Incidence of airflow limitation among employees in Norwegian smelters.

We have investigated the association between the incidence of airflow limitation and occupational exposure. The employees (n = 3,924) were investigated annually during five years (n = 16,570) using spirometry. Exposure was classified using job category and a job exposure matrix.

Characterisation of workplace aerosols in the manganese alloy production industry by electron microscopy.

Workplace aerosols in a combined FeMn and SiMn alloy smelter were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Special emphasis was placed on the characterisation of individual particles with diameters below 500 nm and on identification of the different manganese phases present in the workroom air. In high-carbon FeMn production, the submicron size fraction is dominated by MnO particles forming chain-like or compact agglomerates.

Prevalence of airflow limitation among employees in Norwegian smelters: a longitudinal study.

Aims: To investigate the association between airflow limitation and occupational exposure and to compare a fixed limit with an age adjusted limit for airflow limitation.

Methods: 3924 employees in 24 Norwegian smelters and related workplaces were investigated annually over 5 years (n=16, 570) using spirometry and a respiratory questionnaire on smoking habits and job category. Employees working full time on the production line were classified as line operators; subjects who never worked on the production line were regarded as non-exposed.

Dust exposure assessed by a job exposure matrix is associated with increased annual decline in FEV1: a 5-year prospective study of employees in Norwegian smelters.

Rationale: The relationship between dust exposure and annual decline in lung function among employees in the smelting industry is unknown.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between annual change in lung function and occupational dust exposure among workers in 15 Norwegian smelters.

Methods: All employees (n = 2,620) were examined annually for 5 years (11,335 health examinations).

Exposure to ultrafine particles in asphalt work.

An epidemiologic study has demonstrated that asphalt workers show increased loss of lung function and an increase of biomarkers of inflammation over the asphalt paving season. The aim of this study was to investigate which possible agent(s) causes the inflammatory reaction, with emphasis on ultrafine particles. The workers' exposure to total dust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and NO(2) was determined by personal sampling.

Production of silicon metal and alloys is associated with accelerated decline in lung function: a 5-year prospective study among 3924 employees in norwegian smelters.

Objectives: To investigate the association between decline in lung function and production of alloys in the Norwegian smelting industry.

Methods: All employees (N = 3924) were examined annually for 5 years (16,570 examinations). The employees were classified into three categories: 1) line operators (employed full time in the production line), 2) nonexposed (no exposure last year), and 3) non-line operators (remaining subjects).

Exposure, lung function decline and systemic inflammatory response in asphalt workers.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the association between exposures in asphalt work and changes in lung function, blood concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), micro-C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen among asphalt workers during a work season.

Methods: Blood samples from all asphalt workers (N=140) in Norway's largest road construction and maintenance company were taken in April-May 2005 and again in September-October 2005. Spirometric tests of the asphalt workers and a reference group (heavy construction workers, N=126) were carried out before the asphalt season, and the asphalt workers were tested again at the end of the season.

Multi-component assessment of worker exposures in a copper refinery. Part 1. Environmental monitoring.

The exposure characterisation described in this paper for 135 copper refinery workers (45 females, 90 males) focuses on the concentrations of copper, nickel and other trace elements in the inhalable aerosol fractions, as well as in the water-soluble and water-insoluble subfractions. Some information is also provided on the thoracic and respirable aerosol fractions. Further, results are presented for volatile hydrides of arsenic and selenium released in the copper purification steps of the electrorefining process.

Neuropsychological function in manganese alloy plant workers.

Objectives: The objective was to investigate potential nervous system effects of manganese (Mn) exposure in workers employed in manganese-alloy-producing plants.

Methods: One hundred male Mn alloy plant workers were compared with 100 age-matched referents. The subjects were examined with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery.

Manganese air exposure assessment and biological monitoring in the manganese alloy production industry.

One hundred workers carried personal air sampling equipment during three days to assess exposure to inhalable and respirable Mn. A novel four-step chemical fractionation procedure developed for the speciation of Mn in workroom aerosols was applied for selected aerosol filters. Blood and urine samples were analysed for Mn.