Navy Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program (1991-1999): linear regression analysis for the effect of asbestos exposure on pulmonary function testing.
The effect of asbestos exposure on pulmonary function was studied using data from the Navy Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program. Records were selected for Caucasian men from 1991 to 1999 (N = 89,318) and were analyzed using a cross-sectional, linear regression model. Dependent variables were forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), with independent continuous variables of age, height, weight, smoking, and asbestos history. Overall, the continuous variable for asbestos exposure demonstrated significant protection of +1.1 cm3/year (t = 3.278, p = 0.001) for FEV1 and +1.6 cm3/year (t = 4.225, p = 0.000) for FVC. There was significant interaction between asbestos exposure and smoking history (FEV1, -0.09 cm3/year2, t = -6.467, p = 0.000; FVC, -0.097 cm3/year2, t = -5.663, p = 0.000). This study suggests that workers within the program demonstrated minimal additional pulmonary function changes during the period, particularly if they do not smoke tobacco. The study also supports continuing smoking cessation efforts for all asbestos-exposed workers.
Bohnker
Bruce K
BK
Navy Environmental Health Center, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Suite 1100, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA.
Betts
Lawrence S
LS
Sack
David M
DM
Craft
Nancy
N
D000328:Adult; D001194:Asbestos / Q000633:toxicity*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D009326:Naval Medicine; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D001194:Asbestos