Polyvinyl Chloride Dust Research Articles

Mortality for Lung Cancer among PVC Baggers Employed in the Vinyl Chloride Industry.

Vinyl-chloride monomer (VCM) is classified as a known carcinogen of the liver; for lung cancer, some results suggest a potential association with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dust. We evaluated the relationship between lung cancer mortality and exposure as PVC baggers in a cohort of workers involved in VCM production and polymerization in Porto Marghera (Venice, Italy) considering both employment status and smoking habits. The workers were studied between 1973 and 2017. A subset of them (848 over 1658) was interviewed in the 2000s to collect information about smoking habits and alcohol consumption. Missing values were imputed by the Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) algorithm. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using regional reference rates by task (never, ever, and exclusively baggers) and by smoking habits. Mortality rate ratios (MRR), adjusted for age, calendar time, time since first exposure, and smoking habits, were obtained via Poisson regression using Rubin’s rule to combine results from imputed datasets calculating the fraction of information due to non-response. Lung cancer mortality was lower than the regional reference in the whole cohort (lung cancer SMR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.75–1.11). PVC baggers showed a 50% increase in lung cancer mortality compared to regional rates (SMR = 1.48; 95% CI 0.82–2.68). In the cohort analyses, a doubled risk of lung cancer mortality among PVC baggers was confirmed after adjustment for smoking and time-dependent covariates (MRR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.04–3.81). Exposure to PVC dust resulting from activity as bagger in a polymerization PVC plant was associated with an increase in lung cancer mortality risk after adjustment for smoking habits.

Change in peak expiratory flow over time among workers exposed to polyvinyl chloride dust.

To evaluate the variation of peak expiratory flow (PEF) over a working week among non-smoking workers without previous asthma who have been exposed to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dust. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 42 operators with exposure to PVC dust (filling hoppers to feed extrusion machines) and 23 employees without exposure to PVC dust in a plant producing PVC pipes in West Africa. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered and PEF was measured using a portable peak flow meter after a day off (day 1), on day 3 and at the end of the week (day 6). The two groups did not differ by age or body mass index. Dyspnoea was more prevalent in exposed workers than controls (52% vs. 13%, P = 0.002). PEF decreased more significantly in exposed workers than controls (-8% vs. -3% on day 3 and -10% vs. -5% on day 6, both P = 0.004). The duration of exposure did not affect PEF variability in the exposed groups. The decrease of PEF over the working week in workers exposed to PVC dust is consistent with occupational asthma, although standard measures to diagnose occupational asthma were not used. This result reinforces the need to prevent excessive exposure to PVC dust.

CT findings related to exposure to polyvinyl chloride

Although some adverse health effects of exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are well known, there is limited evidence of its effects on the respiratory system. To assess the pulmonary effects of exposure to PVC with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Workers and administrative staff of two PVC production plants completed questionnaires and went through pulmonary function testing and HRCT. Analysis of PVC dust in the work environment was performed by the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety. In total, 104 PVC-exposed workers and 43 administrative controls participated. HRCT revealed pleural and/or parenchymal changes in 55% of the exposed subjects. Pleural thickening was detected in 14 subjects, 13 of whom were in the exposed group (P < 0.05). Isolated pleural thickening without parenchymal involvement was present in seven workers, who were all in the exposed group (P < 0.05). Pleural thickening was frequently bilateral and localized to the parietal and visceral pleura. Round opacities, heterogeneous attenuation and ground-glass opacities were only detected in the exposed group (P < 0.05). Exposure to dust increased the risk of findings on HRCT (odds ratio (OR) 4.2, P < 0.05). There were no correlations between pulmonary function tests or respiratory symptoms and HRCT findings. HRCT changes were more common in subjects with forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF(25-75)) < 50% (P < 0.001). This study found that exposure to PVC dust, at levels below the legal limit for respirable particulate matter, was associated with parenchymal changes and pleural thickening on HRCT.

Pulmonary manifestations of polyvinyl chloride exposure

There is currently no national data on the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exposure on pulmonary function. In this study we recruited workers and administrative staff from two PVC plants between July 2008 and July 2009. A questionnaire, pulmonary function tests, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, and peak flows were recorded. Particulate matter analyses were performed by the Adana Central Laboratory of the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety. Data were analyzed with SPSS 13.0 software. Nine of the 147 subjects were female. The incidence of a cough was more common in the administrative group. Of the study population, 59.1% were smokers. Tobacco addiction significantly increased cough and dyspnea [OR= 1.10 (1.00-1.20, 95% CI) p= 0.007 and OR= 1.08 (1.02-1.14, 95% CI), p= 0.008, respectively]. Dust exposure was correlated with the incidence of a cough [OR= 0.20 (0.04-0.80, 95% CI) p= 0.008]. The period of work correlated with sputum production [OR= 1.00 (1.00-1.02, 95% CI) p= 0.044]. The FVC% was significantly higher in the administrative group, and FEV1/FVC and DLCO were higher in the exposed group. Tobacco addiction increased the risk of airflow limitation, as evaluated by FEV1/FVC < 70% and FEF25-75 < 50% [OR= 1.15 (1.06-1.25, 95% CI) p= 0.001 and OR= 1.09 (1.02-1.17, 95% CI) p= 0.010, respectively]. Tobacco addiction and increasing duration of work had a negative influence on DLCO in the exposed group (r= -0.270, p= 0.025 and r= -0.210, p= 0.037). In the exposed group PEF variability was significantly greater on workdays, compared with rest days. This study shows that tobacco consumption has a greater affect on the airways than PVC dust exposure. A median of 36 months exposure to PVC dust had no significant impact on pulmonary function parameters, except for DLCO and PEF variability.

PVC dust removal from the air by a new dynamical scrubber

Removal of the poly vinyl chloride (PVC) dust particles by a new dynamical scrubber in a PVC manufacturing plant is presented in this work. The effects of inlet air flow rate (containing PVC particles) and water flow rate (the physical absorber of particles) on the PVC dust removal efficiency were investigated. The size of the PVC particles which have been treated in this study was ranging from 0.5 up to 20 μm. The experimental results showed approximately 100% removal efficiency for particles larger than 1 μm and 73% for 0.5 μm particles while employing low water flow rates. The results of these experimental tests indicate a good performance of the scrubber in a short residence time (about 2 s) which is also completely economic for removing fine particles.

Recycling EAF dust by heat treatment with PVC

This study investigated whether polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be used as an additive for the treatment of electric arc furnace (EAF) dust. The PVC powder was mixed with the dust in order to test the synchronous treatment of two resources: waste PVC and EAF dust. The mixture was made into pellets and subjected to heat at various temperatures. The effects of the heat treatment and heating rate were investigated. The PVC emitted hydrogen chloride gas by pyrolysis and generated chlorides of zinc, lead, and cadmium in the pellets. These chlorides can be recovered by volatilization or leaching after the heat treatment. The residual pellet of this process contained over 45% iron, and it is expected that the residual pellet can be injected into the electric arc furnace.

Pneumoconiosis and systemic sclerosis following 10 years of exposure to polyvinyl chloride dust.

The case history is presented of a 58 year old man who was exposed to thermoplastic dusts, mainly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), for 10 years. Radiography and high resolution computed tomographic scans of the lungs suggested both pneumoconiotic and scleroderma-like lesions. Transbronchial biopsy revealed foreign body granulomas with macrophages laden with birefringent inclusions which ultrastructurally resembled PVC dust. Biopsy samples of thickened skin showed histological evidence of extensive fibrosis. During follow up Raynaud's phenomenon and oesophageal involvement developed. The antinuclear antibody titre was 1:640, and the Sc1-70 subset was positive. It is concluded that exposure to PVC dust may cause pneumoconiosis and secondary systemic sclerosis.

Pathobiochemical response of tracheobronchial lymph nodes following intratracheal instillation of Polyvinylchloride dust in rats

PVC dust, following a single intratracheal instillation (25 mg/rat), was substantially cleared through the lymphatic circulation and progressively accumulated in the tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLN) in a time-dependent manner for up to 1 year. The tissue response in TBLN during 60-270 days post-instillation of PVC dust was characterized by progressive increase in total organ fresh weight, dry weight, DNA, RNA and protein contents, concurrent with the proliferation of macrophages and hyperplasia of reticular cells. Active phagocytosis and enhanced hydrolytic activity in TBLN was evident around 270 days post-instillation by the appearance of PVC-laden macrophages near and within the dust foci, and increased activity of acid phosphatase, DNAse, RNAse and beta-glucuronidase. PVC dust caused degeneration of macrophages, and consequent release of hydrolytic enzymes resulted in limited cytotoxicity without inducing reticulination and fibrosis in the TBLN. The histology and clinical biochemistry of liver, kidney, spleen and serum were not altered and there were no detectable PVC particles in these tissues at up to 365 days. It is therefore concluded that lymphatic clearance of intratracheally instilled PVC dust results in its accumulation and mild foreign body reaction in TBLN which is non-fibrogenic at up to 365 days post-instillation.

Diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow rate among polyvinylchloride compounding workers.

The diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was studied in 24 mixers and 24 non-mixers in three polyvinylchloride (PVC) compounding plants and 24 non-PVC controls from a marine police workshop. The three groups (all men) were matched for age, race, and smoking. The mean respirable dust concentration (essentially PVC dust) was 1.6 mg/m3 for mixers and 0.4 mg/m3 for nonmixers. The mean diurnal variation in PEFR of the mixers was 6.5%. This was significantly higher than the 4.8% for non-mixers and 4.3% for the non-PVC controls. Six mixers had a diurnal variation of more than 15% on at least one day compared with none among the other two groups. Twenty nine per cent of mixers complained of wheezing compared with 4% of non-mixers and none among non-PVC workers. These differences were significant. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) for the mixers was 10% below the predicted values whereas that of non-PVC workers was 2% below predicted values. The study indicates a significant acute airway constriction from occupational exposure to PVC dust.

Pulmonary effects of polyvinyl chloride dust exposure on compounding workers.

Spirometry, chest radiography, environmental measurements, and a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms were used to evaluate the effects of exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dust on 171 Chinese and Malay PVC compounding workers in comparison with an unexposed reference group. Workers with high cumulative PVC dust exposure had a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity, and a higher prevalence of radiological profusion of small opacities. Wheezing or chest tightness was also significantly more frequent in this group. Unlike previous studies, the PVC compounding workers in this study were exposed to only negligible amounts, if any, of vinyl chloride monomer or thermal degradation products of PVC such as hydrogen chloride, phosgene, or chlorine. The conclusion was drawn that a low grade of pneumoconiosis and a small degree of lung function impairment is associated with PVC dust exposure. Reversible airways obstruction is also likely and warrants further investigation.

Cohort and case-control analyses of workers exposed to vinyl chloride: an update.

The mortality in a cohort of workers at a vinyl chloride polymerization plant has been updated, extending the period of observation in the original study from 1974 to 1986. Workers at this plant may have been exposed to vinyl chloride monomer and/or polyvinyl chloride dust, or may have had no exposure to either substance. Seventy-six percent of the work force worked in jobs with potential exposure to vinyl chloride monomer. Among the total cohort, statistically significant excess risks were observed for liver, lung, and brain cancer. For the subcohort of workers exposed to vinyl chloride monomer, the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for liver cancer was 333 (90% confidence interval (CI) 202 to 521). However, there were no significant excesses of either brain (SMR = 145, 90% CI 78 to 249) or lung cancer (SMR = 115, 90% CI 96 to 141). To investigate dose response, nested case-control studies for liver, brain, and lung cancer were conducted among the total cohort (including the nonexposed). For these studies there were two exposure variables, cumulative dose of vinyl chloride monomer and cumulative dose of polyvinyl chloride dust. Cumulative dose was defined as the product of level and duration of exposure. The only significant association between disease risk and cumulative dose was for liver cancer and cumulative dose of vinyl chloride monomer. Further division of the liver cancers into angiosarcoma (n = 12) and other liver cancers (n = 7), based on review of death certificates and medical records, showed that the dose response existed only for angiosarcomas.

