Occupational Dust Exposure as a Risk Factor for Developing Lung Function Impairment

Abstract

Objective Dust exposure is high in several industries. We investigated associations of exposure in paper mills, wood pellet plants and iron foundries with lung function impairment. Methods Respirable silica, inhalable paper dust or inhalable wood dust were collected in personal samples and spirometry was performed. Multiple linear regression analyzed associations with FEV1%pred and FVC%pred. Results Wood pellet workers with high exposure to inhalable dust had lower FEV1%pred (95%CI) (-9.4(-16,-2.6)) and FVC%pred (-9.8(-15,-4.0)) compared with lowest exposure level. Workers at paper mills and foundries had no dose-dependent association but lower FEV1%pred and FVC%pred than in workers at wood pellets plants. Conclusions Increased exposure to inhalable wood dust is associated with decreased lung function. Foundry and paper mill workers have generally lower lung function than wood pellet workers. Spirometry should be considered in workers in industries with airborne particulate matter pollution.