Lung function decrease in relation to pneumoconiosis and exposure to quartz-containing dust in construction workers.
BACKGROUND
Prevalence of exposure related respiratory symptoms and decreases in lung function are unknown among quartz dust exposed construction workers.


METHODS
In a cross-sectional study (n = 1335), the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, was recorded and spirometric lung function was measured. Results were associated with exposure data and presence of radiographic abnormalities and compared with a reference population.


RESULTS
Pneumoconiosis (profusion category 1/1 or greater) was associated with increased risks of FEV(1) and FVC values in the lowest 5% group, and with group-based decreases of 270 ml/s and 180 ml, respectively. Average lung function of construction workers was somewhat lower compared to a Dutch reference population. Lung function was not associated with exposure, except for a reduction in FVC of 5 ml per year for those with higher exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
In quartz dust exposed construction workers obstructive and restrictive lung function loss was detected.
Tjoe-Nij
Evelyn
E
Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. E.Tjoenij@iras.uu.nl
de Meer
Gea
G
Smit
Jet
J
Heederik
Dick
D
D000328:Adult; D003252:Construction Materials; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004391:Dust; D005260:Female; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011009:Pneumoconiosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011791:Quartz / Q000506:poisoning*; D011859:Radiography; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology
D004391:Dust; D011791:Quartz