Table 6 Decline in lung function from 1987 through 2004 according to an estimate of cumulated exposure to welding fume particulates (mg/m3 * years) among 68 workers with welding tasks from 1987 through 2004.
From: A prospective study of decline in lung function in relation to welding emissions
Measure of lung function | n | Baseline values | Average crude decline | Average adjusted1decline | Difference in decline [high-level exposed – low-level exposed, (95% CL)] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Smokers | ||||||
0–25 mg/m3 * y | FEV1, L | 8 | 4.24 L | 0.97 L | 1.03 L | Reference |
26–50 mg/m3 * y | FEV1, L | 12 | 4.16 L | 0.77 L | 0.73 L | -0.29 L (-0.84; 0.25) |
51+ mg/m3 * y | FEV1, L | 12 | 4.37 L | 0.85 L | 0.85 L | -0.17 L (-0.69; 0.34) |
Non-smokers | ||||||
0–25 mg/m3 * y | FEV1, L | 15 | 4.53 L | 0.55 L | 0.56 L | Reference |
26–50 mg/m3 * y | FEV1, L | 13 | 4.55 L | 0.54 L | 0.54 L | -0.01 L (-0.32; 0.30) |
51+ mg/m3 * y | FEV1, L | 8 | 4.36 L | 0.60 L | 0.59 L | 0.03 L (-0.33; 0.40) |