Authors
Chaisson-NF; Kreiss-K; Hnizdo-E; Hakobyan-A; Enright-PL
Source
J Occup Environ Med 2010 Nov; 52(11):1119-1123
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate methods for determining excessive short-term decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in diacetyl-exposed workers. METHODS: We evaluated five methods of determining excessive longitudinal FEV1 decline in diacetyl-exposed workers and workers from a comparative cohort: American Thoracic Society (ATS), ACOEM an 8% limit, and a relative and absolute longitudinal limit on the basis of spirometry data variability. Relative risk and incidence of excess decline were evaluated. RESULTS: Incidence of excessive FEV1 decline was 1% in the comparative cohort using ATS and ACOEM criteria, 4.1% using relative limit of longitudinal decline, 4.4% with absolute longitudinal limit of decline, and 5.6% by using the 8% limit. Relative risk of abnormal FEV1 decline in diacetyl-exposed workers was elevated in all evaluated methods. CONCLUSION: Alternative methods for respiratory surveillance in diacetyl-exposed workers may be preferable to ATS or ACOEM.
Keywords
Exposure-assessment; Lung-disorders; Lung-function; Pulmonary-disorders; Pulmonary-function; Pulmonary-function-tests; Pulmonary-system; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Respiration; Respiratory-infections; Respiratory-system-disorders; Medical-examinations; Medical-screening
Contact
Kathleen Kreiss, MD, 1095 Willowdale Rd, Mailstop-H2800, Morgantown, WV 26505
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
kkreiss@cdc.gov
Source Name
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine