Lung health among boilermakers in Edmonton, Alberta.
BACKGROUND
Construction boilermakers may be exposed to a variety of substances, including asbestos and welding fumes. Past studies of boilermakers have shown increases in mortality from lung cancer and asbestosis and radiographic changes consistent with asbestos exposure.


METHODS
Respiratory symptoms, lung function, and radiographic changes were compared for 102 actively employed boilermakers with 20 or more years of union membership and 100 telephone workers. Posteroanterior chest radiographs were evaluated by two experienced chest physicians, with a third arbitrating disagreed films. Union members were further categorized as boilermakers (n = 50) or welders (n = 52), based on longest service. Lung health was also compared with employment in a number of work sectors for time, and time-weighted exposure to dust and fumes.


RESULTS
Boilermakers had more respiratory symptoms than telephone workers, but lung function did not differ. Radiographic changes were more common among the boilermakers (20% with any change, 8% circumscribed, and 9% diffuse pleural thickening). None of the boilermakers had small radiographic opacities. Several symptoms suggestive of bronchial responsiveness were associated with fume exposures in the gas and oil industry. Workers whose longest service was as a boilermaker demonstrated more symptoms than did welders. FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75, and FEF50 were significantly lower among boilermakers compared with welders.


CONCLUSIONS
Health screening programs for these workers are warranted.
Hessel
P A
PA
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. pat.hessel@ualberta.ca
Melenka
L S
LS
Michaelchuk
D
D
Herbert
F A
FA
Cowie
R L
RL
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011859:Radiography; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012307:Risk Factors
D015386:Hazardous Substances