Respiratory Health Of Workers Research Articles

Exposure to Disinfectants and Cleaning Products and Respiratory Health of Workers and Children in Daycares: The CRESPI Cohort Protocol.

Although cleaning tasks are frequently performed in daycare, no study has focused on exposures in daycares in relation to respiratory health. The CRESPI cohort is an epidemiological study among workers (n~320) and children (n~540) attending daycares. The purpose is to examine the impact of daycare exposures to disinfectants and cleaning products (DCP) on the respiratory health of workers and children. A sample of 108 randomly selected daycares in the region of Paris has been visited to collect settled dust to analyze semi-volatile organic compounds and microbiota, as well as sample indoor air to analyze aldehydes and volatile organic compounds. Innovative tools (smartphone applications) are used to scan DCP barcodes in daycare and inform their use; a database then matches the barcodes with the products' compositions. At baseline, workers/parents completed a standardized questionnaire, collecting information on DCP used at home, respiratory health, and potential confounders. Follow-up regarding children's respiratory health (monthly report through a smartphone application and biannual questionnaires) is ongoing until the end of 2023. Associations between DCP exposures and the respiratory health of workers/children will be evaluated. By identifying specific environments or DCP substances associated with the adverse respiratory health of workers and children, this longitudinal study will contribute to the improvement of preventive measures.

Small airway dysfunction in pneumoconiosis: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough several histological studies have documented airway inflammation and remodelling in the small airways of dust-exposed workers, little is known regarding the prevalence and risk factors of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in pneumoconiosis. The present study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of spirometry-defined SAD in pneumoconiosis and assessed the risk factors for associated with SAD.MethodsA total of 1255 patients with pneumoconiosis were invited to participate, of whom 1115 patients were eligible for final analysis. Spirometry was performed to assess SAD using the following three indicators: maximal mid-expiratory flow and forced expiratory flow 50% and 75%. SAD was defined as at least two of these three indicators being less than 65% of predicted value. Logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the relationships between clinical variables and SAD.ResultsOverall, 66.3% of patients with pneumoconiosis had SAD, among never-smokers the prevalence of SAD was 66.7%. The proportion of SAD did not differ among the subtypes of pneumoconiosis. In addition, SAD was present across the patients with all stages of pneumoconiosis. Even among those with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ≥ 80% and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio ≥ 70%, 40.8% of patients had SAD. Patients with SAD were older than patients without SAD, more likely to be women and heavy smokers. Importantly, patients with SAD had more severe airflow obstruction, air trapping, and diffusion dysfunction. All patients with both pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had SAD. Based on multivariate analysis, overall, aged 40 years and older, female sex, heavy smoking, body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 and pneumoconiosis stage III were significantly associated with increased risk of SAD. Among the never smokers, risk factors for SAD included female sex, BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, pneumoconiosis stage II and stage IIIConclusionSpirometry-defined SAD is one of the common functional abnormalities caused by occupational dust exposure and should be taken into account when monitoring respiratory health of workers to guide the early precautions and management in pneumoconiosis.

A Strategy for Field Evaluations of Exposures and Respiratory Health of Workers at Small- to Medium-Sized Coffee Facilities.

Coffee production is a global industry with roasteries throughout the world. Workers in this industry are exposed to complex mixtures of gases, dusts, and vapors including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, coffee dust, allergens, alpha-diketones, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Adverse respiratory health outcomes such as respiratory symptoms, reduced pulmonary function, asthma, and obliterative bronchiolitis can occur among exposed workers. In response to health hazard evaluations requests received from 17 small- to medium-sized coffee facilities across the United States, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted investigations during 2016–2017 to understand the burden of respiratory abnormalities, exposure characteristics, relationships between exposures and respiratory effects, and opportunities for exposure mitigation. Full-shift, task-based, and instantaneous personal and area air samples for diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione and other VOCs were collected, and engineering controls were evaluated. Medical evaluations included questionnaire, spirometry, impulse oscillometry, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide. Exposure and health assessments were conducted using standardized tools and approaches, which enabled pooling data for aggregate analysis. The pooled data provided a larger population to better address the requestors' concern of the effect of exposure to alpha-diketones on the respiratory heath of coffee workers. This paper describes the rationale for the exposure and health assessment strategy, the approach used to achieve the study objectives, and its advantages and limitations.

Exposure to inhalable dust of workers shackling birds frequently exceeds occupational exposure level in abattoirs in Western France

ABSTRACT1. The objectives of this study were to measure the exposure of workers to dust when shackling poultry in abattoirs, and to identify the most effective measures to prevent human exposure to dust. The relationship between respiratory health of workers and their occupational exposure to dust was assessed.2. Exposure to dust (aerial particles inhaled through the nose and mouth) exceeded the occupational exposure limit (maximum 10 mg/m3 over 8 h) in 65 out of 109 workers from 27 abattoirs, in the context of high levels of ambient aerial dust in small, closed shackling cubicles. Ceiling air ducts for supply of air reduced worker exposure to dust in these buildings.3. Two-thirds of the 86 workers interviewed reported work-related respiratory symptoms. The self-reported risk of suffering from coughing tended to be associated with the highest exposure to inhalable dust and respiratory dust (aerial particles penetrating up to alveoli) observed in the study.4. The present study demonstrates that workers may be exposed to considerable amounts of dust when shackling birds before stunning.

The Canaries in the Coal Mine of Climate Change Impacts: Understanding the Threats that Climate Change Poses to Respiratory Health of Workers

The Canaries in the Coal Mine of Climate Change Impacts: Understanding the Threats that Climate Change Poses to Respiratory Health of Workers

Dust exposure and health of workers in duck hatcheries.

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate dust exposure and respiratory health of workers in duck hatcheries in western France. Ninety volunteer workers, who work in sorting rooms and/or incubation rooms, participated in exposure assessments and medical examinations. Medical examinations were performed by occupational health practitioners.They filled-in a questionnaire with the workers, followed by a lung function test on each worker. General characteristics and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms were described in each type of working rooms. Associations between symptoms and exposure (working room or dust level) were studied in GEE multivariate models. Overall prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm) and chronic bronchitis were similar or lower than in the reference population. However, prevalence of these symptoms was higher for those working in sorting rooms, that were associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function. Respirable dust was also significantly associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of asthma and rhinitis were well above those in the reference population, but did not vary among working rooms. Descriptive data suggested an occupational origin for some cases. Hatchery workers were at increased risk of compromised respiratory health due to dust exposure, particularly those who work in sorting rooms. Asthma and rhinitis were in excess in this population of workers. Thorough clinical examination of these workers should be performed and all exposures assessed.

Impact of bioaerosol exposure on respiratory health of saw-mill workers

Background: Occupational environments with organic dust and bioaerosols pose danger to the respiratory health of the personnel of such environments. Respiratory health of the workers of saw-mills in relation to airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations has rarely been studied in India. Aims and Objectives: This study was, therefore, designed to assess and compare the pulmonary functions (PFs) of saw-mill workers with those of matching controls. The study also aimed at assessment of bioaerosol exposure in saw-mills as compared to indoor air in a residential area as a control. Materials and Methods: The study design was cross-sectional case-control. PFs (percent predicted of forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume 1 s/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate, forced mid expiratory flow 25-75%, and maximum ventilatory volume) were assessed by computerized spirometer (Helios, Recorders and Medicare System, India) in 30 saw-mill workers with minimum exposure of more than 5 years. 30 age and sex matched controls were also evaluated for the same parameters. Bacterial and fungal concentration (CFU/m3) in the air of saw-mills with residential indoor air as a control was evaluated by volumetric air sampler (Hi-Air, Hi-Media, India). Appropriate statistical tests were used to compare respiratory symptoms, PFs, and bioaerosol levels. Results: Statistically significant lower values of PF parameters were observed in cases as compared to controls. Bacterial and Fungal concentrations in saw-mill air were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than control indoor air. Conclusion: The output of this study suggests a compromised respiratory status in workers of saw-mills with more exposure to bacteria and fungal spores. The results call for urgent measures to reduce environmental bioaerosol exposure in organic dust environments like saw-mills.

