US EPA

1313413 

Journal Article 

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers using the hot box method: A 4-year follow-up 

Löfstedt, H; Westberg, H; Seldén, AI; Bryngelsson, IL; Svartengren, M 

2011 

Yes 

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
ISSN: 1076-2752
EISSN: 1536-5948 

53 

12 

1425-1429 

English 

22173285 

10.1097/JOM.0b013e3182363c17 

WOS:000297999700016 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e3182363c17
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uses data from 5943728 Exposure to low molecular weight isocyanates and formaldehyde in foundries using Hot Box core binders

OBJECTIVE: To perform follow-up of lung function and respiratory and ocular symptoms in foundry workers exposed to monoisocyanates using the Hot Box method.

METHODS: Four years after an initial assessment, 25 foundry workers and 55 referents completed a questionnaire and were assessed by spirometry pre- and postshift. Exposure to isocyanic acid, methyl isocyanate, and formaldehyde was measured.

RESULTS: Exposure levels were reduced by 50% at follow-up. A high prevalence of nasal and ocular symptoms remained in both groups, but lower airway symptoms had decreased. Lung function preshift was lower for the exposed group, but lung function over shift was unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of nasal symptoms and the small reduction of forced expiratory volume in 1 second preshift in exposed foundry workers at follow-up may indicate a prolonged influence of previous exposure in the working environment despite reduced exposure levels at follow-up. 

Adult; Copper/adverse effects; Follow-Up Studies; Formaldehyde/adverse effects; Isocyanates/ adverse effects; Lung/ physiology; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases/chemically induced/ epidemiology/physiopathology; Occupational Exposure/ adverse effects; Prevalence; Respiratory Tract Diseases/chemically induced/ epidemiology/physiopathology; Spirometry; Zinc/adverse effects