Production of silicon metal and alloys is associated with accelerated decline in lung function: a 5-year prospective study among 3924 employees in norwegian smelters.

Abstract

To investigate the association between decline in lung function and production of alloys in the Norwegian smelting industry. All employees (N = 3924) were examined annually for 5 years (16,570 examinations). The employees were classified into three categories: 1) line operators (employed full time in the production line), 2) nonexposed (no exposure last year), and 3) non-line operators (remaining subjects). The outcome variable was expressed as forced expiratory volume in 1 second per squared height (FEV1/height(2)). In the subcohorts of the ferrosilicon/silicon metal and silicon carbide industries, the differences between line operators and nonexposed workers were -2.3 (-4.3 to -0.3) (CI = 95%) and -5.6 (-10.4 to -0.7) mL/(m(2) x year), respectively. Line operators in the ferrosilicon/silicon metal and silicon carbide industries had a steeper annual decline in FEV1/height compared with nonexposed workers.