A mortality study of vinyl chloride monomer workers employed in the United Kingdom in 1940-1974.

The mortality experience of 5,498 male workers employed for at least one year during 1940-1974 in the vinyl chloride industry of the United Kingdom was followed through to 31 December 1984. There was a significant excess of nonsecondary liver tumors with 11 deaths, of which seven were angiosarcomas. All the angiosarcoma deaths occurred in autoclave workers with a median latency of 25 years from date of first exposure. A strong healthy worker effect was seen. Other than that for liver cancer, no increased incidence of cancer deaths attributable to vinyl chloride monomer exposure was found. There was no evidence of increased mortality from chronic liver disease. The incidence of death from respiratory disease was low and was not affected by polyvinyl chloride dust exposure.

Clinical Studies of Workers Exposed to Polyvinylchloride Dust

Clinical Studies of Workers Exposed to Polyvinylchloride Dust

Clinical studies of workers exposed to polyvinylchloride dust.

A previous study showed that exposure of workers to polyvinylchloride (PVC) dust was associated with the presence of small rounded opacities in the chest radiograph, and also with a small average reduction of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Studies have now been carried out on selected men to determine the clinical importance of the presence of small rounded opacities and also to identify any clinical or physiological features associated with PVC dust exposure. Among 28 men with small rounded opacities, complaints of persistent bronchial mucous hypersecretion were more common (nine men) than amont 29 men of similar age, smoking habits, and dust exposures (one man, p less than 0.01), and there was a suggestion that the physical sign of late inspiratory crackles was more frequent among men with opacities (seven of 27 men) than the other men (two of 28 men, p less than 0.05). The average lung function of men with opacities was only trivially lower than that of the comparative group and the difference between the groups was not significant. In further studies 13 non-smokers with the highest PVC dust exposure and lowest FEV1 (adjusted for age, height, weight, and dust exposure) were examined. None had an observed FEV1 less than 80% of the predicted value for age and height, and these men did not differ in symptoms, signs, or lung function from non-smokers with low dust exposure and similarly low FEV1. In a similar study of 18 smokers with the highest PVC dust exposures and lowest adjusted FEV1, some men had an observed FEV1 well below 80% of predicted values for non-smokers, but with one exception no clinical or functional differences were found between then and 18 smokers with low dust exposure and similarly low FEV1. The exception was again the presence of end inspiratory crackles on auscultation, which were slightly more frequent among men with the highest dust exposures (seven men) than among those with low exposure (two men, p less than 0.06). We conclude that these findings are consistent with the suggestion that the radiographic abnormalities caused by PVC dust exposure are not associated with important functional effects or clinical illness. Further studies are desirable to examine the eventual outcome of the syndrome.

Biochemical assessment of the bioreactivity of intratracheally administered polyvinyl chloride dust in rat lung

Biochemical assessment of the bioreactivity of intratracheally administered polyvinyl chloride dust in rat lung

An Epidemiologic Study of Respiratory Disease in Workers Exposed to Polyvinylchloride Dust

The respiratory health of workers exposed to polyvinylchloride (PVC) dust has been investigated in 818 selected men from the current and past work force of a factory manufacturing PVC. In a cross-sectional survey, the lung function, prevalence of respiratory symptoms and chest radiographic abnormalities were compared with estimates of individual PVC dust exposures based on detailed occupational histories and current measurements of respirable PVC dust.

Effects in the rat of inhaling PVC dust at the nuisance dust level (10 mg/m3).

Rats inhaled a paste polymer polyvinyl chloride dust at an aerosol concentration of 10 mg/m3 for 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk for a 15-wk period. A small number of randomly scattered lung lesions were detected at 15 wk; these lesions were also present 15 wk after exposure to polyvinyl chloride had ceased. Few if any biochemical changes were detected at the alveolar surface in lung tissues or other organs of polyvinyl chloride-exposed rats. It is therefore concluded that at "nuisance" dust level this form of polyvinyl chloride polymer exhibits a weak biological reactivity.

No evidence of lung damage by PVC dusts: Chivers, C. P., Lawrence-Jones, C. & Paddle, G. M. (1980). Lung function in workers exposed to polyvinyl chloride dust. Br. J. ind. Med.37, 147

Methyl, ethyl and isopropyl methanesulfonates (MMS, EMS, iPMS), diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEP) and autoclaved irradiated sucrose and glucose (active principles presumably α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds) inactivated the transfectivity of Qβ RNA in one-hit processes. In the case of DEP, nealy every carbethoxy group introduced inactivated, whereas several alkyls from the methanesulfonates per RNA molecule seemed te be tolerated. 1,2-Dibromoethane was a relatively strong inhibitor of RNA transfectivity in the presence of thioglycol, probably via the formation of a more reactive “half mustard”.Compared with isolated RNA, the complete Qβ phage was somewhat protected against methanesulfonates but slightly more sensitive to the irradiated sugars and distinctly more sensitive to DEP, indicating that the two latter compounds may inactivate in reactions with coat proteins.The negative tests with the strongly mutagenic 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzdioxin suggest that intercalating agents are probably not active towards RNA.The decrease of the trasnfectivity of Qβ RNA may be used as a sensitive system to determine reactivity towards nucleic acids of environmental pollutants.

Epidemiological study of respiratory disease in workers exposed to polyvinylchloride dust.

The respiratory health of workers exposed to polyvinylchloride (PVC) dust has been investigated in 818 men sampled from the work force of a factory manufacturing PVC. In a cross-sectional survey, the lung function and prevalences of respiratory symptoms and chest radiographic abnormalities were compared with estimates of individual PVC dust exposures based on detailed occupational histories and current measurements of respirable PVC dust. Complaints of slight exertional dyspnoea were associated with PVC dust exposure, though age and smoking effects were much stronger. The forced expired volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were inversely related to dust exposure after age, height, and smoking effects had been taken into account. This effect was seen principally in cigarette smokers, and there was suggestive evidence that PVC dust exposure and cigarette smoking interacted in the reduction of FEV1 and FVC. Gas transfer factor was not related to dust exposure. The chest radiographs were read according to the ILO U/C classification by three experienced readers. One reader recorded a low prevalence of small rounded opacities, and these were not related to age or dust exposure. Another reader recorded a higher prevalence of small rounded opacities category 0/1 or more, and these were related to age but not to dust exposure. The third reader recorded the highest prevalence of small rounded opacities (though none greater than category 1/1), and these were independently related both to age and to PVC dust exposure, indicating an effect of PVC dust on the appearance of the chest radiography. These appearances were so slight that only the higher sensitivity of this reader in the interpretation of profusion of small rounded opacities on the ILO U/C scale enabled detection of this effect of PVC dust. In conclusion, exposure to PVC dust is associated with some deterioration of lung function, slight abnormalities of the chest radiograph, and complaints of slight dyspnoea. The mean decline in FEV1 associated with the average dust exposure experienced in the study was small, though some of the men with higher dust exposures may have suffered clinically important loss of lung function as a result of their occupation.

Toxicity of vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride as seen through epidemiologic observations.

In 1974, vinyl chloride (VC) was first reported in the scientific literature to induce angiosarcoma of the liver in animals and humans. Further research has now demonstrated the carcinogenicity of this agent to other organs. Target organs for VC now include the liver, brain, and lung, and probably the lymphohematopoietic system. The carcinogenic risk has been extended to jobs associated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exposure. This is evidenced by cases of liver angiosarcoma reported among individuals employed in or residing near PVC fabrication facilities and by epidemiologic study demonstrating a significant association between lung cancer and exposure to PVC dust. An association between PVC dust and pneumoconiosis has been demonstrated. On the basis of these findings, experimental bioassays and epidemiologic studies of the carcinogenicity of PVC are clearly in order. Prudent control of PVC in the industrial setting is also clearly indicated.