title: A cross-sectional study of pulmonary function in autobody repair workers.
abstract: This study evaluated pulmonary function in workers from 39 autobody repair shops. Based on 152 White male workers with known smoking status, the mean percent predicted FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were 93.6, 96.8, and 96.6, respectively. Twenty-three percent of workers had a FEV1/FVC ratio less than the fifth percentile. Isocyanate levels ranged from nondetectable to 0.06 parts per million (STEL = 0.02 ppm). No shop had an adequate respiratory protection program. We concluded that there was an increase in abnormal pulmonary function in autobody workers. Three recommendations were made to shop owners: functional paint booths should be maintained, respiratory protection programs should be developed, and isocyanate-free paints should be used.
authors.affiliation: Chronic Disease and Environmental Epidemiology, Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis 55440.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Waller
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Himrich
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D001336:Automobiles; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003485:Cyanates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010150:Paint / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D003485:Cyanates; D012997:Solvents