Relation between decline in FEV1 and exposure to dust and tobacco smoke in aluminium potroom workers.

Abstract

To investigate the relation between pulmonary function and occupational exposure in aluminium pot operators. 2795 observations were obtained in 630 workers over six years of follow up. An autoregressive method of analysis was used. After adjustment for FEV1 in the three previous years, the effect of smoking v no smoking on FEV1 was -43.1 ml, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -72.3 to -13.9. Similarly, an increase in the exposure to particulates by 1 mg/m3 corresponded to a decrease in FEV1 of -11.9 ml, 95% CI -19.9 to -3.9. Age was a significant predictor of both FEV1 and FVC. Exposure to particulates in aluminium potrooms seems to increase the decline in FEV15 thereby increasing the risk of development of chronic obstructive lung disease in pot operators.