Acute expanded perlite exposure with persistent reactive airway dysfunction syndrome.
Expanded perlite has been assumed as simple nuisance, however during an accidental spill out in Taiwan, among 24 exposed workers followed for more than 6 months, three developed persisted respiratory symptoms and positive provocation tests were compatible with reactive airway dysfunction syndrome. During simulation experiment expanded perlite is shown to be very dusty and greatly exceed current exposure permission level. Review of literature and evidence, though exposure of expanded perlite below permission level may be generally safe, precautionary protection of short term heavy exposure is warranted.
Du
Chung-Li
CL
Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
Wang
Jung-Der
JD
Chu
Po-Chin
PC
Guo
Yue-Liang Leon
YL
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects; D000402:Airway Obstruction; D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013624:Taiwan
D000393:Air Pollutants; C003076:Perlite; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D000537:Aluminum Oxide