A panel study for cardiopulmonary effects produced by occupational exposure to inhalable titanium dioxide.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) exposure level in the finished product workshop, and its short-term cardiopulmonary effects, based on exposure assessment.


METHODS
Seven workers were recruited into the panel. Personal TiO(2) exposure information, cardiopulmonary function, and the particle size distribution data were collected during working days. Linear mixed effect model was used to examine the association between TiO(2) exposure and cardiopulmonary function changes.


RESULTS
The weight percentage of TiO(2) particles more than 10 μm, 1 to 10 μm, and less than 1 μm in the total dust was 14.5%, 69.5%, and 16%, respectively. Linear mixed effect model analysis showed that 1 mg/m increase in daily personal TiO(2) exposure was associated with the decline in maximum voluntary ventilation, peak expiratory flow, maximum mid-expiratory flow, and 75% of maximum expiratory flow.


CONCLUSIONS
The study provided new evidence for health effects of occupational inhalable TiO(2) exposure, which suggests setting up new occupational exposure standards for fine TiO(2).
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Sen
S
Zhen
Qin
Q
Qian
Guang
G
Jia
Ji
J
Zhang
Chunying
C
Chen
Yongjie
Y
Wei
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008448:Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate; D008450:Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate; D008451:Maximal Voluntary Ventilation; D008875:Middle Aged; D010316:Particle Size; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D013696:Temperature; D014025:Titanium / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium