Respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers exposed to low molecular weight isocyanates.
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the prevalence of ocular and respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers exposed to isocyanic acid (ICA) and methyl isocyanate (MIC).


METHODS
Foundry workers (n = 64) using the Hot Box binder technique and referents (n = 134) completed two questionnaires and a spirometry before and after a day shift. Findings were analyzed relating to exposure measurements of ICA, MIC, and formaldehyde.


RESULTS
Exposed workers reported more frequently ocular irritation and coughing. Pre-shift lung function was lower than predicted in both groups of workers, and was not associated with exposure duration. Decrease in lung function over shift was more pronounced in exposed workers, but this was not associated with quantitative measures of the exposures.


CONCLUSIONS
An increased prevalence of ocular and respiratory symptoms, as well as a small decrease in lung function over shift, was observed among exposed workers. No associations with exposure to monoisocyanates and formaldehyde were seen, thus suggesting that other irritants in the foundry environment might be the cause. The effects seemed to be small and not clinically relevant on an individual level. Further studies using a follow-up design may be warranted.
Löfstedt
Håkan
H
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Orebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. hakan.lofstedt@orebroll.se
Westberg
Håkan
H
Seldén
Anders I
AI
Lundholm
Cecilia
C
Svartengren
Magnus
M
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003485:Cyanates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D017953:Isocyanates / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012907:Smoking; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D003485:Cyanates; D017953:Isocyanates; D005557:Formaldehyde; C008461:methyl isocyanate; C005057:isocyanic acid