Table 4

Decline in lung function from 1987 through 2004 among 68 welders and 24 non-welders stratified on smoking status at baseline. Crude and adjusted average difference (2004 minus 1987 values) and 95% confidence limits (CL).


Measure of lung function
n
Baseline values
Average crude decline
Average adjusted1 decline
Difference in decline [welders – referents, (95% CL)]

Smokers






     Welders
FEV1, L
32
4.26 L
0.85 L
0.856 L
0.15 L (-0.15 to 0.45)
     Non welders
FEV1, L
122
4.39 L
0.72 L
0.704 L
Reference
Non-smokers






     Welders
FEV1, L
36
4.50 L
0.56 L
0.559 L
-0.05 L (-0.28 to 0.18)
     Non welders
FEV1, L
122
4.43 L
0.61 L
0.607 L
Reference

1 Adjustment for baseline characteristics (age, height2, FEV1, alfa-1-antitrypsin), body weight measured at follow-up and cigarette pack years during the follow-up period (smokers only).

2 Eight non-welders with missing spirometric measurements

Christensen et al. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2008 3:6   doi:10.1186/1745-6673-3-6