Respiratory symptoms and lung function in furriers

Forty women who had been occupationally exposed in the fur coat manufacturing industry were studied. The mean age was 30 years; mean duration of exposure was 14 years. A group of 31 females who did not work in the furrier industry also was included in the study as the control group. A higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was found among furriers when compared with controls; these differences were statistically significant for nasal catarrh (p less than 0.05) and sinusitis (p less than 0.01). Among the furriers, the highest prevalence of respiratory symptoms was recorded for chronic cough in 20 workers (50.0%), followed by sinusitis in 12 (30.0%), dyspnea in 10 (25.0%), and nasal catarrh in 8 workers (20.0%). Among the furriers, two (5.0%) had symptoms characteristic of occupational asthma. Most of the symptomatic furriers complained of acute symptoms during their work shifts. Statistically significant mean reductions in lung function over the work shift were recorded in furriers for forced vital capacity (FVC), -4.1%; one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), -5.2%; and flow rate at 50% vital capacity (FEF50%), -6.3%. Furriers demonstrated significantly lower mean Monday preshift measurements for FVC and flow rate at 25% (FEF25%) (p less than 0.05) when compared with those predicted. Preshift administration (by spinhaler) of 40 mg disodium cromoglycate in three workers reduced the intensity of acute respiratory symptoms and diminished the reductions in ventilatory capacity over the work shift. Data from six additional male workers demonstrated similar findings for symptoms and lung function. Our data suggest that furriers are at risk of developing both acute and chronic respiratory symptoms as well as ventilatory capacity impairment as a result of occupational exposure.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in bauxite miners

Objectives: To determine whether cumulative bauxite exposure is associated with respiratory symptoms or changes in lung function in a group of bauxite miners. Methods: Current employees at three bauxite mines in Australia were invited to participate in a survey comprising: questionnaire on demographic details, respiratory symptoms, and work history; skin prick tests for four common aeroallergens; and spirometry. A task exposure matrix was constructed for bauxite exposure in all tasks in all jobs based on monitoring data. Data were examined for associations between cumulative bauxite exposure, and respiratory symptoms and lung function, by regression analyses. Results: The participation rate was 86%. Self-reported work-related respiratory symptoms were reported by relatively few subjects (1.5%–11.8%). After adjustment for age and smoking no significant differences in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms were identified between subjects, in the quartiles of cumulative bauxite exposure distribution. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) of the exposed group was found to be significantly lower than that for the unexposed group. After adjustment for age, height, and smoking there were no statistically significant differences between quartiles in FEV₁, forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV₁/FVC ratio. Conclusions: These data provide little evidence of a serious adverse effect on respiratory health associated with exposure to bauxite in an open-cut bauxite mine in present day conditions. Received: 14 August 2000 / Accepted: 12 April 2001     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in hemp workers

Respiratory symptoms and abnormalities of lung function were studied in 84 female and 27 male hemp workers employed in two textile mills (A and B) processing soft hemp (C sativa). In mill A 46 women and 27 men were investigated and 38 female workers were studied in mill B. Forty nine women and 30 men from a non-dusty industry served as controls. A significantly higher prevalence of almost all chronic respiratory symptoms was found in female hemp workers when compared to control workers. Among the men these differences were significant for nasal catarrh and sinusitis. A high prevalence of byssinosis was found among female hemp workers in both mills (group A, 47.8%; group B, 57.9%) as well as in the male workers (66.7%). Statistically significant across shift reductions in lung function were found for all ventilatory capacity measurements in female and male hemp workers varying from 7.1% for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to 15.1% for flow rates at 50% vital capacity (FEF50). Measured Monday baseline values before the work shift were significantly lower than expected for hemp workers, being particularly reduced for FEF25 and FEF50. The data suggest that occupational exposure to hemp dust is a significant risk factor for the development of acute and chronic lung disease in workers employed in this textile industry.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function among workers in swine confinement buildings: a cross-sectional epidemiological study

