A 5-year follow-up study on respiratory disorders and lung function in workers exposed to organic dust from composting plants

Objectives To evaluate acute and chronic effects of long-term exposure to organic dust on respiratory disorders and lung function among employees at 41 composting facilities in Germany. Methods A total of 218 compost workers and 66 control subjects were enrolled in the cohort. They were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire, a clinical examination, and spirometric measurements. Changes of symptoms, respiratory disorders, and lung function were determined in a first survey after 5 years of exposure in 123 compost workers and 48 controls. Exposure measurements were performed at six composting facilities for respirable dust, cultivable microorganisms, and endotoxins. Results Exposure measurements revealed high concentrations of thermo-tolerant/thermophilic actinomycetes and filamentous fungi in the bioaerosols at the composting sites. A significantly higher job fluctuation was observed among the compost workers compared to control subjects (95 vs. 18; p < 0.05). Compost workers reported a significantly higher prevalence of mucosal membrane irritation (MMI) of the eyes and upper airways than control subjects. Conjunctivitis was diagnosed significantly more often in compost workers. Forced vital capacity in percent of predicted (FVC%) of the non-smoking compost workers declined significantly (−5.4%) during the observation period compared to control subjects. The decline of FVC% in 16 compost workers exceeded 10% of initial values. A significant increase was observed in the number of compost workers suffering from chronic bronchitis (RR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.28–1.55). Allergic alveolitis was diagnosed clinically in two compost workers. Conclusions The exposure to organic dust at workplaces of composting facilities is associated with adverse acute and chronic respiratory health effects, including MMI, chronic bronchitis, and an accelerated decline of FVC%. The pattern of health effects differs from those at other workplaces with exposures to organic dust possibly due to high concentrations of thermo-tolerant/thermophilic actinomycetes and filamentous fungi at composting plants.     

焦炉逸散物对作业工人肺功能及呼吸系统症状影响的配对研究

目的　探讨焦炉逸散物对作业工人肺功能及呼吸系统症状的影响。方法　按吸烟指数、年龄、身高和体重配对 ,对焦炉工和对照组进行问卷调查、肺功能测定和焦炉逸散物累积接触剂量 (指数 )估算。结果　接触组肺功能FVC、FEV1 0 、MMF、FEF2 5% 、FEF50 % 、FEF75% 和各项肺功能实测值占预计值百分比均明显低于对照组 (P <0 0 5或P<0 0 1)。焦炉工咳嗽、咳痰阳性率随累积接触剂量的增加而升高 (P <0 0 5 ) ;累积接触剂量≥ 60 0 0时 ,各项肺功能指标异常率明显高于对照组 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　焦炉逸散物可引起肺功能的降低和呼吸系统异常症状发生率升高。     

对苯二胺对工人肺功能和健康相关生活质量的影响

目的分析对苯二胺职业接触人员的肺功能以及健康相关的生活质量情况。方法选取某染发剂生产企业中使用对苯二胺作为生产原料的染发剂生产车间的接触工人(100人)以及同一企业内不接触对苯二胺的工人(24人)作为主要对象,使用36项健康调查简表(SF-36)对工人的健康相关生活质量问卷进行调查,并进行职业健康检查,肺功能测试指标包括用力肺活量(FVC),1秒钟用力呼气量(FEV1.0),以及FEV1.0/FVC。结果调查工人中对苯二胺接触组和对照组的收缩压的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。接触组的各项肺功能指标FVC、FEV1.0、FEV1.0/FVC都低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),接触组躯体疼痛(P=0.002)、一般健康状况(P=0.029)、精力(P=0.038)、精神健康(P=0.003)在均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义。结论对苯二胺职业接触可能会对职业人群肺功能产生潜在危害,并影响工人的健康相关生活质量。     

Symptoms and serum precipitins in workers exposed to dry sausage mould: consequences of exposure to sausage mould

Objective: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to dry sausage mould has been reported in workers who brush off the excess mould which coats dry sausage. Prevalence of symptoms and sensitization to mould among these pork-butchery workers is unknown. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical, radiographic, functional, and immunological features in exposed and non-exposed workers in semi-industrial pork butcheries. Patients and methods: Symptoms, and serum precipitins against mould extracts, were studied in workers in semi-industrial pork butcheries. Of 600 workers asked to participate, 123 (20.5%) were included. Fifty-nine workers, exposed to dry (raw) sausage mould and Penicillium nalgiovense were compared with 64 non-exposed subjects, for symptoms, chest X-rays, spirometry and CO-transfer measurements. Precipitating antibodies were detected by immunoelectrophoresis and electrosyneresis. Results: Sneezing, cough, dyspnoea, nasal obstruction, headache, and discomfort were significantly more frequent in the exposed group at work and after work than in the control group (P < 0.05). The prevalence of precipitating antibodies for sausage mould was higher in the exposed group (37%) than in the non-exposed group (9%) (P < 0.01). The mean number of precipitating lines measured by electrosyneresis was higher in exposed workers than in non-exposed workers for mould extract (1.09 vs 0.28, P < 0.05) and for Penicillium nalgiovense (1.77 vs 0.33, P < 0.05). No specific X-ray opacity or lung function impairment was found in either group. Conclusions: Clinical symptoms and sensitization to Penicillium nalgiovense are frequent among workers exposed to mould during brushing in dry sausage plants. Received: 27 December 2000 / Accepted: 28 December 2000     

A survey of respiratory symptoms and lung function in ferrochromium and ferrosilicon workers

Summary Lung function and the prevalence of generalized obstructive lung diseases (GOLD) were studied in three groups of electrofurnace workers in a ferrochromium and ferrosilicon-producing plant. When compared with an internal reference group forced vital capacity was reduced in all groups. Compared with an external reference group the prevalence of GOLD was increased in all three groups. It is known that traces of chromates are present in the working atmosphere at the plant. No connection between the presence of chromates and GOLD could be documented. It is suggested that the documented adverse effects are due to high levels of total dust, possibly with an additional effect due to exposure to amorphus silica dust.     

铸造工人接尘与肺功能下降之间的剂量效应关系

目的 探讨铸造行业粉尘的暴露与肺功能下降之间的剂量效关系。方法 70名铸造工及90名无职业危害的办公人员进行10年的追踪调查,包括常规体验和肺功能测定。根据历年粉尘浓度监测资料及工种变动记录计算累积粉尘接触量。结果 铸造工肺功能各的指标年下限值明显高于办公人员,且累积粉尘接触量大的工人其肺功能年下降值也较大。多元相关分析显示肺功能的下降与累积粉尘接触量成正相关。结论 铸造粉尘可致工人肺功能明显下降,且存在一定剂量－效应关系。     

某煤矿接尘作业职工接尘工龄与高千伏X线胸片及肺功能损害情况

目的通过对平煤某煤矿部分接尘职工的职业健康检查,了解接尘作业职工的健康状况和接尘作业职工胸片及肺功能变化。方法登记受检对象的一般状况,包括姓名、性别、出生年月、婚姻状况、烟酒史、既往史、职业史。检查项目为血压、心电图、高仟伏胸片、肝功、血常规、尿常规、肺功能。胸片诊断按照国家尘肺诊断标准(GBZ 70-2009);肺功能异常标准为FVC80%,FEV1.0%70%;肝功异常指标为丙氨酸转移酶40 U/L;尿常规异常为尿中有白细胞,尿蛋白阳性;高血压诊断根据WHO定义标准,收缩压≥140 mm Hg和(或)舒张压≥90 mm Hg。结果共检查9 310名接尘工人胸部X线异常1 282人(13.8%),肺功能异常405人(4.4%),其他项目异常者在0.7%～4.8%之间。结论①随着煤矿职工接尘工龄的增加,高千伏X线胸片显示肺部异常率增高。②随着接尘工龄增加肺部感染率增加。③随着接尘工龄增加肺功能损害率增高,呼吸功能慢性损害呈进行性加重。     

