Saf Health Work.  2014 Dec;5(4):234-237. 10.1016/j.shaw.2014.07.007.

Lung Function Profiles among Individuals with Nonmalignant Asbestos-related Disorders

• Park EK
• Yates DH
• Wilson D

• KMID: 2381969
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2014.07.007

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to adverse health effects on the lungs. This study describes lung function profiles among individuals with nonmalignant asbestos-related disorders (ARDs).
METHODS
The study population was from the Workers' Compensation (Dust Diseases) Board of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Lung function measurements were conducted in males with asbestosis (n = 26), diffuse pleural thickening (DPT; n = 129), asbestosis and DPT (n = 14), pleural plaques only (n = 160) and also apparently healthy individuals with a history of asbestos exposure (n = 248). Standardized spirometric and single-breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) measurements were used.
RESULTS
Mean age [standard deviation (SD)] was 66.7 (10.3) years for all participants. Current and ex-smokers among all participants comprised about 9.0% and 54.8%, respectively. Median pack-years (SD) of smoking for ex- and current-smokers were 22.7 (19.9). Overall 222 participants (38.6%) and 139 participants (24.2%) had forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) measurements < 80% predicted, and 217 participants (37.7%) had FEV1/FVC results < 70%. A total of 249 individuals (43.8%) had DLco values < 80% predicted and only 75 (13.2%) had DLco/VA results < 80% predicted. A total of 147 participants (25.6%) had peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements < 80% predicted. The presence of ARDs lowered the lung function measurements compared to those of healthy individuals exposed to asbestos.
CONCLUSION
Lung function measurement differs in individuals with different ARDs. Monitoring of lung function among asbestos-exposed populations is a simple means of facilitating earlier interventions.

Keyword

asbestos; asbestosis; diffuse pleural thickening; pleural plaques; lung function

MeSH Terms

Asbestos
Asbestosis
Australia
Carbon Monoxide
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Inhalation
Lung*
Male
New South Wales
Smoke
Smoking
Vital Capacity
Workers' Compensation
Asbestos
Carbon Monoxide
Smoke