To study possible chronic respiratory problems of people working in swine confinement buildings, a cross-sectional epidemiological study was initiated. A cohort of swine confinement workers was matched for age, sex, and smoking history with nonconfinement swine producers. Pulmonary function studies and a survey questionnaire for chronic respiratory disease symptoms (the American Thoracic Society, Epidemiologic Standardization Project Questionnaire) were performed on both groups. Compared to controls, the confinement workers experienced significantly higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis and wheezing, (odds ratio 7 and 4, respectively). There were, however, no significant differences in baseline pulmonary functions. Based on the high prevalence of chronic respiratory disease symptoms, this study emphasizes an emerging occupational concern in agriculture to the estimated 500,000 persons working in swine confinement operations and the estimated 500,000 additional persons who work in poultry, veal, beef, or dairy confinement operations. It is important to study a representative population of these workers prospectively to determine if a progressive loss in lung function is evident.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in workers in heavy and highway construction: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposures for workers in heavy and highway (HH) construction include cement-containing dusts and diesel exhaust (DE). To investigate possible health effects, respiratory symptoms and lung function were examined in laborers, tunnel workers (TW), and operating engineers (OE) in HH and tunnel construction. The principal outcome of interest was airways disease. METHODS: Subjects were recruited through their unions. Medical and occupational histories and flow-volume loops were obtained. Based on self-report, asthma and chronic bronchitis were categorized as (1) physician-diagnosed or (2) for asthma, undiagnosed likely, and (3) for chronic bronchitis, symptomatic. Trade and time in the union were used as surrogates of exposure. Prevalence of asthma and chronic bronchitis, lung function outcome, and relationships with exposure variables were examined. RESULTS: Data were obtained on 389 workers: 186 laborers, 45 TWs, and 158 OEs. Prevalence of asthma was 13 and 11.4% for laborers (including TW) and OEs, respectively, and of symptomatic chronic bronchitis, 6.5 and 1.9%, respectively. Odds ratios (OR) for undiagnosed asthma likely were significantly elevated in TWs compared to OEs, and marginally elevated for chronic bronchitis. Inverse relationships were observed between time in the union, and risk for asthma and chronic bronchitis. Asthma (physician-diagnosed or undiagnosed likely) predicted lower FEV(1). Current cigarette use was associated with chronic bronchitis but not asthma. CONCLUSIONS: TWs, laborers, and OEs in HH construction are at increased risk for asthma. TWs also appear to be at increased risk for chronic bronchitis. Our data suggest that symptomatic workers are self-selecting out of their trade. Asthma was associated with lower lung function in those affected.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in a group of solderers.

A total of 1611 women working in a large electronics company were interviewed using a modified version of the Medical Research Council's questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, and their lung function was tested using a Vitalograph dry wedge spirometer. When the prevalence of symptoms was compared using the chi 2 test among four occupational groups--namely, solderers, ex-solderers, non-solderers, and office workers--few significant differences were found. The group of ex-solderers tended to have a greater prevalence of symptoms than the other three groups. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured, and when these were compared for smokers, the office workers were found to have a greater mean age adjusted FVC and FEV1 than the three other groups. The pattern was less distinct for non-smokers. When duration of exposure to solder fumes was allowed for, differences in lung function were more suggestive of being related to smoking habit than occupational exposure to solder fumes.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in jute processing workers: a primary investigation

This paper presents the results of an investigation of respiratory symptoms and lung function of 404 workers who had been exposed to jute dust in a jute mill. Measurement of total dust concentration and analysis of dust composition were also conducted. Most workers in the jute mill were exposed to jute dusts containing less than 5% silica, whereas a few workers were exposed to dusts containing approximately 10-15% silica. Male smokers and nonsmokers in the dust-exposed group had a higher prevalence of cough and chest tightness compared with those in the control group. Among dust-exposed workers, female nonsmokers had a significantly higher prevalence of cough, chronic bronchitis, chest tightness, and dyspnea than those in the control group. Lung function tests showed that dust-exposed workers had a greater incidence of abnormal lung function than did control workers, as measured by percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0), and FEV1.0/FVC. Dust exposure was the main cause of respiratory symptoms and abnormal values of FEV1.0, but both cigarette smoking and dust exposure contributed to the abnormal values reported for FEV1.0.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in Bangkok school children

