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Pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in polyvinylchloride fabrication workers
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabrication workers experienced respiratory issues, including airflow limitation and chronic symptoms. Employment duration correlated with decreased lung function and increased cough/phlegm prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Workers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabrication may face respiratory health risks.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the chronic and acute respiratory effects of PVC exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute and chronic respiratory effects of occupational exposure in PVC fabrication.
- To identify associations between employment duration and respiratory health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Preshift and postshift spirometry performed on 174 male workers.
- Standardized respiratory symptoms questionnaire administered.
- Analysis of data from exposed workers and an in-plant comparison group.
Main Results:
- Duration of employment linked to reduced forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio and increased chronic cough/phlegm.
- High prevalence of chronic wheeze and chest tightness observed in nonsmokers.
- Elevated age-adjusted prevalence of chronic wheeze in nonsmokers compared to community studies.
Conclusions:
- PVC plant employment is associated with obstructive airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms.
- Pulmonary irritants in PVC fabrication may extend beyond vinyl chloride monomer, PVC dust, and thermal degradation products.
- Cross-sectional design and in-plant comparison may underestimate exposure effects on the total workforce.