Decrements in spirometry values associated with chlorine gassing events and pulp mill work.

Abstract

In a previous study of older pulp and paper workers in Berlin, New Hampshire, decrements in spirometry results associated with accidental exposures to high levels of irritant gases depended on cumulative levels of pulp mill exposure and cigarette smoking. Many of those subjects were older and retired. A new study was initiated to assess whether gassing events were a problem among current workers. Three hundred white male pulp and paper workers from the mill in Berlin, New Hampshire, were surveyed in 1992. Testing included spirometry and questionnaires. The mean age was 40.4 yr, and the mean tenure with the company was 18.5 yr. A total of 105 of the 300 subjects (35%) reported ever having an episode of high exposure to chlorine gases (i.e., being gassed). The percentage gassed was 51% for pulp mill workers and only 13% for other employees. For subjects with no more than 26 pack-years of cigarette smoking, obstruction (i.e., abnormally low FEV1 and FEV1/FVC) was observed only among those with a history of gassing. Also, the combination of high cigarette smoking (i.e., > 26 pack-years) and gassing had a greater than additive effect on obstruction. These findings suggest that additional controls are needed to minimize the number of gassing events in this and other chemical pulp mills.

Prevalence of asthma and exhaled nitric oxide are increased in bleachery workers exposed to ozone

“…Many epidemiological studies have shown an increased prevalence of wheeze as well as decreased lung function among pulp-mill workers, and mainly among those that have been exposed to chlorine dioxide [20][21][22]. A history of gassing events, i.e.…”

“…First, the exposure classification is based on the workers9 own experience of respiratory symptoms in connection with exposure to ozone peaks. The self-reporting of gassings has also been used by others and has been considered the best estimate of exposure [20,22]. SALISBURY et al [24] used a more strict method for identification of "gassed" subjects, i.e.…”

Airflow limitation and changes in pulmonary function among bleachery workers

“…Other cross-sectional studies on pulp mill workers have found an association between airflow obstruction and gassings to Cl or ClO 2 [2,[4][5]. Further cross-sectional studies have observed concurrent decrements in FEV1 and FVC in workers exposed to SO 2 or Cl gases [3,24,25] or to acetic acid [26].…”

“…Epidemiological studies have found that pulp mill workers with peak exposures to Cl and other irritant gases have an increased risk for reduced lung function [2][3][4][5]. Starting in the early 1990s, some Swedish pulp mills began replacing Cl and ClO 2 with ozone as a bleaching agent [6].…”

Respiratory health among bleachery workers exposed to ozone and chlorine dioxide

“…Some epidemiologic studies have shown an increased prevalence of wheezing and decreased lung function (3)(4)(5), especially among bleachery workers. In that group a history of gassing events seems to be a major risk factor (3), especially for smokers (5). Exposure to irritants is also of importance in other occupations (6).…”