Respiratory symptoms and diseases among construction painters.
OBJECTIVE
To study the self-reported prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases among construction painters and estimate the potential risk for this group compared with a representative group of carpenters sharing the construction work environment but without significant exposure to paint.


METHODS
A questionnaire study was conducted on 1,000 male Finnish construction painters and 1,000 carpenters (mean response rate 60.5%). Symptoms and diseases of the respiratory tract were studied, by logistic regression modelling, in relation to occupation and duration of painting experience. Age, atopy and smoking habits were taken into account.


RESULTS
The painters reported more asthma-like, rhinitis, laryngeal and eye symptoms than the carpenters [odds ratio (OR) 1.4-1.8]. The difference in the prevalence of asthma between the occupations was not statistically significant, but the painters with 1-10 years of painting experience had a threefold risk of asthma compared with the carpenters. Chronic bronchitis was linked to painting occupation [OR 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-3.0] and to the duration of exposure; OR (CI) for over 30 years of painting was 2.2 (1.2-4.0). Occupation was not associated with allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate a higher risk for respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis among construction painters than among carpenters.
Kaukiainen
Ari
A
Department of Occupational Medicine, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland. ari.kaukiainen@ttl.fi
Riala
Riitta
R
Martikainen
Rami
R
Reijula
Kari
K
Riihimäki
Hilkka
H
Tammilehto
Lauri
L
D000367:Age Factors; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010150:Paint / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012907:Smoking
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational