title: Longitudinal lung function decline among workers in a nitrate fertilizer production plant.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examines the possible effect of exposure to aerosols and gases on lung function in a fertilizer plant in Norway.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dynamic lung volumes (FVC and FEV1) of 383 workers were measured in 2007 and 2010. During the follow-up period, most workers performed tasks with low exposure levels of acid aerosols and inorganic gases. The overall median inhalable and thoracic aerosol exposure levels were 1·1 and 0·21 mg/m(3), respectively. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was provided.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the follow-up period, there was an adjusted decrease of FEV1 of 18 ml/year (P<0·001). The respiratory symptoms score was low during follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Work in this fertilizer industry may lead to an excessive lung function decline. We have, however, not been able to find any plausible exposure related explanation for the overall lung function decline.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway. kristin.hovland@stami.no
authors.forename: Kristin H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Hovland
authors.forename: Marit
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Skogstad
authors.forename: Berit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bakke
authors.forename: Oivind
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Skare
authors.forename: Knut
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Skyberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005308:Fertilizers; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009566:Nitrates / Q000032:analysis*; D009664:Norway; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016272:Occupational Health; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D005308:Fertilizers; D009566:Nitrates