Effects of thorax correction exercise on flexed posture, physical performance, and psychosocial factors in community-dwelling older women with hyperkyphosis

greater among those who are heavily exposed to inhalable dust generated in the agricultural environment. Studies from other countries have reported respiratory effects related to working in the poultry farm but there appears to be a dearth of published studies on the respiratory health and lung function indices of poultry workers in Nigeria. Purpose: This study was carried out to survey respiratory symptoms and selected lung function indices among poultry workers in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria in order to assess the impact of the occupational exposure to poultry dust on their respiratory health. Methods:The cross sectional surveydesignwas used.The purposive sampling techniquewas used to recruit 150 poultry workers and 150 age-matched apparently healthy individuals not similarly exposed. St George Respiratory health questionnaire was used to collect information on respiratory symptoms. Lung function indices of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory FlowRate (PEFR) were measured using standardized spirometry protocols. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics ofmean, standard deviation and percentage as well as inferential statistics of independent t-test and Chi-square. Results: Respiratory symptoms [cough (49.3% versus 35.3%), phlegm (56.0% versus 30.0%), shortness of breath (19.3% versus 4.7%), wheezing (7.3% versus 0.0%) and running nose (32.0% versus 11.3%)] were more prevalent among poultry workers than the control subjects. The mean lung function indices FEV1 (2.81 L versus 2.46 L), FVC (3.30 L versus 2.89 L) and PEFR (425.50 L/min versus 384.20 L/min) were significantly higher among the apparently healthy subjects (p< 0.05) and there was a significant (p< 0.05) negative association betweenFVCof poultryworkers and year of engagement in poultry work. Conclusion(s): It was concluded that respiratory symptoms were more prevalent among poultry workers and they have poorer lung function indices (FEV1, FVC and PEFR) compared to the age-matched apparently healthy subjects. The longer the period of engagement in poultrywork themore the FVC declines and the symptoms especially of running nose grew worse. Implications: Poultry dust exposure poses an adverse consequence on the respiratory health of workers. There is need for regular medical examinations and implementation of appropriate measures to prevent the adverse respiratory effects of this workplace exposure. Appropriate health education of workers concerning poultry dust and respiratory protective equipment use is essential and physiotherapists as acknowledgedmembers of the occupational health teamneed to be knowledgeable and skilful in the use of effective health education models to impact on workers health behaviour.

P129 Systematic Review And Meta-analysis Of Cross-sectional Studies On Arc Welding Fume Effects And Obstructive Lung Disease

Introduction and objectives. Exposure to the complex metal-rich aerosol produced by arc welding is putatively linked to obstructive lung disease in welders through a mechanism of oxidative stress. Given that published studies have been mainly conducted by means of cross-sectional surveys, this research aims systematically to review these; we have previously published a similar review of (the many fewer) longitudinal studies on welders’ lung function decline. Methods Medline, Embase and Web of Science were searched up to July 2013 by combining two blocks for exposure (welding fume) and outcomes (FEV 1 , FVC, FEV 1 /FVC%, asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, dyspnoea and wheezing) both containing free text keywords and MeSH terms. Double data extraction was performed independently. To explore possible causes of heterogeneity a subgroup analysis was undertaken to account for country income level, participants’ smoking status and welders’ age. Results Fifty-six cross-sectional studies were identified and 40 were included in the review. Of these, 35 were included in a meta-analysis; lung function was measured in 22 studies and symptoms in 30 studies. Compared with non-welders, welding was associated with a statistically significant reduction in FEV 1 (SMD= -0.34; 95% CI, -0.57, -0.12; I 2 =92%) and FEV 1 /FVC% (SMD= -0.51; 95% CI, -0.94, -0.08; I 2 =96%). The substantial heterogeneity in both outcomes was explored further but no subgroup analyses explained it. FVC reduction with welding exposure was not statistically significant and highly heterogeneous. Welding was associated with asthma (OR=1.65, 95% CI, 1.14, 2.37; I 2 =0%), acute bronchitis (OR=1.61, 95% CI, 1.15, 2.27; I 2 =11%), chronic bronchitis after excluding a large study 1 (1.92, 95% CI, 1.50, 2.46; I 2 =40%), dyspnoea in medium/low income countries (OR=3.54, 95% CI, 1.96, 5.08; I 2 =0%) and wheezing among non-smokers (OR=9.06, 95% CI, 3.75, 21.9; I 2 =0%). All risk estimates for symptoms were higher in medium/low income countries. Conclusions Welding fume exposure has a negative effect on the respiratory health of workers, possibly leading to obstructive lung disease and increasing the risk of respiratory symptoms particularly in medium/low income countries. Reference Groth M, Lyngenbo O. Respiratory symptoms in Danish welders. Scand J Soc Med , 1989;17(4):p. 271–6

Retraction: Association between the use of biomass fuels on respiratory health of workers in food catering enterprises in Nairobi Kenya. Pan Afr Med J. 2013 May 6;15:12. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2013.15.12.1831.

The editors of the Pan African Medical Journal retract the manuscript above. The manuscript has been the subject of a protracted and unresolved authors dispute. Not all the authors listed in this manuscript consented to the retraction.

