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Related Experiment Videos

Occupational asthma in a mineral analysis laboratory.

A W Musk1, S Peach, G Ryan

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia.

British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|June 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Occupational asthma symptoms were investigated in laboratory workers exposed to acid vapors. Bronchial hyperreactivity and airflow obstruction were identified, suggesting inflammation from workplace irritants.

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Area of Science:

  • Occupational Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Workers in mineral analysis laboratories exposed to various acid vapors (hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric, sulfuric) reported symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma.
  • A significant portion of the workforce experienced work-related respiratory symptoms, prompting an investigation into the cause.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate an epidemic of occupational asthma symptoms in a mineral analysis laboratory.
  • To assess ventilatory capacity and bronchial reactivity in exposed workers.
  • To determine the relationship between acid vapor exposure, bronchial hyperreactivity, and work-related symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated an occupational asthma epidemic in a mineral analysis laboratory.

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  • Conducted serial measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) to assess airflow obstruction.
  • Performed ventilatory capacity tests and bronchial reactivity assessments (histamine challenge) on 20 laboratory staff.
  • Collected data on work-related symptoms and atopic status.

    • Main Results:

    • Variable airflow obstruction was confirmed in two subjects with significant FEV1 decline during work shifts.
    • Five out of 20 subjects exhibited bronchial hyperreactivity (PC20 ≤ 8 mg/ml histamine).
    • A strong association was found between bronchial hyperreactivity and work-related chest tightness (p < 0.01).
    • Four hyperreactive subjects were atopic, suggesting potential pre-existing susceptibility.
    • Bronchial reactivity normalized in two subjects after prolonged absence from work, indicating inflammation from occupational exposure.

    Conclusions:

    • Occupational exposure to acid vapors in mineral analysis laboratories can lead to bronchial hyperreactivity and symptoms consistent with occupational asthma.
    • Pre-existing bronchial hyperreactivity, potentially linked to atopy, may predispose individuals to developing symptoms upon exposure.
    • Preplacement examinations could help identify susceptible individuals.
    • Reversibility of bronchial hyperreactivity after removal from exposure suggests an inflammatory process caused by occupational irritants.