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A case-control study of airways obstruction among construction workers: Airways Obstruction Among Construction Workers

Journal Article · · American Journal of Industrial Medicine
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22495· OSTI ID:1438175
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [2];  [4];  [4]
  1. Duke Univ. Medical Center, Durham, NC (United States); Duke University
  2. The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD (United States)
  3. The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD (United States); Stoneturn Consultants, Seattle WA (United States)
  4. Zenith American Solutions, Seattle, WA (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations
Background: While smoking is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occupational exposures to vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes (VGDF) increase COPD risk. This case-control study estimated the risk of COPD attributable to occupational exposures among construction workers. Methods: The study population included 834 cases and 1243 controls participating in a national medical screening program for older construction workers between 1997 and 2013. Qualitative exposure indices were developed based on lifetime work and exposure histories. Results: Approximately 18% (95%CI=2–24%) of COPD risk can be attributed to construction-related exposures, which are additive to the risk contributed by smoking. A measure of all VGDF exposures combined was a strong predictor of COPD risk. Conclusions: Construction workers are at increased risk of COPD as a result of broad and complex effects of many exposures acting independently or interactively. Control methods should be implemented to prevent worker exposures, and smoking cessation should be promoted
Research Organization:
Center to Protect Workers Rights, Silver Spring, MD (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
FC01-06EH06004
OSTI ID:
1438175
Journal Information:
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Journal Name: American Journal of Industrial Medicine Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 58; ISSN 0271-3586
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (2)

Hearing loss among older construction workers: Updated analyses journal February 2018
Mortality of older construction and craft workers employed at department of energy nuclear sites: Follow‐up through 2016 journal June 2019

Figures / Tables (5)

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Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
COPD
attributable risk
construction workers
dusts
fumes
gasses
occupational risks
smoking
vapors