Occupational Exposures Linked to Decline in Lung Capacity

TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Workplace exposure to gases, dusts, fumes, and solvents is linked to declines in lung capacity, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published online Oct. 24 in Occupational & Environmental Medicine.

Golam Rabbani, M.P.H., from Bangladesh Betar in Dhaka, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies evaluating adverse occupational exposures and age-related lung function decline.

Based on 12 longitudinal studies, researchers found that ever exposures to gases/fumes; vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes; and aromatic solvents were significantly associated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) decline. A similar decline in FEV₁ was seen for cumulative exposures for these three occupational agents. In fixed-effect models, ever exposures to fungicides and cumulative exposures to biological dust, fungicides, and insecticides were associated with FEV₁ decline. There were no statistically significant associations of mineral dust, herbicides, and metals with FEV₁ decline.

“Pooled estimates from the longitudinal population-based studies have provided evidence that occupational exposures are associated with FEV₁ decline,” the authors write. “Specific exposure control and respiratory health surveillance are required to protect the lung health of the workers.”

One author disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract/Full Text