Association between the use of biomass fuels on respiratory health of workers in food catering enterprises in Nairobi Kenya

IntroductionIndoor air pollution from biomass fuel use has been found to be responsible for more than 1.6 million annual deaths and 2.7% of the global burden of disease. This makes it the second biggest environmental contributor to ill health, behind unsafe water and sanitation.MethodsThe main objective of this study was to investigate if there was any association between use of bio-fuels in food catering enterprises and respiratory health of the workers. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data collected using Qualitative and quantitative techniques.ResultsThe study found significantly higher prevalence of respiratory health outcomes among respondents in enterprises using biomass fuels compared to those using processed fuels. Biomass fuels are thus a major public health threat to workers in this sub-sector, and urgent intervention is required.ConclusionThe study recommends a switch from biomass fuels to processed fuels to protect the health of the workers.

Dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms among coffee curing workers in Kilimanjaro: a cross sectional study

BackgroundCoffee processing causes organic dust exposure which may lead to development of respiratory symptoms. Previous studies have mainly focused on workers involved in roasting coffee in importing countries. This study was carried out to determine total dust exposure and respiratory health of workers in Tanzanian primary coffee-processing factories.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted among 79 workers in two coffee factories, and among 73 control workers in a beverage factory. Personal samples of total dust (n = 45 from the coffee factories and n = 19 from the control factory) were collected throughout the working shift from the breathing zone of the workers. A questionnaire with modified questions from the American Thoracic Society questionnaire was used to assess chronic respiratory symptoms. Differences between groups were tested by using independent t-tests and Chi square tests. Poisson Regression Model was used to estimate prevalence ratio, adjusting for age, smoking, presence of previous lung diseases and years worked in dusty factories.ResultsAll participants were male. The coffee workers had a mean age of 40 years and were older than the controls (31 years). Personal total dust exposure in the coffee factories were significantly higher than in the control factory (geometric mean (GM) 1.23 mg/m3, geometric standard deviation (GSD) (0.8) vs. 0.21(2.4) mg/m3). Coffee workers had significantly higher prevalence than controls for cough with sputum (23% vs. 10%; Prevalence ratio (PR); 2.5, 95% CI 1.0 - 5.9) and chest tightness (27% vs. 13%; PR; 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 - 5.2). The prevalence of morning cough, cough with and without sputum for 4 days or more in a week was also higher among coffee workers than among controls. However, these differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionWorkers exposed to coffee dust reported more respiratory symptoms than did the controls. This might relate to their exposure to coffee dust. Interventions for reduction of dust levels and provision of respiratory protective equipment are recommended.

Occupational Exposure Influences on Gender Differences in Respiratory Health

The aim of this study was to evaluate gender differences in the respiratory health of workers exposed to organic and inorganic dusts. Meta-analysis techniques incorporating logistic regression were applied to a combined file of 12 occupational health studies. Meta-analysis of data on 1,367 women and 4,240 men showed that women had higher odds of shortness of breath whether exposed to inorganic dust or having no occupational exposure, with an overall odds ratio (OR) of 2.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57-2.73) adjusted for smoking status, age, body mass index (BMI), ethnic status, atopy, and job duration. Inorganic dust exposure was associated with the highest odds of asthma (adjusted OR = 8.38, 95% CI = 1.72-40.89) for women compared to men, but no differences were found for unexposed workers. With organic dust exposure, men had elevated odds for occasional wheeze and worse lung function compared to women. Within the limitations of this analysis, gender differences in respiratory health, as suggested by population-based studies, were confirmed in our analysis of occupational health studies, with the general type of exposure, organic or inorganic, generally determining the extent of differences. The higher risks for women compared to men for shortness of breath were robust regardless of work exposure category, with the highest odds ratios found for asthma.

Endotoxin concentration in poultry houses for laying hens kept in cages or in alternative housing systems

1. Endotoxins as components of organic dust may have adverse effects on the respiratory health of workers in poultry buildings. The move towards more welfare-friendly housing systems for layers may increase worker exposure to air contaminants due to the use of litter. 2. The endotoxin concentrations in the inhalable fraction of airborne dust (below 100 µm) from cage and alternative system houses (on-floor, free range and aviaries) were compared under both experimental and commercial conditions. 3. The endotoxin concentration was higher in experimental aviaries (median: 565 EU/m3, range: 362-1491 EU/m3) than in cage housing (98 EU/m3 (51-470)). 4. In field conditions, the endotoxin concentration in the air of 13 alternative houses was higher (35 to 3156 EU/m3) than in cage system buildings (n = 8, 78-576 EU/m3). It was correlated to the respirable dust concentration (fraction below 5 µm) and to the temperature inside the hen house but no seasonal variation was observed. 5. The present study emphasises that considerable worker exposure to endotoxins may occur in laying houses, especially in alternative systems.