BACKGROUND: Previous epidemiological studies have shown acute effects of ambient air pollutants in children with respiratory disorders. METHODS: The chronic effects of air pollution in Bangkok children were investigated. Children aged 10-15 years were examined for lung functions using spirometry tests and for respiratory symptoms by the American Thoracic Society's Division of Lung Diseases (ATS-DLD-78-C) questionnaire during May-August 2004. Effects of residential area were estimated by multiple logistic regression analysis. Of the 878 children, 722 (82%) had completed lung function test and ATS-DLD questionnaire. RESULTS: In children, who live in roadside (R) and general (G) areas with high (H) pollution, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms increased significantly [odds ratios (95% confidence interval) in HR and HG are 2.44 (1.21-4.93) and 2.60 (1.38-4.91), respectively]. Children with normal lung function were less observed in H- and M-polluted roadside and general area [HR, OR = 1.41 (95% CI 0.89-2.22); HG, 1.08 (0.71-1.64); and MR, 0.99 (0.63-1.57)]. Residential locations and family members were associated with the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, whereas factors such as the responder of ATS-DLD, gender, age, residential years, home size, parental smoking habits, use of air conditioners, and domestic pets were not associated. Age was associated with the impaired lung function, whereas others factors were not associated. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function were higher among children living in areas with high pollution than those in areas with low pollution.     

Respiratory symptoms, lung function, and sensitisation to flour in a British bakery

A survey of dust exposure, respiratory symptoms, lung function, and response to skin prick tests was conducted in a modern British bakery. Of the 318 bakery employees, 279 (88%) took part. Jobs were ranked from 0 to 10 by perceived dustiness and this ranking correlated well with total dust concentration measured in 79 personal dust samples. Nine samples had concentrations greater than 10 mg/m3, the exposure limit for nuisance dust. All participants completed a self administered questionnaire on symptoms and their relation to work. FEV1 and FVC were measured by a dry wedge spirometer and bronchial reactivity to methacholine was estimated. Skin prick tests were performed with three common allergens and with 11 allergens likely to be found in bakery dust, including mites and moulds. Of the participants in the main exposure group, 35% reported chest symptoms which in 13% were work related. The corresponding figures for nasal symptoms were 38% and 19%. Symptoms, lung function, bronchial reactivity, and response to skin prick tests were related to current or past exposure to dust using logistic or linear regression analysis as appropriate. Exposure rank was significantly associated with most of the response variables studied. The study shows that respiratory symptoms and sensitisation are common, even in a modern bakery.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in alumina refinery employees

OBJECTIVES—Employees in alumina refineries are known to be exposed to a number of potential respiratory irritants, particularly caustic mist and bauxite and alumina dusts. To examine the prevalence of work related respiratory symptoms and lung function in alumina refinery employees and relate these to their jobs.
METHODS—2964 current employees of three alumina refineries in Western Australia were invited to participate in a cross sectional study, and 89% responded. Subjects were given a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, smoking, and occupations with additional questions on temporal relations between respiratory symptoms and work. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured with a rolling seal spirometer. Atopy was assessed with prick skin tests for common allergens. Associations between work and symptoms were assessed with Cox's regression to estimate prevalence ratios, and between work and lung function with linear regression.
RESULTS—Work related wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and rhinitis were reported by 5.0%, 3.5%, 2.5%, and 9.5% of participants respectively. After adjustment for age, smoking, and atopy, most groups of production employees reported a greater prevalence of work related symptoms than did office employees. After adjustment for age, smoking, height, and atopy, subjects reporting work related wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath had significantly lower mean levels of FEV₁ (186, 162, and 272 ml respectively) than subjects without these symptoms. Prevalence of most work related symptoms was higher at refinery 2 than at the other two refineries, but subjects at this refinery had an adjusted mean FEV₁ >60 ml higher than the others. Significant differences in FVC and FEV₁/FVC ratio, but not FEV₁, were found between different process groups.
CONCLUSIONS—There were significant differences in work related symptoms and lung function between process groups and refineries, but these were mostly not consistent. Undefined selection factors and underlying population differences may account for some of these findings but workplace exposures may also contribute. The differences identified between groups were unlikely to be clinically of note.


Keywords: aluminium; alumina; bauxite; caustic mist; occupational epidemiology     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in hemp workers.

