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Occupational asthma due to chrome and nickel electroplating
P Bright1, P S Burge, S P O'Hickey
1Occupational Lung Disease Unit, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Thorax
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Occupational asthma can be caused by chromium exposure in electroplating, even within current safety standards. Nickel may also play a role, and specific inhalation challenges confirm chromium sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Occupational asthma is a recognized but poorly understood consequence of chromium exposure in electroplating.
- This study reports the first series of such patients referred to a specialized occupational lung disease clinic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize occupational asthma caused by chromium exposure in electroplating.
- To investigate the role of chromium and potentially nickel in occupational asthma.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of bronchial provocation testing.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis of occupational asthma was based on medical history and confirmed by specific bronchial provocation testing with potassium dichromate and nickel chloride.
- Peak expiratory flow measurements and breathing zone air monitoring were conducted.
- OASYS-2 scoring was used to assess occupational asthma.
Main Results:
- Seven electroplating workers developed asthma after 8 months to 6 years of exposure to chrome and nickel fumes.
- Specific bronchial challenges confirmed sensitivity to potassium dichromate, with some showing dual or late asthmatic reactions.
- Air monitoring revealed chromium exposure levels within current occupational exposure standards for affected workers' jobs.
Conclusions:
- Chromium in electroplating is a potential cause of occupational asthma, even at exposure levels within current standards.
- Cross-reactivity with nickel is possible.
- Inhalation challenge with potassium dichromate is a valuable diagnostic tool for occupational asthma in electroplaters.