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Screening for liver disease in vinyl chloride workers
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|May 1, 1977
Summary
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) autoclave workers exposed to vinyl chloride showed minimal liver fibrosis and a higher incidence of enlarged spleens. Further monitoring is recommended for these high-risk workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Toxicology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatic fibrosis and angiosarcoma have been linked to occupational exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- A screening program was initiated for workers at risk in a PVC production facility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the health effects of vinyl chloride exposure in PVC production workers.
- To compare liver function and pathology between exposed workers and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of liver function tests between 422 exposed workers and 202 unexposed controls.
- Physical examination for splenomegaly in both groups.
- Liver biopsies for pathological examination in selected exposed workers.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in liver function tests between exposed workers and controls.
- Four exposed workers (0.9%) had enlarged spleens, versus none in the control group.
- Liver biopsies revealed minimal portal tract and sinusoidal fibrosis in exposed workers, with no significant pathological changes.
Conclusions:
- Vinyl chloride exposure in PVC workers is associated with minimal liver fibrosis and an increased risk of splenomegaly.
- Despite normal liver function tests, subtle pathological changes and spleen enlargement warrant continued surveillance of exposed workers.
