Respiratory symptoms and lung function of coke oven workers: a lung function surveillance system from 1990-2000.
This study investigated the association of exposure to coke oven emissions with respiratory symptoms and with lung function. Data for respiratory symptoms and lung function were repeatedly collected from 764 male coke oven workers between 1990 and 2000. The data were analyzed cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Working in "Operation" increased the risk for cough (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37), phlegm (OR = 2.55), and shortness of breath (OR = 1.52). Cross-sectionally, each year of working in Operation was associated with a reduction in FEV1 of approximately 10 mL (P = 0.006) and in FVC of around 21 mL (P = 0.0001). From longitudinal analysis, each year of working in Operation was associated with an extra annual decline in FEV1 of 1.5 mL (P = 0.0012) and in FVC of around 1.8 mL (P = 0.0017). Exposure to coke oven emissions increased the risk for respiratory symptoms and adversely affected lung function.
Wu
Jian
J
Graduate School of Public Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Kreis
Irene A
IA
Griffiths
David
D
Darling
Chris
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003077:Coke / Q000506:poisoning*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009790:Occupations; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014797:Vital Capacity
D003077:Coke