Pulmonary impairment in workers exposed to silicon carbide.

Abstract

Two hundred and sixty seven workers employed in the manufacture of silicon carbide (SiC) were examined to determine the effects of exposure to contaminants (SiC, quartz, and SO2) in the workplace on pulmonary function. No exposure concentrations exceeded the current permissible limits. Ten

Decreased lung function among employees at Norwegian smelters

“…In the present study lung function, expressed by FEV 1 and FVC, was found to be lower in line operators and non-line operators than in non-exposed employees. This resembles the findings of some other studies in the smelting industry [Langard, 1980;Peters et al, 1984;Osterman et al, 1989;Marcer et al, 1992]. One study in an FeSi and FeCr producing smelter showed a reduced FVC in all exposed groups compared to an internal control group [Langard, 1980].…”

“…Occupational exposure in smelters producing FeSi, Si-metal, FeCr, and SiC alloys has been associated with impairment of lung function [Taddei et al, 1979;Langard, 1980;Peters et al, 1984;Osterman et al, 1989;Marcer et al, 1992]. Other studies have not confirmed these findings, however [Johansen and Vale, 1982;Cherniack and Boiano, 1983;Petran et al, 2000].…”

“…The number of participants was less than 300 in all the referred studies. In two of the studies there was a considerable difference in age between the control group and the index group, while smoking was not included as a confounding factor in the analyses of lung function and exposure in two studies [Taddei et al, 1979;Langard, 1980;Marcer et al, 1992].…”

Dust exposure is associated with increased lung function loss among workers in the Norwegian silicon carbide industry

“…However, in two of the studies the association between exposure and impaired lung function was only significant in smokers 2 4. Moreover, an increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exposed SiC workers has been observed 1 5.…”

Production of Silicon Metal and Alloys Is Associated With Accelerated Decline in Lung Function

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] In some of these studies, no association between pulmonary function and exposure has been found. 1,2 However, the cross-sectional design has several limitations.…”