title: Metal dust exposure and lung function deterioration among steel workers: an exposure-response relationship.
abstract: Metallic dust is a heterogeneous substance with respiratory sensitizing properties. Its long term exposure adversely affected lung function, thus may cause acute or chronic respiratory diseases.
  
  
  
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in a steel factory in Terengganu, Malaysia to assess the metal dust exposure and its relationship to lung function values among 184 workers. Metal dust concentrations values (Co, Cr, and Ni) for each worker were collected using air personal sampling. Lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC) were determined using spirometer.
  
  
  
  Exposure to cobalt and chromium were 1-3 times higher than permissible exposure limit (PEL) while nickel was not exceeding the PEL. Cumulative of chromium was the predictor to all lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC). Frequency of using mask was positively associated with FVC (Adj b = 0.263, P = 0.011) while past respiratory illnesses were negatively associated with %FEV1/FVC (Adj b = -1.452, P = 0.026). Only few workers (36.4%) were found to wear their masks all times during the working hours.
  
  
  
  There was an exposure-response relationship of cumulative metal dust exposure with the deterioration of lung function values. Improvement of control measures as well as proper and efficient use or personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the respiratory health of workers.
authors.affiliation: a Environmental and Occupational Health Programme, School of Health Sciences , Universiti Sains Malaysia , Kubang Kerian , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Nurul Ainun
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Hamzah
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , Universiti Putra Malaysia , Serdang , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Shamsul Bahri
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Mohd Tamrin
authors.affiliation: c Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Health , Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia , Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Noor Hassim
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Ismail
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013232:Steel; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000187:drug effects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D013232:Steel
keywords: Cumulative metal dust; Exposure-response relationship; Lung function; Metal dust; Respiratory protection devices