Occupational exposure to lignite and impact on respiratory system among heavy industry personnel

Objective is to evaluate the impact of occupational exposure to lignite dust on respiratory system. 103 blue-collar workers exposed to lignite dust and 62 controls completed a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and underwent spirometry. Levels of lignite dust in workplace were measured. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the data were performed. The concentration of lignite dust varied from 0.6 to 1.4 mg/m3. Current smokers and workers exposed to lignite dust presented higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis symptoms and of FEV<80% and FEV1/FVC<70%. Multivariate analysis has shown that smoking and occupational exposure to lignite dust were independent predictors of chronic bronchitis symptoms, as well as of an obstructive ventilation pattern. Further analysis showed that exposed workers who were current smokers presented a five fold rate for developing an obstructive ventilation pattern in comparison to exposed workers non currently smokers. Occupational exposure to lignite dust and smoking were independent determinants of chronic bronchitis symptoms and obstructive ventilation pattern. There is some evidence for a combined effect of smoking and lignite dust exposure on respiratory system.