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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality in railroad workers
1Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Jaime.hart@channing.harvard.edu
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|November 29, 2008
Summary
Occupational exposure to diesel exhaust increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality in railroad workers. Each year of work in diesel-exposed jobs was linked to a 2.5% rise in COPD mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Respiratory Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on non-malignant respiratory disease risks from occupational diesel exhaust exposure.
- Diesel locomotives have been used by US railroad workers since post-WWII.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality and occupational exposure to diesel exhaust in US railroad workers.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study design was employed.
- Examined COPD mortality in relation to years worked in diesel-exposed jobs.
- Utilized Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for age, calendar year, and follow-up duration, with multiple imputation for smoking history.
Main Results:
- Workers in diesel-exposed jobs exhibited an elevated risk of COPD mortality compared to unexposed workers.
- Each additional year in a diesel-exposed job correlated with a 2.5% increase in COPD mortality risk.
- This association remained significant even after accounting for smoking history.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a clear link between occupational diesel exhaust exposure and increased COPD mortality.
- Supports the need for protective measures against diesel exhaust in occupational settings.
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