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Asthma and respiratory problems--a review

T V O'Donnell1

  • 1University of Otago, Wellington School of Medicine, New Zealand.

The Science of the Total Environment
|February 24, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Occupational asthma in the aluminium industry is primarily caused by fluoride exposure. Interventions including respiratory protection and worker transfer significantly improve asthma symptoms and bronchial responsiveness.

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Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Industrial Hygiene

Background:

  • Occupational asthma is a significant health concern in the primary aluminium industry.
  • Exposure to fluoride compounds is the identified cause of irritant-induced asthma in this sector.
  • Symptomatic improvement is typically observed after removing workers from occupational fluoride exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive intervention program for managing occupational asthma in aluminium potroom workers.
  • To assess the impact of interventions on asthma symptoms and bronchial responsiveness.
  • To investigate the prevalence of other respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis and COPD in relation to workplace exposures.

Main Methods:

  • Implementation of compulsory respiratory protection for workers.
  • Introduction of progressive engineering controls to reduce fluoride exposure.
  • Regular screening of potroom workers for early detection of asthma.
  • Transfer of asthmatic workers from the exposure environment.
  • Assessment of bronchial responsiveness using methacholine inhalation tests.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvement in asthmatic symptoms among affected workers.
  • Majority of transferred workers showed improved bronchial responsiveness.
  • Slightly increased prevalence of chronic bronchitis and COPD symptoms in carbon bake areas, with tobacco smoking having an additive effect.
  • Minimal reported cases of pulmonary fibrosis linked to aluminium compounds, with particle size limiting alveolar exposure.

Conclusions:

  • A multi-faceted intervention program effectively manages occupational asthma in the aluminium industry.
  • Engineering controls, respiratory protection, and early detection are crucial for mitigating fluoride-induced asthma.
  • While other respiratory issues exist, fluoride exposure remains the primary driver of asthma in this industry.

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