Respiratory Disorders in Aluminum Smelter Workers

Abstract

Objectives:Summarizing the knowledge status, including the morphology, possible etiological factors, and clinical expression of aluminum potroom asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease related to aluminum potroom exposure.Methods:A review of the literature from the last two decades as it appears in PubMed.Results:There is substantial evidence for the existence of potroom asthma, although the incidence seems to decline over the last 10 years. Increased mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and longitudinal decline in forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration has been shown in aluminum potroom workers. Morphological manifestations in bronchial biopsies and the inflammatory markers NO and eosinophils in airway tissue and blood are consistent with asthma in general. The causative agent(s) is (are) not known.Conclusions:Reduction of exposure and cessation of smoking seem to be the major preventive measures to avoid respiratory disorders in the aluminum industry.

Systematic review of potential health risks posed by pharmaceutical, occupational and consumer exposures to metallic and nanoscale aluminum, aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxide and its soluble salts

“…Kongerud and Søyseth (2014) summarized factors related to development of “potroom asthma” among Al smelter workers. Donoghue et al (2010) studied occupational asthma among employees in Al pre-bake smelters.…”

Inflammation in induced sputum after aluminium oxide exposure: an experimental chamber study

“…Several observational studies have shown an increased occurrence of work-related asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as increased longitudinal decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 )2 3 in employees in primary aluminium production (aluminium pot rooms),4 5 and airway inflammation typical of asthma has been documented in bronchial biopsies 6. Furthermore, increased risk of lung cancer deaths has been observed in primary aluminium workforce 7.…”

Economy Versus Environment: How Corporate Actors Harm Both

“…Costello and colleagues (2014) found elevated rates of heart disease among aluminum workers, while Noth and her co-authors (2014) similarly report on heightened exposure to small particle matter pollution that results from aluminum smelting. Aluminum production plant workers are at risk of exposure to the metals and chemicals (Buranatrevedh 2010: 136) and the aluminum production process increases the exposure to dust and gasses, which are also potentially harmful to the workers and the local environment (Kongerud and Søyseth 2014). This exposure can lead to respiratory diseases in workers, such as potroom asthma, or cancer (see Kongerud and Søyseth 2014;Romundstad et al 2000).…”

“…Aluminum production plant workers are at risk of exposure to the metals and chemicals (Buranatrevedh 2010: 136) and the aluminum production process increases the exposure to dust and gasses, which are also potentially harmful to the workers and the local environment (Kongerud and Søyseth 2014). This exposure can lead to respiratory diseases in workers, such as potroom asthma, or cancer (see Kongerud and Søyseth 2014;Romundstad et al 2000). Romundstad and his collaborators (2000) found in their study that an elevated risk of developing bladder and kidney cancer exists for those exposed over long periods of time to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons generated by the combustion of both fossil fuels and biomass.…”