title: Upper airway and eye involvement in polyurethane shoe sole production workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related upper and lower airway and eye symptoms in 118 workers in polyurethane shoe soles (PSS) production.
  
  
  METHODS
  Workplace monitoring of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and solvents was performed. Subjects completed a study-specific questionnaire and underwent anterior rhinoscopy, skin prick tests for common aeroallergens, spirometry, nasal peak inspiratory (NPIF) and expiratory flow (NPEF).
  
  
  RESULTS
  MDI and solvent levels were below threshold limit value-time-weighted average (TLW-TWA) except for two measures of dichloromethane and tetrachloroethylene, respectively, and in one measure of acetonitrile, which were higher then TLW-TWA. In exposed workers the prevalence of cough (p < 0.05) and nasal congestion at rhinoscopy (p = 0.05) was more frequent than in non-exposed workers. Occupational exposure (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.2-16.5) and a low FEV1 (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.3) were significant predictors of cough.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In workers exposed to low levels of MDI and solvents in polyurethane shoe sole production there was a high prevalence of cough and nasal congestion. An improvement in the exhaust ventilation system and other preventive measures were needed.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stopponi
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tacconi
authors.forename: Ilenia
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Folletti
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Calisti
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Siracusa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012775:Shoes; D012882:Skin Tests; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D011140:Polyurethanes; D012997:Solvents