Airway obstruction in boilermakers exposed to fuel oil ash. A prospective investigation

Hauser, R; Elreedy, S; Hoppin, JA; Christiani, DC

HERO ID

786117

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1995

Language

English

PMID

7582280

HERO ID 786117
In Press No
Year 1995
Title Airway obstruction in boilermakers exposed to fuel oil ash. A prospective investigation
Authors Hauser, R; Elreedy, S; Hoppin, JA; Christiani, DC
Journal American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume 152
Issue 5 Pt 1
Page Numbers 1478-1484
Abstract We prospectively investigated the lower airway response in boilermakers overhauling an oil-powered boiler. We studied 26 male boilermakers with a mean age (SD) of 43.3 (8.6) yr. Pre-exposure spirometry and methacholine challenge tests were performed before beginning the boiler overhaul; postexposure tests were performed after approximately 4 wk of work on the boiler. Exposure to particulates with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns and smaller (PM10) and respirable vanadium dust were estimated using daily work diaries and a personal sampling device for respirable particles. Using these estimates, we calculated average and peak exposure between pre- and postexposure tests for each subject. The average PM10 concentration ranged from 1.44 to 6.69 mg/m3, with a mean (SD) of 3.22 (1.42) mg/m3; the average vanadium concentration ranged from 2.2 to 31.3, with a mean (SD) of 12.2 (9.1) micrograms/m3. The mean postexposure fall in FEV1 was 140 +/- 160 ml (p < 0.01); 24 of 26 subjects had a drop in FEV1. For each subject, the adjusted change in FEV1 (delta FEV1.adj) was calculated by dividing the change in FEV1 by the average of the pre- and postexposure FEV1 values. The delta FEV1.adj was regressed, controlling age and current smoking status, on average and peak exposure to both PM10 and vanadium. There was a dose-response relationship between average and peak PM10 exposure and delta FEV1.adj: beta = -0.91% per mg/m3, p = 0.08 and beta = -1.03% per mg/m3, p = 0.03, respectively. However, there was no relationship between delta FEV1.adj and respirable vanadium dust concentration. Furthermore, there was no postexposure change in nonspecific airway responsiveness. In summary, we found a significant fall in FEV1 and a dose-response relationship between delta FEV1.adj and average and peak PM10 exposure. This across-job drop in FEV1 was not associated with a shift in bronchial responsiveness as measured by methacholine.
Doi 10.1164/ajrccm.152.5.7582280
Pmid 7582280
Wosid WOS:A1995TC86100008
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:A1995TC86100008
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No