[Analysis of lung function in workers exposed to irritants and gases]

Interview spirometric, and antrhopometric studies were carried out in 694 men exposed and non-exposed to the effect irritating gases and dusts at their work place, in some subjects symptoms of respiratory system disturbances were found. Results of FEV1 measurement were subjected to an analysis. Average values of FEV1 were considerably lower in persons suffering from dyspnoea and chronic bronchitis with complications. Occupational exposure, particularly to the action of dusts, ammonia, and nitric oxide, and, to a lesser degree, ammonia, only was connected with lowering of FEV1 value. No correlation was found between the exposure to phthalic acid and decreased ventilation efficiency of lungs. Smoking by itself was connected with decreased FeV1 value to the least degree. In the examined group there was joint action of smoking, occupational exposure, and the occurrence of symptoms in respiratory system, inducing a greater decrease in ventilation efficiency of lungs.