Prevalence of Obstructive Lung Disease in a General Population: Relation to Occupational Title and Exposure to Some Airborne Agents
Bakke, PS; Baste, V; Hanoa, R; Gulsvik, A
HERO ID
1877529
Reference Type
Journal Article
Year
1991
Language
English
PMID
| HERO ID | 1877529 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 1991 |
| Title | Prevalence of Obstructive Lung Disease in a General Population: Relation to Occupational Title and Exposure to Some Airborne Agents |
| Authors | Bakke, PS; Baste, V; Hanoa, R; Gulsvik, A |
| Journal | Thorax |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Page Numbers | 863-870 |
| Abstract | A study of the prevalence of obstructive lung disease in the general population was conducted. The cohort consisted of 3370 persons living in and around Bergen, Norway. They completed a questionnaire to obtain information on biodemographic characteristics, job history, and any occupational exposures to asbestos (1332214), quartz (14808607), wood dust, chromium (7440473), nickel (7440020), platinum (7440064) fumes, fumes in the aluminum industry, and smoking. A total of 1275 subjects were given a medical examination that included spirometric testing. Of these, 38 had asthma, 65 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 52 had forced vital capacity volume and 1 second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) values indicative of airflow limitation (airflow limitation group). In the subjects with asthma, COPD, and airflow limitation, the average decrements in FEV1 were 10, 37, and 40%, respectively. The FEV1 decrements increased with age in subjects with COPD and airflow limitation, but not in those with asthma. The prevalence rates for asthma, COPD, and airflow limitation were estimated to be 2.4, 5.4, and 4.5%, respectively. The prevalence of asthma was not affected by smoking status. The prevalence of COPD and airflow limitation was significantly higher in smokers and persons who lived in urbanized areas. Age and smoking were significant risk factors for COPD and airflow limitation after adjusting for sex. Having a job that involved exposure to one or more of the agents was a significant risk factor for asthma and COPD. COPD was significantly associated with exposure to quartz, dust, chromium, nickel, and platinum fume, and aluminum production, processing, and welding. None of the exposures was significantly associated with airflow limitation. When the analysis was restricted to persons older than 50 years, asbestos and quartz exposures were significantly associated with airflow limitation after adjusting for sex, age, and smoking. The authors conclude that COPD is a common disorder in northwestern European populations. Occupational exposure to certain airborne agents and smoking are significant risk factors. |
| Doi | 10.1136/thx.46.12.863 |
| Pmid | 1792631 |
| Wosid | WOS:A1991GX96500001 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | Air Pollutants; Index Medicus; Prevalence; Age Factors; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Smoking -- physiopathology; Lung -- physiopathology; Norway -- epidemiology; Forced Expiratory Volume; Vital Capacity; Adolescent; Sex Factors; Air Pollutants -- adverse effects; Lung Diseases, Obstructive -- epidemiology; Lung Diseases, Obstructive -- physiopathology; Occupations |