Rischi e patologia respiratoria in una fabbrica metalmeccanica

An epidemiological survey on respiratory symptoms (ECSC questionnaire) and lung function tests (FVC, FEV1, FEF(25-75%)) was performed on 546 male workers of a large motorcycle plant and on 57 non-exposed subjects (NE) of the plant staff. The workers were subdivided into: 1) 296 aluminium foundry workers (FO) employed on engine casting, exposed to low concentrations of dust (0.02 - 3.53 mg/m3) and mineral oil mist; 2) 90 spray painters (S) exposed to low concentrations of solvents from acrylic paint in a spray tunnel equipped with aspirators; 3) 160 non spray painters (NS) employed on the assembly line outside the painting tunnel. Duration of exposure in the plant was similar in all groups (6.7 years; the mean age was significantly different among the groups, ranging from 34 + 11 years in S to 45 + 7 years in NE (S < FO < NS < NE); 70-78% of the workers in the different groups were smokers. The prevalence rate of chronic bronchitis (CIBA Guest Symposium) was 9.1% in FO, 6.8% in NS, 5.5% in S, 5.2% in NE. Chronic cough (15.8% in FO) and dyspnea (16.5% in FO) were the most frequent symptoms; NE showed the lowest prevalence of symptoms. Mean FVC, FEV1 and FEF(25-75%), as a percentage of the predicted values, were within the normal range in all groups; however, spirometric values were significantly lower in FO with respect to NE. The groups were subdivided into 4 subgroups according to age and smoking habits. All symptoms were more frequent in smokers and in older workers; a trend to increased frequency in smokers from NE to S, NS and FO in most subgroups was evident. In most subgroups FEV1 was significantly lower in FO compared to NE; S and NS showed no difference. A marked trend to decreased FVC, FEV1 and FEF(25-75%) was observed (NE > S > NS > FO) in most subgroups. The linear relationship showed a significant correlation between FEV1 (as a percentage of predicted values) and pack-years in all groups, but no relationship between duration of specific work risk and FEV1 was found; age significantly correlated with FEV1 only in FO