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Endotoxin exposure and changes in short-term pulmonary function among sewage workers.
Marcin Cyprowski1, Wojciech Sobala2, Alina Buczyńska2
1Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Department of Environmental Health Hazards). macyp@o2.pl.
Summary
Sewage treatment plant workers exposed to endotoxin experienced a significant decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). This finding highlights the need for respiratory protection for these workers, even at low exposure levels.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Inhaled endotoxin is a known factor in acute bronchial obstruction, measurable by reduced FEV1.
- Sewage treatment plant workers (STPW) may face occupational exposure to endotoxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess endotoxin exposure levels in STPW.
- To evaluate the impact of endotoxin exposure on respiratory airflow across a work shift.
Main Methods:
- 78 STPW were monitored for inhalable dust and endotoxin using personal aerosol samplers.
- Endotoxin levels were quantified using the Limulus amebocyte lysate test.
- Spirometric measurements (FVC, FEV1) were taken across shifts, with multifactor regression analysis.
Main Results:
- Endotoxin concentrations varied widely (0.68-214 EU/m3).
- Despite low endotoxin levels, a significant impact on the across-shift decline in FEV1 was observed (p=0.044).
- This effect was independent of inhalable dust and smoking habits.
Conclusions:
- Low-level endotoxin exposure can cause significant, albeit small, reductions in FEV1 among STPW.
- Respiratory protection is recommended for STPW to mitigate these effects.
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