|
Decline in lung function from 1987 through 2004 according to an estimate of cumulated exposure to welding fume particulates (mg/m3 * years) among 68 workers with welding tasks from 1987 through 2004. |
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| Measure of lung function |
n |
Baseline values |
Average crude decline |
Average adjusted1 decline |
Difference in decline [high-level exposed – low-level exposed, (95% CL)] |
|
|
|
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| Smokers |
||||||
| 0–25 mg/m3*y |
FEV1, L |
8 |
4.24 L |
0.97 L |
1.03 L |
Reference |
| 26–50 mg/m3*y |
FEV1, L |
12 |
4.16 L |
0.77 L |
0.73 L |
-0.29 L (-0.84; 0.25) |
| 51+ mg/m3*y |
FEV1, L |
12 |
4.37 L |
0.85 L |
0.85 L |
-0.17 L (-0.69; 0.34) |
| Non-smokers |
||||||
| 0–25 mg/m3*y |
FEV1, L |
15 |
4.53 L |
0.55 L |
0.56 L |
Reference |
| 26–50 mg/m3*y |
FEV1, L |
13 |
4.55 L |
0.54 L |
0.54 L |
-0.01 L (-0.32; 0.30) |
| 51+ mg/m3*y |
FEV1, L |
8 |
4.36 L |
0.60 L |
0.59 L |
0.03 L (-0.33; 0.40) |
|
1 Adjustment for baseline characteristics (age, height2, history of atopic disorder, FEV1), body weight measured at follow-up and cigarette packyears during the follow-up period. | ||||||
Christensen et al. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2008 3:6 doi:10.1186/1745-6673-3-6 |
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