (28 f and 53 M), undergoing hemodialysis treatment (mean dialysis: 96 ± 34 months), with regard to smoking habits (47 non-smokers and 34 smokers with an average of 19.8 cigarettes per day: pack / years: 33.4 ± 2.9). Pulmonary function test (PFT) and clinical signs were evaluated. we excluded 6 patients (4 males and 2 females) in the smoking group with obstructive spirometric pattern (detected by a FEV1.0/FVC ratio lower than 70 absolute value), so that the final non-smoking group consisted of 47 patients and the smoking-group by 28 smokers: both groups matched for anthropomorphic data. Results The mean values of PFT were globally no different between smokers with normal PFT and non smokers are summarized in Table 1: Although the never-smoking group was nearly twice as large as the smokers, and PFT were similar and normal, respiratory symptoms were predominant: daily cough (49 yes; 26 no); chronic phlegm (51 yes; 24 no). Conclusion in dialysis patients, cough and phlegm are common symptoms, regardless of smoking and spirometric values. Probably these results are the consequence of synergistic effects between lungs and kidneys, as recently demonstrated [2]. Hence the need to evaluate dialysis patients from the clinical-functional point of view of both, kidneys and lungs, in order to evaluate the appropriate, personalized, therapeutic strategy according to the last evidences of the literature [3].

The association of spirometric small airways obstruction with respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic diseases, and quality of life: results from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study

BackgroundSpirometric small airways obstruction (SAO) is common in the general population. Whether spirometric SAO is associated with respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic diseases, and quality of life (QoL) is unknown.MethodsUsing data from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study (N = 21,594), we defined spirometric SAO as the mean forced expiratory flow rate between 25 and 75% of the FVC (FEF25-75) less than the lower limit of normal (LLN) or the forced expiratory volume in 3 s to FVC ratio (FEV3/FVC) less than the LLN. We analysed data on respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic diseases, and QoL collected using standardised questionnaires. We assessed the associations with spirometric SAO using multivariable regression models, and pooled site estimates using random effects meta-analysis. We conducted identical analyses for isolated spirometric SAO (i.e. with FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN).ResultsAlmost a fifth of the participants had spirometric SAO (19% for FEF25-75; 17% for FEV3/FVC). Using FEF25-75, spirometric SAO was associated with dyspnoea (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.77–2.70), chronic cough (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 2.08–3.15), chronic phlegm (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.77–4.05), wheeze (OR = 2.87, 95% CI 2.50–3.40) and cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.11–1.52), but not hypertension or diabetes. Spirometric SAO was associated with worse physical and mental QoL. These associations were similar for FEV3/FVC. Isolated spirometric SAO (10% for FEF25-75; 6% for FEV3/FVC), was also associated with respiratory symptoms and cardiovascular disease.ConclusionSpirometric SAO is associated with respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular disease, and QoL. Consideration should be given to the measurement of FEF25-75 and FEV3/FVC, in addition to traditional spirometry parameters.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS EXPOSURE AND RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AMONG BUS DRIVERS IN A MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

Bus drivers are continuously exposed to air pollutants such as particulate matter while working; hence, they have a high risk for respiratory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the associations of exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) inside campus transit buses with respiratory symptoms among bus drivers. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 38 bus drivers as the exposed group and 38 office workers as the comparative group at a Malaysian public university. Indoor air monitoring was performed for 8 hours using SidePak Personal Aerosol Monitor, DustTrak II Aerosol Monitor, and Air Quality Monitor, while background information and self-reported respiratory symptoms were obtained using an adapted American Thoracic Society (ATS-DLD-78-A) questionnaire. Air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10 and NO2) exposure between both groups was significantly different at p&lt;0.05. The exposed group had higher odds of getting cough (OR=2.5), chronic cough (OR=2.2) and chronic phlegm (OR=4.6) than the comparative group. Moreover, there were significant associations between PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations with cough (OR=2.2), chronic cough (OR=2.2), and chronic phlegm (OR=2.2). Meanwhile, only cough was significantly associated with NO2 (OR=2.4). Multiple logistic regression showed that the main predictor for cough was PM2.5 (OR=3.2), for chronic cough was PM10 (OR=5.0), and for chronic phlegm was work duration (OR=1.3). In short, the exposed group was exposed to higher concentrations of air pollutants than the comparative group, leading to a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms among the bus drivers. These findings provide important evidence for future programs to improve the air quality in buses. It is recommended that the indoor air quality inside the bus should be monitored periodically to ensure the drivers and the passengers are not exposed to air pollutants above the permissible limit.

Exposure to occupational risk factors is associated with the severity and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results from a complex interaction between genes and the environment, and occupational exposures are an underappreciated risk factor. Until now, little research attention has been paid to the potential impact of occupational risk factor exposure on the COPD in China. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the role of occupational risk factor exposure on the severity and progression of COPD for exploring new prevention strategies for this disease. This study adopted a random cluster-sampling method. Five grade-A tertiary hospitals that met the inclusion criteria were selected as the survey sites, and patients with COPD hospitalized in these hospitals from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, were selected as the research subjects. Data of the patients diagnosed with COPD met the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (2019) criteria and were collected from the computerized medical record databases. Among 4082 investigated COPD patients, 1063 (26%) were found to have occupational risk factor exposure history. The top 3 industries with a large COPD case number and a history of occupational risk factor exposure ranked in the order of agriculture (including farming, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery), manufacturing, and mining. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that when setting a low exposure level as a reference, medium and high exposure levels were correlated with the severity of COPD (odds ratio values were 2.837 and 6.201, respectively, P < .05). Linear regression analysis showed that cumulative exposure to occupational risk factors was negatively correlated with the forced expiratory volume in 1-second percentage of COPD patients, with a correlation coefficient of 0.68. Our results indicated that occupational risk factor exposure levels were related to the severity of COPD significantly. The incubation period of COPD in the exposure group was significantly shorter than that in the non-exposure group. To prevent worked-related COPD, special attention and control efforts should be taken to reduce the level of occupational risk factors such as organic dust, irritating chemicals, etc in the work environments, especially in the industries of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery, manufacturing, and mining.

Association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been associated with exposures in the workplace. We aimed to assess the association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study. We analysed cross-sectional data from 28 823 adults (≥40 years) in 34 countries. We considered 11 occupations and grouped them by likelihood of exposure to organic dusts, inorganic dusts and fumes. The association of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, wheeze, dyspnoea, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC with occupation was assessed, per study site, using multivariable regression. These estimates were then meta-analysed. Sensitivity analyses explored differences between sexes and gross national income. Overall, working in settings with potentially high exposure to dusts or fumes was associated with respiratory symptoms but not lung function differences. The most common occupation was farming. Compared to people not working in any of the 11 considered occupations, those who were farmers for ≥20 years were more likely to have chronic cough (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.19-1.94), wheeze (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.63) and dyspnoea (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.53-2.20), but not lower FVC (β=0.02 L, 95% CI -0.02-0.06 L) or lower FEV1/FVC (β=0.04%, 95% CI -0.49-0.58%). Some findings differed by sex and gross national income. At a population level, the occupational exposures considered in this study do not appear to be major determinants of differences in lung function, although they are associated with more respiratory symptoms. Because not all work settings were included in this study, respiratory surveillance should still be encouraged among high-risk dusty and fume job workers, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Prevalence of Respiratory Morbidity among Traffic Police in Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to assess respiratory morbidity among traffic police in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. METHODOLOGY A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Peshawar among traffic police from all their traffic stations. A sample of 302 participants was taken conveniently from the stations as a cluster sample for the purpose. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and was analyzed through SPSS Version-17 for its presentation. RESULTS A total of 302 participants participated in the study. The mean age of the study population was 40.45 ± 6.30 years. Almost half (49%) of the study participants belonged to the age group 35-44 years. Results further reflected that majority of the respondents (90%) were head constables and 10% (31) of them were from the grade of Assistant, Sub Inspectors, (SI) and Sub Inspectors (SI). Around 49.7% of the study participants had graduation and above and the remaining 50.3% (152) had a higher secondary qualification. Furthermore; 87 % of the participants reported that they had never used a face mask and 13 % of them had used a face mask. Respiratory morbidity reflected that the 7% of participants had a frequent cough, chronic cough (6%), phlegm (15%), chronic phlegm (12%), wheeze (4%), chronic wheeze (18%), dyspnea I (9%), while 25% of them had dyspnea II and peak flow restriction with. CONCLUSION Findings of the study concluded that the Police working in traffic are very prone to get respiratory illnesses and they have a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory morbidity. Therefore periodic monitoring is encouraged to detect the problems at early stages for their treatment and better prognosis. Further Personal protective equipment needs to be used for the better prevention of the spread of respiratory disease

Evaluation of In-Vehicle Pollutants Exposure and Respiratory Symptoms among Bus Drivers in Kota Bahru, Malaysia

Abstract Exposure to in-vehicle air pollutants has been recognized as a risk factor for respiratory diseases. The present study, therefore, investigates the factors, including duration of employment and in-vehicle concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) that can influence the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in commercial bus drivers. A total of 34 bus drivers and 51 administrative staff (comparative group) from the bus operator in Kota Bahru, Malaysia were randomly enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The personal characteristics and respiratory symptoms were reported using a validated questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society (ATS-DLD-78-A). In-vehicle concentrations of PM2.5, CO2 and NO2 were continuously measured over eight hours on each bus driver. The prevalence of self-reported cough, phlegm and chronic phlegm among bus drivers were 55.9%, 73.5% and 35.3%, respectively, significantly higher compared to the comparative group (p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, the duration of employment with bus operators for more than four years was significantly related to the manifestation of phlegm (OR = 8.27, 95% CI = 3.12-21.89) and cough (OR = 4.57, 95% CI = 1.66-12.59). Among the pollutants measured, concentrations of PM2.5 (92.1 µg/m3) and CO2 (286.9 ppm) inside the buses were significantly higher in the morning compared to afternoon hours (p &lt; 0.001). These findings provide important evidence for further surveillance programs that could reduce occupational exposure for bus drivers.

Intermittent prophylactic antibiotics for bronchiectasis.

Intermittent prophylactic antibiotics for bronchiectasis.

Characteristics and Determinants of the Presence of Respiratory Symptoms among Sewage Workers in Malaysia.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships of PM 2.5 and H2S exposure with the presence of work-related respiratory symptoms among sewage workers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in eleven sewage plants located in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia. One hundred ninety-one sewage workers were assessed using the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire. Area air sampling was performed in three different sewage plants to measure the following parameters: physical air quality and concentration of PM 2.5 and H2S. Result Chronic cough (34.0%) was reported as the most common symptom, followed by chronic phlegm (26.2%), shortness of breath (7.9%), and chest tightness (3.7%). There were five significant determinants of the presence of respiratory symptoms among the sewage workers: shift work (AOR 23.50, 95% CI: 1.90–616.52), working at a sludge treatment facility (STF) (AOR 25.46, 95% CI: 2.06–314.29), a longer duration of working years (AOR 1,21, 95% CI: 1.01–1.44), individual cumulative exposure to PM 2.5 (AOR 9.01, 95% CI: 1.98–83.33), and individual cumulative exposure to H2S (AOR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07). The majority of STF and non-STF workers had higher exposure to PM 2.5 and H2S concentrations in the air than office workers. Conclusion Sewage workers working at non-STFs or STFs reported a significantly higher prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms and exposure to PM 2.5 and H2S compared with office workers. Exposure-response relationships were also found in sewage workers' cumulative exposure to PM 2.5 and H2S and the presence of respiratory symptoms.

Impact of Air Pollution Generated by Brick Kilns on the Pulmonary Health of Workers.

