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Terpene exposure and respiratory effects among sawmill workers
K A Eriksson1, N L Stjernberg, J O Levin
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Northern Sweden, Umeå, Sweden.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Sawmill workers exposed to terpenes may exceed safe limits, potentially causing decreased lung diffusing capacity and increased bronchial reactivity. Verbenols in urine can indicate exposure levels.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Sawmill operations involve exposure to volatile organic compounds, including terpenes.
- Understanding the health impacts of terpene exposure is crucial for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess terpene exposure levels in sawmills.
- To investigate acute respiratory effects and lung function changes in exposed workers.
- To establish a biological exposure index for sawing fumes.
Main Methods:
- Personal air sampling to measure terpene exposure.
- Urine analysis for terpene metabolites (verbenols).
- Pulmonary function tests (spirometry, diffusing capacity).
- Methacholine challenge tests for bronchial reactivity.
- Standardized questionnaires for respiratory symptoms.
Main Results:
- Personal terpene exposure ranged from 11-158 mg/m³.
- A strong correlation (r=0.84) was found between alpha-pinene exposure and urinary verbenols.
- A decrease in carbon monoxide lung diffusing capacity was observed post-workshift.
- Increased bronchial reactivity was noted in workers with longer employment durations (>5 years).
- Workers reported increased eye irritation during the workday.
Conclusions:
- Monoterpene exposure in sawmills can exceed occupational exposure limits.
- Urinary verbenols serve as a reliable biological exposure index for sawing fumes.
- Sawmill exposure can lead to acute reductions in lung diffusing capacity.
- Prolonged employment is associated with increased bronchial reactivity.