Lung function, inflammatory markers, and occupational exposure in cement production workers

Abstract

There has been conflicting evidence regarding the association between exposure to cement dust and respiratory health effects. The objectives of the present studies were to investigate this relationship further and also include measurements of systemic inflammatory markers. The initial study did not reveal differences in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, or pulmonary function indices between exposed workers and controls. However, a second study demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of neutrophils, and increased levels of the inflammatory marker interleukin-1ƒÒ in induced sputum samples from exposed workers, when compared with controls. In a cross-shift study we found a decline in dynamic lung volumes, lung diffusion capacity, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels, accompanied by increased numbers of leukocytes, elevated levels of fibrinogen and tumor necrosis factor, in addition to reduced levels of the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10. Finally, a cross-sectional study of workers from eight European countries showed elevated odds ratios for respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. This study also suggested a dose-response relationship between the level of exposure to cement production dust and lung function impairment.