Pulmonary function of workers in the aluminum industry

The effects of aluminum on the pulmonary function of aluminum workers were investigated in this study. Serum aluminum levels and spirometry were measured in 55 male workers and 30 male controls. The mean serum aluminum level of workers (72.7 +/- 9.9 ng/ml) was significantly high compared to that of controls, indicating aluminum toxicity. Spirometric parameters were significantly lower in workers than in controls and correlated negatively with both exposure time and serum aluminum levels. The impairment in pulmonary function may be due to exposure time and insufficient protection.