Background.Brick kiln workers are often not aware of the health effects of their working environment and health-related respiratory problems. There have been few studies on the relationship between brick kiln pollution and its health impact on brick kiln workers.Objectives.The present study measured the association of brick kiln contamination with severe respiratory problems and lung function among brick kiln workers in the Kasur district, Pakistan.Methods.Air quality variables (PM2.5, PM10, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) were monitored during operations in brick kiln modulation and kiln areas. Workers (n=60) were selected for participation if they were between the ages of 18 and 60 and had been working in brick kilns for at least one year and gave consent to participate. Their lung function was measured.Results.The average concentrations of measured air quality variables for all working sites were found to exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) guidelines. These high values of brick kiln pollutants were associated with a significant decrease in spirometric values (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and average flow between 25% and 75% of the FVC (FEF2575)) among workers and revealed that 78.33% of workers had abnormal lung function with 5% obstructive and 95% restrictive impairments. Occurrences of pulmonary problems like frequent cough (50%), chronic cough (11.67%), frequent phlegm (21.67%), chronic phlegm (11.67%), frequent wheezing (20%), chronic wheezing (15%), shortness of breath grade-I & grade-II (38.33%) and self-reported asthma (3.33%) were also found among the workers.Conclusions.Pollution from brick kiln operations was significantly high and associated with respiratory problems as well as a decrease in lung function. There was a clear correlation between pulmonary function in workers with brick kiln contamination.Participant Consent.ObtainedEthics Approval.This study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan (Ref.1443-UZ).Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

1507A cross sectional study on respiratory morbidity among traffic police personnel in Hyderabad, Telangana

Abstract Background Occupational hazards cause early deaths to millions of people worldwide and result in avoidable morbidity that adversely affect the quality of life. The problem of air pollution is also addressed in two of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – SGD3 and SDG11. Traffic police are one of the worst sufferers because they are continuously exposed to the toxic pollutants emitted from the automobiles. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2016 to October 2017 among traffic police personnel of Hyderabad district, Telangana. The study was done with a sample size of 270. Data collection was done using a standardized pretested structured schedule developed using ATS-DLD questionnaire, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) measurements and spirometry for lung volumes. Results The average roadside working hours per day for the study participants was 6 hrs per day. The prevalence of respiratory morbidity was found to be 29.85%. Chronic phlegm, chronic cough and chronic wheeze was reported in 18.99%, 13.17%, 2.32% respectively. Respiratory morbidity was significantly associated with age, duration of occupation related exposure to air pollution and the Air Quality Index of workplace (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Around 29% showed obstructive pattern Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). Around 68% had FEV1 less than 80% predicted. Conclusions The respiratory morbidity may be attributed to the harmful effects of air pollution due to vehicular exhaust. Key messages Respiratory morbidity among traffic police personnel in Hyderabad warrants implementation of preventive measures.

Styrene associated respiratory outcomes among reinforced plastic industry workers

The study aim was to determine whether styrene exposure was associated with respiratory outcomes in a dose-response manner in the fibreglass reinforcement industry. Workers (n=254) from a fibreglass reinforcement factory were subjected to a standardised interview, spirometry and styrene monitoring. Cumulative exposure was calculated across different jobs and levels of exposure. Logistic regression modelling estimated risk for symptoms, respiratory diseases and lung function change across exposure tertiles. The geometric means of styrene in the General Laminating and Fitting Departments were 48.2 mg/m3 (95% CI 36.3–64.1 mg/m3) and 20.7 mg/m3 (95% CI: 15.6–27.5 mg/m3), respectively. The cumulative exposure odds ratios for chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing and breathlessness for high exposure was 3.1 (95% CI 1.1–8.6), 5.3 (95% CI 1.7–16.6), 3.3 (95% CI 1.2–9.1) and 5.5 (95% CI 1.15–26.4), respectively. The cumulative exposure associated reduction in FEV1/FVC ratio, percent predicted FEV1 and FVC was 0.01, 0.04% and 0.05%, respectively. Styrene exposure increases the risk of respiratory symptoms and is associated with reduced lung function.

Airborne occupational exposures and the risk of developing respiratory symptoms and airway obstruction in the Lifelines Cohort Study

ObjectivesTo date, only a few studies have investigated the associations between occupational exposures and respiratory outcomes longitudinally in the general population. We investigated the associations between occupational exposures and the...