Metal dust exposure and lung function deterioration among steel workers: an exposure-response relationship

Background: Metallic dust is a heterogeneous substance with respiratory sensitizing properties. Its long term exposure adversely affected lung function, thus may cause acute or chronic respiratory diseases.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a steel factory in Terengganu, Malaysia to assess the metal dust exposure and its relationship to lung function values among 184 workers. Metal dust concentrations values (Co, Cr, and Ni) for each worker were collected using air personal sampling. Lung function values (FEV₁, FVC, and %FEV₁/FVC) were determined using spirometer.

Results: Exposure to cobalt and chromium were 1–3 times higher than permissible exposure limit (PEL) while nickel was not exceeding the PEL. Cumulative of chromium was the predictor to all lung function values (FEV₁, FVC, and %FEV₁/FVC). Frequency of using mask was positively associated with FVC (Adj b = 0.263, P = 0.011) while past respiratory illnesses were negatively associated with %FEV₁/FVC (Adj b = –1.452, P = 0.026). Only few workers (36.4%) were found to wear their masks all times during the working hours.

Conclusions: There was an exposure-response relationship of cumulative metal dust exposure with the deterioration of lung function values. Improvement of control measures as well as proper and efficient use or personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the respiratory health of workers.     

Occupational exposure to water-based paints and self-reported asthma,lower airway symptoms,bronchial hyperresponsiveness,and lung function

The associations between occupational exposure to water-based paints and the prevalence of self-reported asthma, other lower airway symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and lung function were studied in house painters. Symptom prevalences were obtained from a self-administered questionnaire sent to 415 male painters during 1989–1992. Clinical investigations were carried out in three selected groups: 23 painters with asthmatic symptoms, nine painters with other lower airway symptoms, and 12 painters without airway symptoms. The clinical studies included lung function test, methacholine provocation test, and occurrence of atopy, confirmed by skin prick test to common allergens. In addition, a group of 18 young male painters with no occupational exposure to solvent-based paints were followed with dynamic spirometry before and after a workshift, when only water-based paints were used. The prevalence of self-reported asthma (7%) was somewhat, but not statistically, increased compared to an industrial population without exposure to water-based paints or other airway irritants. A decrease in FEV₁ and FVC during the workday was observed in the young painters. In the clinical studies the painters exhibited increased BHR compared to the referents and a decreased FEV₁. The number of years working as a painter was related to a decrease in FEV₁, which was most pronounced in subjects with atopy who also reported lower airway symptoms in relation to the degree of work with water-based paints, but not to the degree of use of solvent-based paints. Our results indicate that house painters have an increased risk of airway problems. A contributory cause could be exposure to volatile organic compounds or other volatile compounds emitted from water-based paints. It is also concluded that painters with atopy should be informed about the increased risk of airway illness. This would be an important task for occupational health services in their aim of preventing the adverse effects of occupational exposures.     

Lung function and respiratory symptoms among workers in a soft paper mill

Summary The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate whether long-term exposure to soft paper dust causes impairment of lung function. Exposed workers (n = 287) and referents (n =79) were investigated, using spirometry and questionnaires. Personal samplings of total dust showed that the actual mean concentrations did not exceed 3 mg/m³. The exposed subjects were divided into three categories according to historical and present exposure to paper dust; low exposure, moderate exposure and high exposure. The study did not show any lung function impairment due to exposure to paper dust. However, the exposed subjects had a significantly increased prevalence of symptoms from both the upper and lower airways as well as an increased prevalence of reported asthma. On the basis of our study, we conclude that lung function impairment does not occur among workers exposed to mean levels of soft paper dust below 5 mg/m³.     

Work-related respiratory symptoms and lung function among solderers in the electronics industry: a meta-analysis

Objective

Research on the respiratory effect of exposure to solder fumes in electronics workers has been conducted since the 1970s, but has yielded inconsistent results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to clarify the potential association.

