Table 5

Change in predicted FEV1-values from 1987 through 2004 among 68 welders and 24 non-welders.


N
Predicted FEV1 in 1987
Predicted FEV1 in 2005
Change in predicted values, mean (95% CL)
Difference in decline [welders – referents, (95% CL)]

Smokers





     Welders
32
104 %
96 %
-8.1 (-12.6 to -3.6)
3.8 (-4.4 to +12.4)
     Non welders
121
107 %
103 %
-4.3 (-11.7 to +3.0)
Reference
Non-smokers





     Welders
36
109 %
109 %
-0.1 (-3.4 to +3.3)
1.6 (-5.1 to +8.4)
     Non welders
121
105 %
107 %
-1.6 (4.3 to +7.4)
Reference
All





     Welders
68
107 %
103 %
-3.02 % (-5.5 to -0.5)
1.5 (-3.6 to +6.5)
     Non-welders
241
106 %
105 %
-1.52 % (-6.0 to +2.8)
Reference

1 Eight non-welders with missing measurements of lung function at baseline

2 The average change in predicted values were adjusted for FEV1 level at baseline, body weight measured at follow-up and cigarette pack-years during the follow-up period.

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