Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Induced-sputum particle size distribution and pulmonary function in foundry workers.

Yehuda Lerman1, Baruch Segal, Marta Rochvarger

  • 1The National Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ra'anana, Israel.

Archives of Environmental Health
|September 17, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Induced sputum particle size analysis can differentiate metal-exposed foundry workers. Larger particles correlate with reduced lung function, indicating potential respiratory issues.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Silicosis in the Artificial Stone Countertop Industry: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report.

Annals of the American Thoracic Society·2026
Same author

Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium Infection Associated with Artificial Stone Silicosis: A Case Series.

The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ·2025
Same author

Artificial stone dust affects oxidative stress and epithelial barrier in CALU 3 cells.

Experimental lung research·2025
Same author

Single versus double lung transplantation outcomes in artificial stone silicosis: a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

BMJ open respiratory research·2025
Same author

Developing and validating a culturally tailored questionnaire to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Israel's ultraorthodox Jewish population.

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics·2024
Same author

Nanoparticles in induced sputum - a window to airway inflammation among active smokers.

Nanomedicine (London, England)·2023

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Foundry workers face exposure to various metals, potentially impacting respiratory health.
  • Assessing the effects of inhaled particles on lung function is crucial for occupational safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between particle size distribution in induced sputum and pulmonary function tests.
  • To determine if particle size analysis can differentiate between metal-exposed and non-exposed foundry workers.

Main Methods:

  • Induced sputum was collected from 54 foundry workers (34 exposed to metals) using an ultrasonic nebulizer.
  • Particle size distribution was measured using a particle scanner.
  • Pulmonary function was assessed via spirometry, measuring forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1.0) and forced vital capacity (FVC).

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in particle proportions (>2 µm and >5 µm) were observed between exposed and non-exposed groups.
  • A positive correlation was found between particles >5 µm and the FEV1.0/FVC ratio for all workers and specifically for non-smokers.
  • Casting workers showed a negative correlation between particles >5 µm and FVC percentage.

Conclusions:

  • Measuring particle size in induced sputum is a valuable tool for distinguishing between exposed and non-exposed workers.
  • Higher exposure to larger particles may be associated with a restrictive pattern in pulmonary function tests.