Pulmonary fibrosis in cable plant workers exposed to mist and vapor of petroleum distillates

• Published in: Environmental research 1986-08, Vol.40 (2), p.261-273
• Main Authors: Skyberg, Knut, Rønneberg, Alf, Kamøy, John-Ivar, Dale, Knut, Borgersen, Arne
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Inorganic dusts (pneumoconiosises) and organic dusts (byssinosis etc.); Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases - chemically induced; Occupational Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Occupational Diseases - physiopathology; Petroleum - poisoning; Pulmonary Fibrosis - chemically induced; Pulmonary Fibrosis - diagnostic imaging; Pulmonary Fibrosis - physiopathology; Radiography; Smoking; Toxicology; Volatilization
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/S0013-9351(86)80102-5

Twenty-five cable plant workers exposed to mists and vapors of mineral oils and kerosene for 5–35 years have been investigated in a cross-sectional, matched pairs study. The exposed cohort and the referents were examined by radiology, pulmonary function measurements, and a questionnaire for symptoms of respiratory disease. Lung tissue from a deceased worker with 35 years of exposure was investigated by histopathologic methods and by scanning electron microscopy. Exposure measurements were performed by personal sampling. Previous employment and smoking habits were recorded for all subjects. An increased prevalence of slight basal lung fibrosis was found in chest films of the exposed workers. Pulmonary fibrosis was confirmed histopathologically. A moderately decreased vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV 1) was found. Oil mist was measured to time-weighted average levels of 0.15–0.30 mg/m 3 with short-term vapor exposure of up to 4000 mg/m 3. It is concluded that mists and vapors from petroleum distillates are the most probable causes of the findings.