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Longitudinal and Cross-sectional Analyses of Lung Function in Toluene Diisocyanate Production Workers
Mei Lin Wang1, Eileen Storey, Laura D Cassidy
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia (Drs Wang [former affiliation], Storey, Doney); Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Dr Cassidy); BASF-The Chemical Company, Florham Park, New Jersey (Dr Conner [former affiliation]); DOW Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan (Drs Collins, Carson [former affiliations]); Saginaw Valley State University, University City, Michigan (Dr Collins); and Covestro LLC (formerly known as Bayer MaterialScience LLC), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Molenaar [former affiliation]).
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate lung function among toluene diisocyanate (TDI) production workers.
Methods:
One hundred ninety-seven U.S workers performed spirometry from 2006 through 2012. Results were compared within the study cohort and with U.S. population measures. A mixed-effects model assessed factors affecting repeated forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) measurements.
Results:
The cohort's mean FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) percent reference values, although greater than 90%, were significantly lower and the prevalence of abnormal spirometry (predominantly restrictive pattern) was significantly higher than in the U.S.
Population:
Differences in lung function among workers with higher cumulative TDI exposure were in the direction of an exposure effect, but not significant.
Conclusion:
We found little evidence of an adverse effect of TDI exposure on longitudinal spirometry in these workers. The association between TDI exposure and the increasing prevalence of a restrictive pattern needs further exploration.
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