Population-based epidemiologic studies of communities in the United States have revealed a consistent association between ambient particulate air pollution and increases in morbidity and mortality. The observed increases result from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Similar associations have been observed for rates of hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases for subjects over age 65. These ambient exposures are to low levels of particulates, many times lower than occupational exposures faced by workers in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, transportation and electric-power generation. The objective of this proposal is to investigate the role of occupational exposure to particulates in the development of respiratory and cardiac responses in boilermakers. We will employ a detailed, continuous-exposure assessment to PM/2.5 with repeated measures of biologic and physiologic markers of response. Specific hypotheses to be tested will include: (1) occupational exposure to fuel-oil ash airway inflammation as reflected in increased expired NO, and airway obstruction as reflected in decreases in peak flow (PEFR) and FEV/1; (2) particulate exposure will result in acute changes in cardiovascular function, as reflected in changes in heart rate, heart-rate variability and blood pressure; (3) particulate exposure results in increased serum fibrinogen levels, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease; and (4) chronic bronchitis predisposes particulate-exposed workers to changes in cardiac function. The results of this study will have important implications for preventive efforts aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality from occupational exposure to respirable particulates.
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