Respiratory symptoms and abnormalities of lung function were studied in 84 female and 27 male hemp workers employed in two textile mills (A and B) processing soft hemp (C sativa). In mill A 46 women and 27 men were investigated and 38 female workers were studied in mill B. Forty nine women and 30 men from a non-dusty industry served as controls. A significantly higher prevalence of almost all chronic respiratory symptoms was found in female hemp workers when compared to control workers. Among the men these differences were significant for nasal catarrh and sinusitis. A high prevalence of byssinosis was found among female hemp workers in both mills (group A, 47.8%; group B, 57.9%) as well as in the male workers (66.7%). Statistically significant across shift reductions in lung function were found for all ventilatory capacity measurements in female and male hemp workers varying from 7.1% for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to 15.1% for flow rates at 50% vital capacity (FEF50). Measured Monday baseline values before the work shift were significantly lower than expected for hemp workers, being particularly reduced for FEF25 and FEF50. The data suggest that occupational exposure to hemp dust is a significant risk factor for the development of acute and chronic lung disease in workers employed in this textile industry.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in wool textile workers

Our study investigated a group of 216 wool textile workers (158 women and 58 men). Respiratory symptoms were assessed by questionnaire in wool textile workers and in 130 not exposed (control) workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured in wool workers by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves on Monday before and after the work shift. Forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV₁), and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF₅₀, FEF₂₅) were measured on the MEFV curves. Analysis of the data demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms in wool workers than in controls. being the highest in wool workers for nasal catarrh (M: 63.8%; F: 44.9%) and for sinusitis (M: 62.1%; F: 43.0%). A high prevalence of acute symptoms, associated with the work shift, was also noted in wool workers. Exposure to wool dust caused significant across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity varying from 1.4% for FEV, to 9.1% for FEF₅₀. Textile workers exposed to wool for > 10 years in the workplace had similar across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity tests as those with shorter exposures. In a large number of these wool workers, FEF₅₀ and FEF₂₅ were below 70% of predicted normal values. Smokers had acute and chronic lung function changes similar to those of nonsmokers, indicating that smoking did not account for all the respiratory effects seen in wool processing workers. Our data suggest that dust exposures in wool textile mills may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function.     

Intensity of smoking and smoking cessation in relation to risk of cataract extraction: a prospective study of women

The authors investigated the association of smoking and smoking cessation with the incidence of cataract extraction in a population-based prospective cohort study. A total of 34,595 women aged 49-83 years in the Swedish Mammography Cohort were followed from September 1997 through June 2002. Information on smoking, diet, and other lifestyle factors was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 2,128 cases of age-related cataract extraction were identified. Relative risks were estimated as rate ratios using Cox proportional hazards models. The authors observed a significant dose-response association between intensity of smoking and risk of cataract extraction (among current smokers, p for trend = 0.02; among past smokers, p for trend = 0.0002). After cessation of smoking, the risk decreased with time. Among women with a moderate lifetime smoking intensity (6-10 cigarettes/day), the relative risk was not significantly different from the risk among never smokers 10 years after smoking cessation. Among women who had smoked more intensively (>10 cigarettes/day), after 20 years of nonsmoking the increased risk became small and no longer statistically significant in comparison with never smokers (for trend over time, p < 0.0001). This prospective study confirmed smoking as a risk factor for cataract, with a dose response for smoking intensity. Smoking cessation predicts reduced risk over time, but a longer period of time is needed with a higher smoking intensity.     

