https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/111072
標題: | PULMONARY FUNCTION ABNORMALITY AND RESPIRATORY TRACT IRRITATION SYMPTOMS IN EPICHLOROHYDRIN-EXPOSED WORKERS IN TAIWAN | 作者: | LUO, JIIN-CHYUAN KUO, HSIEN-WEN CHENG, TSUN-JEN |
關鍵字: | Epichlorohydrin;obstructive lung abnormality;respiratory irritation;symptoms | 公開日期: | 2003 | 卷: | v.43 | 期: | n.4 | 起(迄)頁: | 440-446 | 來源出版物: | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE | 摘要: | Background Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is a strong irritant of the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. The aims of this study were to examine the dose-response relationship between observed abnormal pulmonary function tests and respiratory tract irritation symptoms among epichlorohydrin-exposed workers in Taiwan. Methods A total of 167 workers were randomly selected from a resin synthesis factory. Sixty-six air samples were taken to determine ECH concentration in the workplace. Demographic data, work history, smoking status, and respiratory tract irritation symptoms were gathered by a standard self-administered questionnaire. pulmonary function tests were also performed. Results There were 13 of 41 (31.7%) abnormal mean mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) among the high-ECH-exposed workers, 11 of 38 (29%) among the low- ECH-exposed workers, and 4 of 59 (6.8%) among non-ECH- exposed workers. There was a significant linear trend between ECH exposure and the prevalence of small airway abnormalities (P = 0.007) after adjusting for other factors. There was also a significant dose-response relationship of respiratory tract irritation symptoms (cough, phlegm, chest tightness, and dyspnea) among the ECH-exposed workers. Conclusions This study suggests that obstructive lung abnormalities and small airway lung damage are associated with ECH exposure. The study also suggests that exposure to very low concentrations (<0.2 ppm) causes significant higher prevalence of respiratory tract irritation symptoms. Causal inferences from the findings cannot be made from this cross -sectional study and further longitudinal studies are needed to better clarify the nature of the observed associations. |
URI: | http://ntur.lib.ntu.edu.tw//handle/246246/75843 |
顯示於: | 環境與職業健康科學研究所 |
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