Methods

Effect sizes with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for odds of respiratory symptoms related to soldering and spirometric parameters of solderers were extracted from seven studies and pooled to generate summary estimates and standardized mean differences in lung function measures between exposed persons and controls.

Results

Soldering was positively associated with wheeze after controlling for smoking (meta-odds ratio: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.46, 4.63) and with statistically significant reductions in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (−0.88%, 95% CI: −1.51, −0.26), forced vital capacity (FVC) (−0.64%, 95% CI: −1.18, −0.10), and FEV1/FVC (−0.35%, 95% CI: −0.65, −0.05). However, lung function parameters of solderers were within normal ranges [pooled mean FEV1: 97.85 (as percent of predicted), 95% CI: 94.70, 100.95, pooled mean FVC: 94.92 (as percent of predicted), 95% CI: 81.21, 108.64, and pooled mean FEV1/FVC: 86.5 (as percent), 95% CI: 78.01, 94.98].

Conclusions

Soldering may be a risk factor for wheeze, but may not be associated with a clinically significant impairment of lung function among electronics workers.     

Renal function after reduction in cadmium exposure: an 8-year follow-up of residents in cadmium-polluted areas

Background and objective: Long-term exposure to cadmium (Cd) causes renal dysfunction, but the change in renal function with exposure is unknown. We assessed the evolution of Cd-induced renal effects after a reduction in dietary exposure to Cd in rice.Methods: Four hundred twelve residents in previously Cd-polluted and nonpolluted areas were examined twice, in 1998 and in 2006. Changes in blood Cd, urinary Cd, and kidney function [N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), β₂-microglobulin, and albumin in urine] were measured.Results: In the most polluted area, mean blood Cd was 8.9 μg/L and 3.3 μg/L in 1998 and in 2006, respectively, and urinary Cd was 11.6 and 9.0 μg/g creatinine. Urinary albumin in 1998 increased with urinary Cd, but no such exposure–response relation appeared for 2006 albumin versus urinary Cd 1998, indicating recovery. Other biomarkers of kidney function were also elevated in 1998. Partial recovery was observed for NAG among women and was suggested for β₂-microglobulin among young individuals. The probability of having β₂-microglobulin levels above the 95th percentile in 2006 was high in those with elevated β₂-microglobulin in 1998 [odds ratio (OR) = 24.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 11.2, 55.3] compared with albumin (OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 7.5) and NAG (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6, 4.4).Conclusions: Results suggest that a Cd-mediated increase in urinary albumin excretion is reversible upon substantial reduction of exposure. For markers of tubular effects, we observed a tendency toward improvement but not complete recovery. Data from repeated observations suggest that β₂-microglobulin may be more informative than NAG as an indicator for an individual’s future tubular function.     

Effect of indoor air quality in the postnatal period on lung function in pre-adolescent children: a retrospective cohort study in Poland

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between level of lung function in pre-adolescence and indoor air quality in the postnatal period. The retrospective cohort study was carried out in a sample of 1036 pre-adolescent children (9 years of age) attending schools in two residential areas of Krakow, Poland. Measurement of health outcomes considered lung function together with height and weight. Indoor air quality was based on environmental tobacco smoke and type of household heating. In addition, the number of winter months that occurred during the first 6 months of life was included as a key independent variable. Multivariate linear regression of lung function measured by forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), and postnatal exposure to indoor pollution in the heating season (PEIP score) was adjusted for potential confounders such as maternal smoking during pregnancy and parental education as a proxy of social class. In the total study sample, the adjusted beta coefficient for FEV1 per unit of the PEIP score was -0.06 (P=0.02), while that for FVC was -0.05 (P=0.04). The analysis carried out in the more polluted area found that children living in households heated with gas or coal had a PEIP score that was strongly inversely related to lung function (adjusted beta coefficient for FEV1=-0.13; P=0.03; for FVC=-0.15, P=0.01), whereas regression coefficients were not significant in the group of children living in households with central heating. This study suggests that a lower level of lung function in pre-adolescent children can be related to postnatal exposure to indoor emissions in the winter.     

