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Zell-Baran LM, Krefft SD, Strand M, Rose CS. Longitudinal changes in lung function following post-9/11 military deployment in symptomatic veterans. Respir Med 2024; 227:107638. [PMID: 38641121 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposure to burn pit smoke, desert and combat dust, and diesel exhaust during military deployment to Southwest Asia and Afghanistan (SWA) can cause deployment-related respiratory diseases (DRRDs) and may confer risk for worsening lung function after return. METHODS Study subjects were SWA-deployed veterans who underwent occupational lung disease evaluation (n = 219). We assessed differences in lung function by deployment exposures and DRRD diagnoses. We used linear mixed models to assess changes in lung function over time. RESULTS Most symptomatic veterans reported high intensity deployment exposure to diesel exhaust and burn pit particulates but had normal post-deployment spirometry. The most common DRRDs were deployment-related distal lung disease involving small airways (DDLD, 41%), deployment-related asthma (DRA, 13%), or both DRA/DDLD (24%). Those with both DDLD/DRA had the lowest estimated mean spirometry measurements five years following first deployment. Among those with DDLD alone, spirometry measurements declined annually, adjusting for age, sex, height, weight, family history of lung disease, and smoking. In this group, the forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio declined 0.2% per year. Those with more intense inhalational exposure had more abnormal lung function. We found significantly lower estimated FVC and total lung capacity five years following deployment among active duty participants (n = 173) compared to those in the reserves (n = 26). CONCLUSIONS More intense inhalational exposures were linked with lower post-deployment lung function. Those with distal lung disease (DDLD) experienced significant longitudinal decline in FEV1/FVC ratio, but other DRRD diagnosis groups did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Zell-Baran
- National Jewish Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado, Aurora, USA.
| | - Silpa D Krefft
- National Jewish Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Denver, CO, USA; Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado, Aurora, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado, Aurora, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Colorado, Aurora, USA
| | - Matthew Strand
- National Jewish Health, Biostatistics, Denver, CO, USA; University of Colorado, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cecile S Rose
- National Jewish Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Denver, CO, USA; Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado, Aurora, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado, Aurora, USA
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Zhou S, Wang Y, Yu C, Ding C, He J, Liu Y, Wang H, Ni C. Metal Exposure-Related Welder's Pneumoconiosis and Lung Function: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Container Factory of China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16809. [PMID: 36554689 PMCID: PMC9779211 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Long-term inhalation of welding fume at high exposure can cause welder's pneumoconiosis, and metals in welding dust are associated with respiratory dysfunction. This cross-sectional study, which contains 384 Chinese male workers who were or had been working in a container factory, aimed to assess the potential risk of haemal and urinary metal content in welder's pneumoconiosis. Further, we investigated their effects on lung function parameters. Metal content and lung function were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and spirometer, respectively. The concentration and metal content of respirable dust as well as total dust were collected at this container factory. Lung function of cases with welder's pneumoconiosis was significantly worse, as indicated by lower values of FVC, FVC% predicted, FEV1, FEV1% predicted, MEF25% predicted, and MMEF% predicted (p < 0.05). Results of logistic regression models showed that haemal Cr and Zn were risk factors of welder's pneumoconiosis (OR = 4.98, 95%CI: 1.73-21.20, p = 0.009 for Cr; OR = 5.23, 95%CI: 1.56-41.08, p = 0.033 for Zn) after adjusted with age, BMI, working years, welding dust exposure years, and smoking status. Multiple linear regression models showed that several metals (haemal Cd and Pb; urinary Cd and Fe) were significantly associated with different lung function indices in the welder's pneumoconiosis group. Compared to non-welders, welders were exposed to considerably higher levels of respirable dust, total dust, and six kinds of metals (p < 0.05). In conclusion, haemal Cr and Zn are positively related to welder's pneumoconiosis. Meanwhile, Cd and Pb might worsen lung function in welder's pneumoconiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyun Zhou
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chen Yu
- Department of Occupational Respiratory Disease, National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chunguang Ding
- National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, Beijing 102300, China
| | - Jiayu He
- Department of Occupational Respiratory Disease, National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Huanqiang Wang
- Department of Occupational Respiratory Disease, National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chunhui Ni
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Rocha V, Fraga S, Moreira C, Carmeli C, Lenoir A, Steptoe A, Giles G, Goldberg M, Zins M, Kivimäki M, Vineis P, Vollenweider P, Barros H, Stringhini S. Life-course socioeconomic disadvantage and lung function: a multicohort study of 70 496 individuals. Eur Respir J 2021; 57:2001600. [PMID: 33214206 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01600-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung function is an important predictor of health and a marker of physical functioning at older ages. This study aimed to quantify the years of lung function lost according to disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions across the life-course. METHODS This multicohort study used harmonised individual-level data from six European cohorts with information on life-course socioeconomic disadvantage and lung function assessed by forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). 70 496 participants (51% female) aged 18-93 years were included. Socioeconomic disadvantage was measured in early life (low paternal occupational position), early adulthood (low educational level) and adulthood (low occupational position). Risk factors for poor lung function (e.g. smoking, obesity, sedentary behaviour, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases) were included as potential mediators. The years of lung function lost due to socioeconomic disadvantage were computed at each life stage. RESULTS Socioeconomic disadvantage during the life-course was associated with a lower FEV1. By the age of 45 years, individuals experiencing disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions had lost 4-5 years of healthy lung function versus their more advantaged counterparts (low educational level -4.36 (95% CI -7.33--2.37) for males and -5.14 (-10.32--2.71) for females; low occupational position -5.62 (-7.98--4.90) for males and -4.32 (-13.31--2.27) for females), after accounting for the risk factors for lung function. By the ages of 65 years and 85 years, the years of lung function lost due to socioeconomic disadvantage decreased by 2-4 years, depending on the socioeconomic indicator. Sensitivity analysis using FVC yielded similar results to those using FEV1. CONCLUSION Life-course socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with lower lung function and predicts a significant number of years of lung function loss in adulthood and at older ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Rocha
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Sílvia Fraga
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses, e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Carla Moreira
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre of Mathematics, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cristian Carmeli
- Population Health Laboratory, Dept of Community Health, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Lenoir
- Dept of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Dept of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Graham Giles
- Cancer Epidemiology Centre, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marcel Goldberg
- Population-based Epidemiological Cohorts Unit, INSERM UMS 11, Villejuif, France
- Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Marie Zins
- Population-based Epidemiological Cohorts Unit, INSERM UMS 11, Villejuif, France
- Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Mika Kivimäki
- Dept of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paolo Vineis
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Dept of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Vollenweider
- Dept of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Henrique Barros
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses, e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (UNISANTE), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Dept of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Kazi TG, Baloch S, Baig JA, Afridi HI, Arain MB. Evaluate the adverse impact of metal oxide on workers of different age groups that engage with gas metal arc welding process: health risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:8652-8661. [PMID: 33064279 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11192-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Immense epidemiological studies have been indicated about adverse effects of the welding fumes on the health of the welders, especially respiratory problems and other physiological disorders. The different types of welding mechanisms produce aerosols/fumes that contain different metals including chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn). In the present study, the welders of two age groups (adolescents and adults) were selected; simultaneously the age-matched adolescents and adults belong to nonindustrial area as referents/control subjects. Biological samples (scalp hair) were collected from welders and referents, along with analyzed for Cr and Mn by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer, prior to acid digestion. To evaluate the occupational exposure on the health of the workers, the clinical features and biochemical parameters of selected population (exposed and non-exposed age-matched groups) were also carried out. The resulted data indicated that the concentrations of Mn and Cr were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of welders as compared to referent subjects (p < 0.01), verifying the absorption/exposure of both metals produced in welding fumes. The high prevalence of anemia and stomach disorder was observed in adolescent than adult welding workers. The incidence of asthma and related symptoms was elevated in adult welders than in younger boys. The neurological problems were particularly observed in aged welders > 50 years, might be due to long time exposure of welding fumes contains different toxicant especially Mn in ill ventilation system of workshops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Gul Kazi
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan.
| | - Shahnawaz Baloch
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan
| | - Jameel Ahmed Baig
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Imran Afridi
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Balal Arain
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan
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Welding Fumes, a Risk Factor for Lung Diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072552. [PMID: 32276440 PMCID: PMC7177922 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Welding fumes (WFs) are composed of fine and ultrafine particles, which may reach the distal airways and represent a risk factor for respiratory diseases. (2) Methods: In vitro and in vivo studies to understand WFs pathogenesis were selected. Epidemiological studies, original articles, review, and meta-analysis to examine solely respiratory disease in welders were included. A systematic literature search, using PubMed, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Technical Information Center (NIOSHTIC), and Web of Science databases, was performed. (3) Results: Dose, time of exposure, and composition of WFs affect lung injury. Inflammation, lung defense suppression, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and genotoxic effects were observed after exposure both to mild and stainless steel WFs. (4) Conclusions: The detection of lung diseases associated with specific occupational exposure is crucial as complete avoidance or reduction of the exposure is difficult to achieve. Further studies in the area of particle research may aid the understanding of mechanisms involved in welding-related lung disease and to expand knowledge in welding-related cardiovascular diseases.
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Su WC, Chen Y, Bezerra M, Wang J. Respiratory deposition of ultrafine welding fume particles. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2019; 16:694-706. [PMID: 31461396 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2019.1652306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The inhalation and the deposition of welding-generated ultrafine particles in welders' respiratory tracts have been linked to severe pulmonary impairments. In the present study, a mobile aerosol lung deposition apparatus (MALDA) was developed and applied to study the respiratory deposition of ultrafine welding fume particles. The MALDA was constructed with a set of physiologically representative human tracheobronchial airway replicas made with high-resolution 3D printers. Ultrafine welding fume particles were generated in a welding fume chamber and delivered to the MALDA. A series of respiratory deposition experiments were carried out using the MALDA to investigate the deposition of ultrafine welding fume particles in different airway generations of the tracheobronchial airways. The results showed that the fractional deposition of ultrafine welding fume particle in the human tracheobronchial airways down to the 9th airway generation could be readily and systematically measured by the MALDA. The estimated cumulative respiratory deposition ranged from approximately 9-31% for ultrafine welding fume particles between 10 and 100 nm in diameter. The results acquired demonstrated that the MALDA developed has the potential to become a useful apparatus in the future to estimate the respiratory deposition of ultrafine particles in real workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chung Su
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Marcio Bezerra
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , Oklahoma , USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , Oklahoma , USA
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7
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Mehrifar Y, Zamanian Z, Pirami H. Respiratory Exposure to Toxic Gases and Metal Fumes Produced by Welding Processes and Pulmonary Function Tests. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE 2019; 10:40-49. [PMID: 30685776 PMCID: PMC6522216 DOI: 10.15171/ijoem.2019.1540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Welding is a common industrial process and is harmful to welders' health. Objective: To determine the effect of toxic gases and metal fumes produced during 3 welding processes on welders' incidence of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an Iranian shipbuilding industrial factory in 2018. Using the simple census method, 60 welders were selected as the exposed group. 45 staff members of the administrative unit were also recruited to be served as the control group. Welders' demographic data and respiratory complaints were collected employing a questionnaire. Fumes and gases produced were sampled from the welders' respiratory tract and analyzed by standard methods suggested by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Pulmonary function test was also performed for each participant. Results: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in all welders was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the control group. The mean FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC measured in welders involved in all 3 processes were significantly lower than those recorded in the control group. The spirometry pattern in welders involved in flux cored arc welding and shielded metal arc welding was obstructive; that in those involved in gas metal arch welding was mixed (obstructive and restrictive pattern). Conclusion: Exposure to welding fumes and gases was associated with pulmonary function deterioration. Welders involved in gas metal arch welding had a prevalence of pulmonary disorders compared with those involved in gas metal arch welding and flux cored arc welding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Mehrifar
- Research Committee, School of Health Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Zamanian
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamideh Pirami
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Roach LL. The Relationship of Welding Fume Exposure, Smoking, and Pulmonary Function in Welders. Workplace Health Saf 2017; 66:34-40. [PMID: 28845745 DOI: 10.1177/2165079917723927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between occupational exposure to welding fumes and pulmonary function in an effort to add supportive evidence and clarity to the current body of research. This study utilized a retrospective chart review of pulmonary function testing and pulmonary questionnaires already available in charts from preplacement physicals to the most recent test. When comparing smokers to nonsmokers, utilizing multiple regression and controlling for age and percentage of time using a respirator, years welding was statistically significant at p = .04. Data support that smoking has a synergistic effect when combined with welding fume exposure on pulmonary decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L. Roach
- Lincoln Memorial University and Core Occupational Medicine
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9
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Dement JM, Welch LS, Ringen K, Cranford K, Quinn P. Longitudinal decline in lung function among older construction workers. Occup Environ Med 2017; 74:701-708. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-104205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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10
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Liao SY, Lin X, Christiani DC. Occupational exposures and longitudinal lung function decline. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:14-20. [PMID: 25384732 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few longitudinal studies have been conducted on occupational exposure and lung function. This study investigated occupational dust exposure effects on lung function and whether genetic variants influence such effects. METHODS The study population (1,332 participants) was from the Framingham Heart Study, in which participant lung function measures were available from up to five examinations over nearly 17 years. Occupational dust exposures were classified into "more" and "less" likely dust exposure. We used linear mixed effects models for the analysis. RESULTS Participants with more likely dust exposure had a mean 4.5 mL/year excess loss rate of FEV1 over time. However, occupational dust exposures alone or interactions with age or time had no significant effect on FEV1 /FVC. No statistically significant effects of genetic modifications in the different subgroups were identified for FEV1 loss. CONCLUSIONS Occupational dust exposures may accelerate the rate of FEV1 loss but not FEV1 /FVC loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yi Liao
- Harvard School of Public Health; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Xihong Lin
- Harvard School of Public Health; Boston Massachusetts
| | - David C. Christiani
- Harvard School of Public Health; Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
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11
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Persoons R, Arnoux D, Monssu T, Culié O, Roche G, Duffaud B, Chalaye D, Maitre A. Determinants of occupational exposure to metals by gas metal arc welding and risk management measures: A biomonitoring study. Toxicol Lett 2014; 231:135-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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12
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Lehnert M, Hoffmeyer F, Gawrych K, Lotz A, Heinze E, Berresheim H, Merget R, Harth V, Van Gelder R, Hahn JU, Hartwig A, Weiß T, Pesch B, Brüning T. Effects of Exposure to Welding Fume on Lung Function: Results from the German WELDOX Study. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 834:1-13. [PMID: 25315619 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2014_65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The association between exposure to welding fume and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been insufficiently clarified. In this study we assessed the influence of exposure to welding fume on lung function parameters. We investigated forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and expiratory flow rates in 219 welders. We measured current exposure to respirable particles and estimated a worker's lifetime exposure considering welding techniques, working conditions and protective measures at current and former workplaces. Multiple regression models were applied to estimate the influence of exposure to welding fume, age, and smoking on lung function. We additionally investigated the duration of working as a welder and the predominant welding technique. The findings were that age- and smoking-adjusted lung function parameters showed no decline with increasing duration, current exposure level, and lifetime exposure to welding fume. However, 15% of the welders had FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal, but we could not substantiate the presence of an association with the measures of exposure. Adverse effects of cigarette smoking were confirmed. In conclusion, the study did not support the notion of a possible detrimental effect of exposure to welding fume on lung function in welders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lehnert
- Institute of Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum, 1 Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, 44789, Bochum, Germany,
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Haluza D, Moshammer H, Hochgatterer K. Dust is in the Air. Part II: Effects of Occupational Exposure to Welding Fumes on Lung Function in a 9-Year Study. Lung 2013; 192:111-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00408-013-9529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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