Lung function and exposure to paper dust in bookbinders--a pilot study.
Lung function deterioration has been reported among workers exposed to heavy exposure to paper dust (greater than 5 mg/m3). This pilot study was undertaken in order to evaluate the health effects of low exposure to paper dust (less than or equal to 1 mg/m3) in bookbinders. The study population consisted of 20 exposed subjects and 18 local office subjects. They were studied during identical conditions by means of dynamic and static spirometry, single breath wash-out with nitrogen (N2) and carbon monoxide (CO). The 90th percentile for daily average values of total dust was 0.6 mg/m3. Non-smoking exposed subjects had on the average an increase in FEV% (forced expiratory volume in one second in percentage of vital capacity) when compared to non-smoking local control subjects. We found a weak correlation between the increase in FEV% and daily average values of total dust (probably reflecting a higher exposure in the past). The results suggest that a low exposure to paper dust in bookbinders with a time of employment more than 10 years might cause a slight lung function deterioration without a clinical relevance.
Dahlqvist
M
M
Department of Work Science, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001875:Bookbinding; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010209:Paper; D010865:Pilot Projects
D004391:Dust