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Lung function in the workers of a cromate producing industry
P Sanz-Gallen1, J Perez-Nicolas, E Cobo
1Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Hospital Clinic University Barcelona, Spain.
Giornale Italiano Di Medicina Del Lavoro
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Workers in chromate production showed higher rates of restrictive lung function patterns. This occupational exposure study highlights the impact of chromium on respiratory health, even without visible radiographic changes.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Chromate-producing industries pose potential respiratory health risks to workers.
- Previous studies suggest links between chromium exposure and lung function impairment.
- Understanding the specific patterns of ventilatory dysfunction is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between occupational exposure in chromate production and lung function.
- To determine the prevalence of different ventilatory patterns (obstructive, restrictive, mixed) in exposed workers.
- To assess if radiographic alterations are present in these workers.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 184 workers from a chromate producing industry.
- Categorization of workers into chronically exposed, intermittently exposed, and unexposed groups.
- Lung function tests (spirometry) and radiographic examinations (ILO 1980 criteria) were performed.
- Multivariate analysis controlled for tobacco use to assess exposure-group differences.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates: 11.9% obstructive, 11.9% restrictive, and 9.7% mixed ventilatory patterns.
- Statistically significant association found between chromium exposure and restrictive ventilatory pattern (p = 0.0065), even after controlling for smoking.
- No workers exhibited radiologic alterations according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) 1980 standards.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure in chromate production is significantly associated with restrictive lung function impairment.
- Restrictive ventilatory patterns may be an early indicator of lung damage in chromate-exposed workers.
- Absence of radiographic findings does not rule out occupational lung disease in this setting.