PULMONARY FUNCTION ABNORMALITY AND RESPIRATORY TRACT IRRITATION SYMPTOMS IN EPICHLOROHYDRIN-EXPOSED WORKERS IN TAIWAN
Resource
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE v.43 n.4 pp.440-446
Journal
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
Journal Volume
v.43
Journal Issue
n.4
Pages
440-446
Date Issued
2003
Date
2003
Author(s)
LUO, JIIN-CHYUAN
KUO, HSIEN-WEN
CHENG, TSUN-JEN
Abstract
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.
Subjects
Epichlorohydrin
obstructive lung abnormality
respiratory irritation
symptoms
Type
journal article
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