Respiratory symptoms and diseases among construction painters

Abstract

The results indicate a higher risk for respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis among construction painters than among carpenters.

Work tasks, chemical exposure and respiratory health in construction painting

“…We have previously reported an association between longer employment in construction painting and chronic bronchitis [Kaukiainen et al, 2005b], and a corresponding association with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has also been reported in one study [White and Baker, 1988]. Our current study adds putties/plasters, glues/ traditional paints, and epoxy/urethane paints to the list of possible risk factors for chronic bronchitis in construction painting.…”

“…Another study reported no increase in asthma or respiratory symptoms with exposure to WB paints only, but painters leaving their jobs had more non-specific hyper-reactivity symptoms and more airway irritation due to WB paints than painters remaining in their occupation [Wieslander et al, 1997b]. Our previous study found more asthma and asthma-like symptoms among painters with short experience compared to those with a longer working history, which is not explained by age [Kaukiainen et al, 2005b]. The healthy worker effect is probable in a cross-sectional construction trade study [Siebert et al, 2001].…”

“…Among construction workers, chronic bronchitis and COPD predict early retirement [Siebert et al, 2001]. Among the painters in our study, the healthy worker effect seems more evident with asthma than with the more slowly developing chronic bronchitis [Kaukiainen et al, 2005b].…”

“…The identification of cases of chronic bronchitis was based on the reporting of symptoms [MRC, 1960;Niven et al, 1997;Kaukiainen et al, 2005b].…”

Chronic cough – occupational considerations

“…102 Epidemiological studies have also reported an increased risk of chronic bronchitis in populations of workers exposed to a wide range of other fumes, dusts, gases, and vapors. Examples include food processors, 103 chemical workers, 103 welders, 104 painters, 105 tunnelers, 106 steel mill workers, 107 and poultry handlers. 108 The cough of occupational chronic bronchitis should improve with a reduction in workplace irritant exposures, 109 in the same way that the chronic cough related to smoking improves with quitting.…”