Endotoxin exposure-response in a fiberglass manufacturing facility.
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) and workplace exposure to endotoxin, phenolic resin, and formaldehyde were measured to investigate asthma symptoms and medication use among employees in a fiberglass wool manufacturing plant. Self-recorded PEF was obtained from 37 workers, for a total of 181 days off work and 187 days at work with concurrent personal exposure monitoring. Pre- and post-shift spirometry were obtained on at least 2 days. The 8 hr time-weighted average personal exposure ranges were endotoxin; 0.4-759 ng/m3; phenolic resin, 5.7-327 micrograms/m3; and formaldehyde, 1.2-265 micrograms/m3. Amplitude percent mean peak flow was associated with years since starting regular work in the highest endotoxin exposure area, although current assignment in that area was associated with reduced amplitude--evidence for a healthy worker effect. Exposure-response was analyzed by regression of lung function change on exposure using generalized estimating equations with robust variance estimates. Endotoxin exposure above 4 ng/m3 (8 hr time-weighted average) was associated with a decline in lung function across the work shift, and with drops in lung function 16-20 hr after exposure. Phenolic resin exposure was not consistently associated with decrements, and formaldehyde was not associated with decrements in lung function.
Milton
D K
DK
Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Wypij
D
D
Kriebel
D
D
Walters
M D
MD
Hammond
S K
SK
Evans
J S
JS
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005898:Glass; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000502:physiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D004731:Endotoxins; C009753:fiberglass