title: Change in peak expiratory flow over time among workers exposed to polyvinyl chloride dust.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the variation of peak expiratory flow (PEF) over a working week among non-smoking workers without previous asthma who have been exposed to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dust.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional study among 42 operators with exposure to PVC dust (filling hoppers to feed extrusion machines) and 23 employees without exposure to PVC dust in a plant producing PVC pipes in West Africa. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered and PEF was measured using a portable peak flow meter after a day off (day 1), on day 3 and at the end of the week (day 6).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The two groups did not differ by age or body mass index. Dyspnoea was more prevalent in exposed workers than controls (52% vs. 13%, P = 0.002). PEF decreased more significantly in exposed workers than controls (-8% vs. -3% on day 3 and -10% vs. -5% on day 6, both P = 0.004). The duration of exposure did not affect PEF variability in the exposed groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The decrease of PEF over the working week in workers exposed to PVC dust is consistent with occupational asthma, although standard measures to diagnose occupational asthma were not used. This result reinforces the need to prevent excessive exposure to PVC dust.
authors: Unit of Teaching and Research in Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Lawin
authors: Unit of Teaching and Research in Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Ayelo
authors: Unit of Teaching and Research in Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Hinson
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Egerton University, Kenya.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Kagima
authors: Unit of Teaching and Research in Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Fayomi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa; D059366:Asthma, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004391:Dust; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004391:Dust; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride