Spirometric function in non-smoking workers exposed to aluminum

• Published in: American journal of industrial medicine 2003-10, Vol.44 (4), p.400-404
• Main Authors: Abbate, C., Giorgianni, C., Brecciaroli, R., Tringali, M.A., D'Arrigo, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Air Pollutants, Occupational - analysis; airborne aluminum; Aluminum - blood; Biological and medical sciences; biological monitoring; Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases; Environmental Monitoring - statistics & numerical data; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Italy; lung function; Male; Medical sciences; Metals and various inorganic compounds; occupational exposure; Occupational Exposure - analysis; Occupational Exposure - statistics & numerical data; Occupational Health; respiratory symptoms; Ships; Spirometry - statistics & numerical data; Toxicology; Vital Capacity
• ISSN: 0271-3586; 1097-0274
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.10276

Background Exposure to aluminum (Al) causes the onset of respiratory disorders. This study is aimed at providing further information on how occupational exposure to Al affects the respiratory apparatus in healthy non‐smokers, with particular attention to respiratory function. Methods A group of 50 male shipyard workers who were exposed to Al underwent medical examination, standard chest X‐rays and spirometry in accordance with the C.E.C.A. protocol. The data were compared with those of a homogeneous group of controls, all with blood aluminum (AlB) levels below 7.5 ng/ml. Statistical analysis was performed on the following spirometric parameters: vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and mean forced expiratory flow during mid‐half of FVC (FEF25–75%). Environmental Al levels were also measured at the various workstations. Results Fifty male workers with an average age 31.82 ± 5.05 years, occupational exposure of 11.81 ± 3.71 years, presented with average AlB levels of 32.64 ± 8.69 ng/ml. Environmental monitoring displayed Al levels higher than TLV TWA for all the workstations studied. None of the sample displayed significant pathological conditions. Statistical comparison of the spirometric parameters showed a decrease in the examined values in exposed workers. This decrease was found to be directly proportional to the AlB level. Conclusion The authors conclude that Al affects respiratory function and that limit values should be reassessed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:400–404, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.