中国三城市非吸烟妇女被动吸烟现况及影响因素分析

目的了解非吸烟妇女被动吸烟现况及探索控制妇女被动吸烟的措施。方法采用随机整群抽样的方法,收集了北京、上海和成都3500名非吸烟妇女关于被动吸烟情况的资料,应用EpiInfo2002软件进行卡方检验、Fisher检验和方差分析等。结果被动吸烟妇女中有92·7%的人在家中接触环境香烟烟雾(ETS),40·8%的在工作场所接触ETS,其中有38·9%的被动吸烟妇女从出生时即开始被动吸烟,42·3%的从18~30岁开始被动吸烟。被动吸烟妇女平均每天接触ETS(1·17±1·10)h,其中在家中每天被动吸烟超过2h的比例明显高于在工作场所的比例。被动吸烟组中30~50岁年龄组、中等文化程度或配偶中等文化程度、已婚、服务性/商业工作人员、单位负责人以及生产运输工人的构成比显著高于非被动吸烟组中的构成比(P<0·05)。有97·5%的人认为被动吸烟可对自身健康产生危害,非被动吸烟组认为被动吸烟有严重危害的比例显著高于被动吸烟组。被动吸烟妇女中70·0%以上当有人在自己周围吸烟时会打开门窗等,而只有16·9%的人会主动要求别人不要在自己面前吸烟。假设有人在自己面前吸烟时,非被动吸烟组采取主动措施避免被动吸烟的意识显著强于被动吸烟组。被调查的妇女中有95·1%的人相信媒体关于吸烟对健康危害的宣传。结论控制被动吸烟的主要场所是家中和机关单位、商业、服务业以及生产运输的工作场所,尤其要加大对家庭中被动吸烟的控制。人们对被动吸烟危害程度的认识影响着人群被动吸烟率。利用电视和杂志等媒体进行被动吸烟对健康危害的宣传,加强人群主动避免被动吸烟的意识,是控制人群吸烟、降低人群被动吸烟率的可行性措施之一。     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function of aluminum potroom workers

The association of occupational exposure with respiratory disease and lung function was examined in a cross-sectional study of 1805 aluminum potroom workers. Work-related asthmatic symptoms occurred in 15% of the workers with an exposure of 10 years or more and in 8% of the workers who had been employed less than five years. In a multiple logistic regression analysis an odds ratio (OR) of 3.4 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.1-5.8] for work-related asthmatic symptoms was estimated for long versus short duration of employment. Airflow limitation was also significantly related to years of exposure (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7-3.9). Current occupational exposure and the occurrence of respiratory symptoms were not significantly associated. The results suggest that exposure to air pollutants in the primary aluminum industry may lead to the development of asthmatic symptoms, as well as to reduced respiratory function.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in bus drivers and mechanics

Acute and chronic respiratory symptoms as well as ventilatory capacity were studied in 116 bus drivers and 119 mechanics. Bus drivers and mechanics demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of most chronic respiratory symptoms when compared to control workers. In particular, lower airway symptoms of chest tightness and dyspnea and upper airway symptoms of nasal catarrh were significantly more prevalent among drivers and mechanics than among controls. Bus drivers and mechanics who were smokers had significantly higher prevalences of respiratory symptoms than nonsmoking bus drivers. Bus drivers and mechanics employed for more than 10 years also exhibited higher frequencies of respiratory symptoms than those exposed for 10 years or less. Many of the workers complained of acute symptoms during the work shift. The ventilatory capacity data demonstrated lower values for all parameters, particularly FEF₂₅, compared to control worker values as well as to predicted normal values, for bus drivers and mechanics who were smokers. Our data indicate that long-term employment in the transport industry of bus drivers and mechanics, particularly in combination with smoking, may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment.     

Respiratory symptoms, lung function, and sensitisation to flour in a British bakery.

A survey of dust exposure, respiratory symptoms, lung function, and response to skin prick tests was conducted in a modern British bakery. Of the 318 bakery employees, 279 (88%) took part. Jobs were ranked from 0 to 10 by perceived dustiness and this ranking correlated well with total dust concentration measured in 79 personal dust samples. Nine samples had concentrations greater than 10 mg/m3, the exposure limit for nuisance dust. All participants completed a self administered questionnaire on symptoms and their relation to work. FEV1 and FVC were measured by a dry wedge spirometer and bronchial reactivity to methacholine was estimated. Skin prick tests were performed with three common allergens and with 11 allergens likely to be found in bakery dust, including mites and moulds. Of the participants in the main exposure group, 35% reported chest symptoms which in 13% were work related. The corresponding figures for nasal symptoms were 38% and 19%. Symptoms, lung function, bronchial reactivity, and response to skin prick tests were related to current or past exposure to dust using logistic or linear regression analysis as appropriate. Exposure rank was significantly associated with most of the response variables studied. The study shows that respiratory symptoms and sensitisation are common, even in a modern bakery.