Soluble intercellular adhesion molecules in the serum of subjects exposed to dust at different workplaces--correlation to airway symptoms, lung function, tobacco and dust exposure.

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (s-ICAM-1) was evaluated as biomarker indicating inflammatory processes in the airways of persons exposed to salt dust, ceramic dust and flour dust. ICAM values in the serum of these workers were related to airway symptoms, lung function (FEV1), inhalable dust dose and tobacco consumption. A weak relation was found to airway symptoms (cough and phlegm) and FEV1.