AIR NICOTINE CONCENTRATIONS AND RESPIRATORY AND SENSORY SYMPTOMS AMONG BAR AND RESTAURANT WORKERS IN SANTIAGO, CHILE

Bakground and Aim: The current smoking ban legislation in Chile does not protect workers in pubs, bars and restaurants. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between exposure to secondhand smoke, as measured by air nicotine concentrations, with self-reported respiratory and sensory symptoms in workers of these venues. Method: A total of 206 workers recruited from 59 bars and restaurants (24 smoking allowed, 25 mixed and 10 smoke-free) were recruited between September 2010 and January 2011. An interviewer-administered questionnaire collected demographic and smoking data as well as self-reported information on respiratory and sensory symptoms in the last 4 weeks (irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, morning cough, daytime cough, phlegm). In addition to individual symptoms, a composite variable by adding the eight symptoms was generated. Vapor-phase nicotine concentrations were measured over a 1-h sampling period at a time of peak activity. The association of air nicotine with the presence of symptoms was estimated using Poisson regression models. Results: Workers median age was 30 years. 60.7% were men and 56.8% were waiters. 52.4% were current smokers and the median number of years at work was 1 (interquartile range 0.33 to 4) year. Overall, 86.6% of participants reported having experienced at least one symptom in the past 4 weeks. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, home exposure and number of years working in the venue, a change in 1 μg/m3 in air nicotine concentrations were associated with the prevalence of respiratory or sensory symptoms (Prevalence ratio 1.12; 95% 1.04 – 1.20). Conclusion: These findings support that exposure to secondhand smoke in bars and restaurants impact sensory symptoms and respiratory health of workers. Laws that ensure smoke-free workplaces in hospitality venues should be implemented promptly in Chile.

Exposure and Respiratory Health of Workers in the Australian Refractory Ceramic Fibre Production Industry

Refractory ceramic fibre (RFC) is a subset of synthetic or vitreous mineral fibres (SMF) being composed of aluminium and silicon oxides. They have a high melting point and hence provide insulation application at temperatures up to 1400°C. To achieve the insulation properties, fibre is manufactured with nominal diameters of around 3-4 micrometers which is finer than other major commercial SMF types. In most instances the produce is manufactured without binder which with its finer fibre diameters results during handling in the generation of larger quantities of respirable fibres than does other commercial SMF. In addition the chemical composition of RCF makes it more durable in biological systems than most other commercial SMF. These factors of diameter, dose and biological durability have been recognised from experiences in asbestos and other natural and synthetic mineral fibres as major influences on fibre toxicity and carcinogenicity (Glass et al., 1995). In 1988 as a result of increasing concern within the community about the possible health effects from exposure to SMF the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission established a Technical Working Group to investigate typical levels of exposure in manufacturing and user industries and possible health effects and, based on available information, recommend exposure standards and safe working practices. In examining data derived from the Australian RCF industry, the Technical Group found upper respiratory tract irritation at concentrations above 1 fml 1 and for employees under medical surveillance (cross-sectional studies) no evidence of lung fibrosis. In terms of evidence for cancer, no suitable epidemiological studies were found anywhere for determining lung cancer or mesothelioma risk although data from the Australian Mesothelioma Surveillance Program indicated no cases associated with the manufacture of SMF (Worksafe, 1989). As part of its recommendations the Technical Group prepared a standardised membrane filter method for monitoring airborne SMF fibres and a gravimetric method for inspirable dust. Through the tripartite and public comment processes the Commission declared a national exposure standard of 0.5 fml 1 for all types of SMF and a secondary standard of 2 mgm~ 3 of inspirable dust to protect against

Exposure to Particulates and Fluorides and Respiratory Health of Workers in an Aluminum Production Potroom with Limited Control Measures

Occupational exposure to air pollutants and health status of potroom workers of an aluminum reduction plant in a developing country were studied and compared with those in developed countries. In this plant, the pots were constructed and installed without recommended gas collecting hoods or segmented side doors, and the workers did not use any respiratory protection. These conditions, combined with manual material handling and poor housekeeping, gave rise to fugitive air pollution generation. All 213 male potroom workers and 148 male control subjects were studied using air sampling, urinary fluoride measurement, ventilatory function testing, and a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. On average, breathing zone respirable and total particulates in the potroom were 0.98 and 1.82 mg/m3, respectively. Stationary air sampling showed 0.93 mg/m3 of total fluoride, 2.09 mg/m3 of respirable particulates, and 7.59mg/m3 of total particulates. During an 8-hr shift, the average increase of urinary fluoride in the potroom workers (2.73mg/L) was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.39 mg/L). Workers in the potroom reported significantly higher frequency of respiratory symptoms than the control group. Potroom workers, especially nonsmokers, showed significantly greater decrease in their ventilatory function parameters during the shift than those of the control group; however, there was no difference between the basic ventilatory function of the two groups. The exposure to airborne particulates and the consequent respiratory symptoms as well as the daily increase of urinary fluoride values were generally higher in this plant than in similar operations in developed countries. This may be attributable to the fact that both process flow and machinery are often imported and assembled without the application of adequate engineering controls or complete understanding of proper safe work practices.

Exposure to Particulates and Fluorides and Respiratory Health of Workers in an Aluminum Production Potroom with Limited Control Measures

Occupational exposure to air pollutants and health status of potroom workers of an aluminum reduction plant in a developing country were studied and compared with those in developed countries. In this plant, the pots were constructed and installed without recommended gas collecting hoods or segmented side doors, and the workers did not use any respiratory protection. These conditions, combined with manual material handling and poor housekeeping, gave rise to fugitive air pollution generation. All 213 male potroom workers and 148 male control subjects were studied using air sampling, urinary fluoride measurement, ventilatory function testing, and a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. On average, breathing zone respirable and total particulates in the potroom were 0.98 and 1.82 mg/m3, respectively. Stationary air sampling showed 0.93 mg/m3 of total fluoride, 2.09 mg/m3 of respirable particulates, and 7.59mg/m3 of total particulates. During an 8-hr shift, the average increase of urinary fluoride in the po...

Abnormal lung function in polyurethane foam producers. Weak relationship to toluene diisocyanate exposures.

Exposures to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) were studied for effects on respiratory health of workers in two plants manufacturing polyurethane foams. Intensive personal monitoring was used to characterize job exposures. Of 4,845 12-min personal samples, 9% exceeded 5 ppb and 1% exceeded 20 ppb. Initial questionnaire and spirometry were obtained in 386 workers (88.7% of target population). Current smoking was associated with lower mean FEV1 and FEF25-75, but percent predicted (% pred) means were normal in all smoking categories. Multiple regression showed significant adverse effects of cumulative TDI exposure on initial level of FVC and FEV1 of current smokers, and an effect at borderline significance (p less than 0.063) on FEF25-75 over all smoking categories. Logistic regression showed that chronic bronchitis was more prevalent among those with higher cumulative exposures, after controlling for smoking, age, and sex. Methacholine (MCh) reactivity was associated with reduced airway function, -8.5% pred for FEV1 and -20.0% pred for FEF25-75. In 227 with adequate follow-up, the slopes of annual change were abnormal, for example, FEV1 of -67 ml/yr in current and -53 ml/yr in never smokers. Men had worse FEV1 declines than did women, -71 ml/yr versus -43 ml/yr. TDI exposure, lifetime or concurrent, had no significant effect on slopes, despite its demonstrated effects on initial level of lung function and on prevalence of chronic bronchitis.

Respiratory health of workers exposed to swine confinement buildings only or to both swine confinement buildings and dairy barns.

Swine building workers (N = 488) and nonfarming neighborhood referents (N = 216) were enrolled in this study. There was a slight but significant increase in the prevalence of chronic bronchitis (17.49 versus 11.57%) and more evidence of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity 0.75 versus 0.78) among the swine workers when they were compared with the referents. The subjects who spent more than 3 h/d in the swine buildings had a higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis (21.94 versus 13.25%) and airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity 0.75 versus 0.76) than those with shorter daily contact. Swine building only workers had no precipitins to antigens found in their environment and no clinical evidence of extrinsic allergic alveolitis. The number of years on the farm, dual exposure with dairy cattle, positive skin prick tests, type of piggery, and type of feeding did not add to the respiratory health impact of swine buildings.