Dust exposure and impairment of lung function at a small iron foundry in a rapidly developing country

OBJECTIVES—A cross sectional prospective study was carried out among iron foundry workers (exposed) and soft drink bottling and supply company workers (unexposed) to assess their occupational exposure to ambient respiratory dust in their work environment and its effect on their lung function profile.
PARTICIPANTS—Lung function was measured in 81 exposed and 113 unexposed workers. Personal respirable dust concentrations were measured for all the exposed and the unexposed workers. Information on respiratory signs and symptoms was also collected from the participants.
RESULTS—Among the exposed workers, midexpiratory flow (FEF_25-75), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow (PEF), FEV₁/FVC, and FEV₁/VC ratios were significantly lower whereas the vital capacity (VC) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were non-significantly higher. Job at the iron foundry was a significant predictor of lung function. Exposure to high concentration of respirable dust at the iron foundry was also a significant predictor. Workers working in high exposure areas (general works, furnace, continuous casting areas, and fabrication workshop) had lower lung function values than workers in medium and low exposure areas. Smoking did not enhance the effects of exposure to dust on lung function.
CONCLUSIONS—Exposure to respirable dust was higher among the iron foundry workers; and among these, general, furnace, rolling mill, and fabrication workers had higher exposures to dust than did workers in continuous casting, the mechanical workshop, and the bottling plant. Job type and exposure to dust were significant predictors of lung function. Implementation of industrial hygiene and proper and efficient use of personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the respiratory health of industrial workers.


Keywords: lung function; dust exposure; foundry; smoking; personal protection     

A follow-up study of respiratory function in workers exposed to acid aerosols in a food-processing industry

A follow-up investigation was performed on 49 female workers studied 2 years earlier in a vegetable-pickling plant. Acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity measurements were recorded during the original and the follow-up studies. Maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves were recorded during the Monday morning work shift. The forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-s forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the FVC (FEF50, FEF25) were measured. There were small increases in the prevalence of chronic symptoms between the two studies for both smokers and nonsmokers, but these did not reach statistical significance. Five workers at the time of the initial study had a diagnosis of occupational asthma; only one of these was still working at the time of follow-up. Workers lost to the follow-up had lower lung function than those seen at follow-up. In workers who were followed, larger than expected mean annual declines were noted for all ventilatory capacity parameters in both smokers (FVC 0.070 l, FEV1 0.070 l; FEF50 0.355 l/s, FEF25 0.270 l/s) and nonsmokers (FVC 0.045 l, FEV1 0.045 l, FEF50 0.285 l/s; FEF25 0.130 l/s). The decrease was particularly pronounced for FEF50 and FEF25. The accelerated decline in ventilatory capacity tests noted in the female nonsmokers suggests an independent effect on lung function of work exposure in this environment. Our data confirm that work in the pickling industry, particularly in small, poorly regulated plants, has deleterious effects on respiratory function. Received: 24 September 1996 / Accepted: 19 June 1997     

Respiratory symptoms, lung function, and nasal cellularity in Indonesian wood workers: a dose-response analysis

Objectives: It was hypothesised that inflammation plays a dominant part in the respiratory effects of exposure to wood dust. The purpose of this study was to relate the nasal inflammatory responses of workers exposed to meranti wood dust to (a) levels of exposure, (b) respiratory symptoms and (c) respiratory function. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in 1997 in a woodworking plant that used mainly meranti, among 982 workers exposed to different concentrations of wood dust. Personal sampling (n=243) of inhalable dust measurements indicated mean exposure in specific jobs, and enabled classification of 930 workers in three exposure classes (<2, 2–5, and >5 mg/m³) based on job title. Questionnaires were used to screen respiratory symptoms in the entire population. Lung function was measured with two different techniques, conventional flow-volume curves and the forced oscillation technique. Nasal lavage was done to assess inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. Results: A negative trend between years of employment and most flow-volume variables was found in men, but not in women workers. Current exposure, however, was not related to spirometric outcomes, respiratory symptoms, or nasal cellularity. Some impedance variables were related to current exposure but also with better function at higher exposure. Conclusions: Exposure to meranti wood dust did not cause an inflammation in the upper respiratory tract nor an increase of respiratory symptoms or decrease of lung function. These data do not corroborate the hypothesis that inflammation plays a part in airway obstruction induced by wood dust.     

Self-reported symptoms and their effects on cognitive functioning in workers with past exposure to solvent-based glues: an 18-year follow-up

Objectives To examine to what extent exposure to organic solvents during the working life affects general well-being in the long term, and to explore the relationship between self-reported symptoms and cognitive functioning in previously solvent-exposed floor layers. Methods The study included 41 solvent-exposed floor layers and 40 unexposed referents participating in a longitudinal follow-up study 18 years after the baseline assessment. Symptom prevalence and level of spare time activities were studied using the same methods as in the initial study. These include a general health examination, the Q16 symptom questionnaire, and a questionnaire for spare time activities. Relationships between symptoms and cognitive functioning were analysed based on recently published data on cognitive functioning of the participants at follow-up. Results At follow-up neuropsychiatric symptoms such as need to check things, depressive mood, and abnormal fatigue, were more prevalent among floor layers, particularly the most exposed individuals, than among referents. In addition, the most highly exposed floor layers reported more concentration difficulties and irritability. Fatigue and depressive mood increased over the follow-up time in the most exposed floor layers but not in the referents. Memory difficulties, although more frequent among floor layers than among referents, had decreased in floor layers while increased in referents. Floor layers also reported some negative effects on intimate relations and activity level. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were related to poorer performance chiefly in memory tasks and tests of complex attention and perceptual speed, more seldom in visuospatial tasks. Conclusions Findings of exposure-related, long-lasting, partly deteriorating neuropsychiatric complaints indicate that general well-being later in life has been affected in floor layers with past heavy solvent exposure. We also found frequent associations between symptom prevalence and the cognitive functioning. Together with previous findings of dose-related cognitive decrements, the present results strengthen the evidence that long-term heavy occupational solvent exposure may negatively interact with the normal ageing process.     

Occupational exposure to lead and blood pressure: a study in 105 workers

A group of workers, occupationally exposed to lead and cadmium compounds (n = 53), was compared to a group of workers not exposed to these metals (n = 52). The average values of systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure were found to be higher in the exposed group (p less than 0.05). In contrast with the correlation between CdU and blood pressure, the correlation between PbB and systolic and mean blood pressure remained statistically significant after controlling for age and pulse rate (r = 0.22, p less than 0.05). The prevalence of potential hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 95 mm Hg and/or under treatment for hypertension) was higher in the exposed group, but the observed relative risk was not statistically significant: relative risk = 1.91 (95% confidence limits, 0.90-4.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation between PbB and Hgb (r = -0.28, p = 0.004) was observed. Differences in kidney function, as assessed in this study, were not detected.     

钍尘职业暴露对作业工人肺功能和血液学常规的影响

目的:探讨含钍稀土混合粉尘对职业暴露人员肺功能和血液学常规的影响。方法用瑞士产Spirovit SP-1型肺功能仪测定十三项肺功能指标。采集外周血,用全自动血球分析仪分析血液学常规指标。数据进行组间比较,t检验判断两组差异是否具有统计学意义。结果:肺功能十三项指标中接尘组最大通气量(MVV)、呼吸速率(RR)、用力肺活量(FVC)、用力呼气中期流速(FEF25%)等6项指标均低于对照组,并且差异显著和非常显著(P<0.05、P<0.001);15项血液学常规指标中有2项的异常率两组之间有统计学意义。结论:长期暴露于含钍稀土混合粉尘对职业人员的肺通气功能有一定的损伤作用。