Man-made mineral fibers and interstitial lung diseases

Refractory ceramic fibers (RCFs) can cause adverse health effects on workers’ respiratory system, yet no proper biomarkers have been used to detect early pulmonary injury of RCFs-exposed workers. This study assessed the levels of two biomarkers that are related to respiratory injury in RCFs-exposed workers, and explored their relations with lung function. The exposure levels of total dust and respirable fibers were measured simultaneously in RCFs factories. The levels of TGF-β1 and ceruloplasmin (CP) increased with the RCFs exposure level (p < 0.05), and significantly increased in workers with high exposure level (1.21 ± 0.49 ng/mL, 115.25 ± 32.44 U/L) when compared with the control group (0.99 ± 0.29 ng/mL, 97.90 ± 35.01 U/L) (p < 0.05). The levels of FVC and FEV1 were significantly decreased in RCFs exposure group (p < 0.05). Negative relations were found between the concentrations of CP and FVC (B = −0.423, p = 0.025), or FEV1 (B = −0.494, p = 0.014). The concentration of TGF-β1 (B = 0.103, p = 0.001) and CP (B = 8.027, p = 0.007) were associated with respirable fiber exposure level. Occupational exposure to RCFs can impair lung ventilation function and may have the potential to cause pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. TGF-β1 and CP might be used as sensitive and noninvasive biomarkers to detect lung injury in occupational RCFs-exposed workers. Respirable fiber concentration can better reflect occupational RCFs exposure and related respiratory injuries.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biomarkers for Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis and Lung Ventilation Function in Chinese Occupational Refractory Ceramic Fibers-Exposed Workers

Zhu

et al. 2017

“…We found a strong association between exposure to fiberglass and repetitive chest infections, and there was also a clinically important association between mineral fibers and chest infections, albeit the association was not statistically significant. Several articles have described potential health effects of mineral fibers [ 23 , 45 , 46 , 47 ]; however, only a handful number of reports clearly described its relationship with chest infections [ 48 ]. It has been observed that development of pneumonia among workers with a history of mineral fiber exposure could be a direct consequence of such exposure [ 31 ], as these fibers impart detrimental effects on the natural functioning of the airway macrophages [ 49 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, apart from the only available safety data sheet from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) [ 19 ], information on health-related issues due to occupational exposure to aerogels is not available. Among other MMVFs, mineral fibers and refractory ceramic fibers have been identified as potential respiratory hazards, and their inhalation may lead to pulmonary carcinoma [ 20 ], adverse pleural conditions [ 21 , 22 ], and to some extent, interstitial changes in the lungs [ 23 ]. However, whether these MMVFs are associated with any chronic respiratory illnesses has not been systematically investigated.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-Malignant Respiratory Illnesses in Association with Occupational Exposure to Asbestos and Other Insulating Materials: Findings from the Alberta Insulator Cohort

Moitra

Tabrizi

Machichi

et al. 2020

Many insulating materials are used in construction, although few have been reported to cause non-malignant respiratory illnesses. We aimed to investigate associations between exposures to insulating materials and non-malignant respiratory illnesses in insulators. In this cross-sectional study, 990 insulators (45 ± 14 years) were screened from 2011–2017 in Alberta. All participants underwent pulmonary function tests and chest radiography. Demographics, work history, and history of chest infections were obtained through questionnaires. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was diagnosed according to established guidelines. Associations between exposures and respiratory illnesses were assessed by modified Poisson regression. Of those screened, 875 (88%) were males. 457 (46%) participants reported having ≥ 1 chest infection in the past 3 years, while 156 (16%) were diagnosed with COPD. In multivariate models, all materials (asbestos, calcium silicate, carbon fibers, fiberglass, and refractory ceramic fibers) except aerogels and mineral fibers were associated with recurrent chest infections (prevalence ratio [PR] range: 1.18–1.42). Only asbestos was associated with COPD (PR: 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 2.05). Therefore, occupational exposure to insulating materials was associated with non-malignant respiratory illnesses, specifically, recurrent chest infections and COPD. Longitudinal studies are urgently needed to assess the risk of exposure to these newly implemented insulation materials.

“…Fiberglass, sometimes also referred to as man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF), is a known respiratory, skin and eye irritant and an asthmagen [1]. In occupational settings, fiberglass exposure has been found to correlate with recurrent chest infections and pulmonary fibrosis [2,3]. Fiberglass fibers can vary in diameter, length, and chemical composition, but are predominantly amorphous (non-crystalline) mixtures of oxides of silicon, calcium, and other metals.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fiberglass and Other Flame-Resistant Fibers in Mattress Covers

Wagner

Fowles

Barreau

2022

Public complaints have raised concerns that some mattresses in the current marketplace may be potential sources of airborne fiberglass. Although mattress foam is often marketed as chemical-free, their cover compositions are not as well understood by the general public. To fill these basic information gaps, the covers of four newly purchased mattresses were sampled and analyzed using polarized light microscopy, SEM-EDS, and FTIR microspectroscopy. Two of the mattress covers contained over 50% fiberglass in their inner sock layers. Up to 1% of the fiberglass had migrated to adjacent fabric layers, representing a potential risk of consumer exposure if the zipper on the outer cover is opened. The observed fiberglass fragments had calculated aerodynamic diameters ranging between 30 and 50 µm, suggesting they are potentially inhalable into the nose, mouth, and throat, but are likely too large to penetrate deeper into the lungs. No fiberglass was observed on the brand new mattresses’ outer surfaces. Synthetic fibers also present in the sock layers were consistent with flame resistant modacrylic containing vinyl chloride and antimony. The use of fiberglass and other chemicals in mattress covers poses a potential health risk if these materials are not adequately contained. The apparent non-inclusion of mattress covers in chemical-free certifications suggests that further improvements are needed in mattress labeling and education of consumers.