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Lung function after exposure to barley dust.

P E McCarthy, A E Cockcroft, M McDermott

    British Journal of Industrial Medicine
    |February 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Exposure to barley dust significantly reduced lung function in workers, causing decreased ventilatory capacity and altered flow-volume curves. Recovery took up to 72 hours, indicating potential respiratory impairment from occupational exposure.

    Area of Science:

    • Occupational Medicine
    • Pulmonary Physiology
    • Environmental Health

    Background:

    • Occupational exposure to agricultural dusts, such as barley dust, is a known risk factor for respiratory health issues.
    • Understanding the specific physiological impacts of barley dust exposure is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the acute effects of barley dust exposure on lung function in occupationally exposed individuals and healthy volunteers.
    • To characterize changes in ventilatory capacity and flow-volume curves following controlled exposure to barley dust.

    Main Methods:

    • Pulmonary function tests, including flow-volume curves and specific airway conductance, were measured in six barley handlers over two working days.
    • Five healthy volunteers underwent a two-hour exposure in a barley silo, with repeated lung function measurements.

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  • Transfer factor for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and transfer factor per unit volume (Kco) were assessed in two subjects after a second exposure.

    • Main Results:

    • Barley handlers experienced significant decreases in ventilatory capacity (up to 800 ml) and alterations in flow-volume curve shape.
    • Controlled exposure in volunteers also resulted in decreased ventilatory capacity (200-800 ml), with recovery up to 72 hours.
    • Decreased flow at 50% vital capacity was observed in all subjects, while flow at 75% vital capacity remained largely unchanged. Specific conductance dropped in three subjects for less than 24 hours.
    • A decrease in transfer factor for carbon monoxide was noted, but transfer factor per unit volume (Kco) remained stable.

    Conclusions:

    • Acute exposure to barley dust can cause significant, albeit often transient, reductions in lung function, including ventilatory capacity and gas exchange.
    • The observed changes in flow-volume curves suggest an impact on small airways.
    • These findings highlight the importance of controlling barley dust exposure in occupational settings to prevent respiratory impairment.