Symptom onset in the first 2 years of employment at a wood products plant using diisocyanates: some observations relevant to occupational medical screening.
BACKGROUND
Questionnaires are essential tools for medical screening, but their role in monitoring workers at increased risk of occupational asthma (OA) remains indeterminate.


METHODS
Employees who were at a newly established wood products plant without previous exposure to methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) completed an initial questionnaire and from one to four follow-up questionnaires during a 2-year period. Onset of symptoms in 132 workers was assessed by exposure groups and modeled using generalized estimating equations.


RESULTS
Onset of attacks of dyspnea with wheeze, attacks of dyspnea or cough at rest, and chest tightness were significantly associated with MDI exposure after controlling for age, smoking, and wood dust exposure. Onset of cough on most days was significantly related to smoking and dust. Onset of phlegm production was significantly related to both MDI and dust exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
Onset of certain symptoms is significantly associated with MDI exposure. Early detection of MDI-associated health effects using a short screening questionnaire appears feasible.
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA. mlw4@cdc.gov
Mei-Lin
ML
Wang
Edward L
EL
Petsonk
D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017953:Isocyanates / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014934:Wood; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds
D017953:Isocyanates; C005969:4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds