A cross-sectional study of pulmonary function in autobody repair workers. |
| |
Authors: | D L Parker K Waller B Himrich A Martinez and F Martin |
| |
Institution: | Chronic Disease and Environmental Epidemiology, Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis 55440. |
| |
Abstract: | This study evaluated pulmonary function in workers from 39 autobody repair shops. Based on 152 White male workers with known smoking status, the mean percent predicted FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were 93.6, 96.8, and 96.6, respectively. Twenty-three percent of workers had a FEV1/FVC ratio less than the fifth percentile. Isocyanate levels ranged from nondetectable to 0.06 parts per million (STEL = 0.02 ppm). No shop had an adequate respiratory protection program. We concluded that there was an increase in abnormal pulmonary function in autobody workers. Three recommendations were made to shop owners: functional paint booths should be maintained, respiratory protection programs should be developed, and isocyanate-free paints should be used. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|