Respiratory and skin health among glass microfiber production workers: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Only a few studies have investigated non-malignant respiratory effects of glass microfibers and these have provided inconsistent results. Our objective was to assess the effects of exposure to glass microfibers on respiratory and skin symptoms, asthma and lung function.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 102 workers from a microfiber factory (response rate 100%) and 76 office workers (73%) from four factories in Thailand was conducted. They answered a questionnaire on respiratory health, occupational exposures, and lifestyle factors, and performed spirometry. Measurements of respirable dust were available from 2004 and 2005.

Results

Workers exposed to glass microfibers experienced increased risk of cough (adjusted OR 2.04), wheezing (adjOR 2.20), breathless

SUBMITTER: Sripaiboonkij P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2739167 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature