Respiratory and skin health among glass microfiber production workers: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundOnly a few studies have investigated non-malignant respiratory effects of glass microfibers and these have provided inconsistent results. Our objective was to assess the effects of exposure to glass microfibers on respiratory and skin symptoms, asthma and lung function.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 102 workers from a microfiber factory (response rate 100%) and 76 office workers (73%) from four factories in Thailand was conducted. They answered a questionnaire on respiratory health, occupational exposures, and lifestyle factors, and performed spirometry. Measurements of respirable dust were available from 2004 and 2005.ResultsWorkers exposed to glass microfibers experienced increased risk of cough (adjusted OR 2.04), wheezing (adjOR 2.20), breathlessness (adjOR 4.46), nasal (adjOR 2.13) and skin symptoms (adjOR 3.89) and ever asthma (adjOR 3.51), the risks of breathlessness (95%CI 1.68–11.86) and skin symptoms (1.70–8.90) remaining statistically significant after adjustment for confounders. There was an exposure-response relation between the risk of breathlessness and skin symptoms and increasing level of microfiber exposure. Workers exposed to sensitizing chemicals, including phenol-formaldehyde resin, experienced increased risk of cough (3.43, 1.20–9.87) and nasal symptoms (3.07, 1.05–9.00).ConclusionThis study provides evidence that exposure to glass microfibers increases the risk of respiratory and skin symptoms, and has an exposure-response relation with breathlessness and skin symptoms. Exposure to sensitizing chemicals increased the risk of cough and nasal symptoms. The results suggest that occupational exposure to glass microfibers is related to non-malignant adverse health effects, and that implementing exposure control measures in these industries could protect the health of employees.

The Effect of Tea-Cinnamon and <i>Melissa officinalis</i> L. Aqueous Extraction, on Neuropsychology Distress, Biochemical and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Glass Production Workers

“…Stomach cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, brain cancer, hypertensive diseases and diseases of the genitourinary system were also increased in the overall cohort and among glass workers [43]- [45]. Also exposure to glass microfibers increases the risk of respiratory and skin symptoms and also increases the risk for cough and nasal symptoms [46]. Moreover Glass bottle workers showed an excess of upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and shortness of breath compared with matched hospital control workers [47].…”

Adverse Health Effects among Workers in an Egyptian Lead Crystal Glass manufacturing plant

“…Heat exhaustion and muscle twitches were significantly related to exposed group too (32% and 18% respectively in exposed group versus 10% and 0% in non-exposed group) ( Table 2). In a cross sectional study done by Sripaiboonkij et al, 2009 on respiratory and skin health among glass microfiber production workers; they reported heat exhaustion among 28.1%, heat cramps among 22.0%, heat hyperpyrexia among 2.6%, indicating significant occurrence of heat stress among glass factory workers. Abdel-Rasoul et al (2013) reported that heatrelated manifestations (exhaustion cramps and skin rash) were more frequent among exposed glass workers especially at batch and finishing departments with a highly significant relation when compared to non-exposed group.…”

Fiberglass dermatitis: clinical presentations, prevention, and treatment – a review of literatures

“…Irritation from man‐made vitreous fibers (MMVFs) has also been seen in the occupational setting as a cause of skin irritation . MMVFs (including glass fibers, rock wool, or slag wool) are fibrous, inorganic silicates that are made from glass and other minerals .…”

“…The materials used to make fiberglass include glass, feldspar, soda ash, and sand. Fiberglass in itself is inert from a chemical point of view; however, the fiberglass microfibers are coated with resins that can cause allergic reactions . The fibers are made from an amorphous structure that easily breaks transversely into many fragments .…”