Blood leukocyte count as a systemic inflammatory biomarker associated with a more rapid spirometric decline in a large cohort of iron and steel industry workers.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Iron and steel industry workers are exposed to high levels of inhalable dust particles that contain various elements, including metals, and cause occupational lung diseases. We aim to assess the relationship between occupational dust exposure, systemic inflammation, and spirometric decline in a cohort of Chinese iron and steel workers.

Methods

We studied 7513 workers who participated in a Health Surveillance program at Wugang Institute for Occupational Health between 2008 and 2017. Time-weighted exposure intensity (TWEI) of dust was quantified based on self-reported dust exposure history, the experience of occupational hygienists, and historical data of dust exposure for workers with certain job titles. A linear mixed-effects model was used for association analyses

SUBMITTER: Kong N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8467242 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature