Pulmonary inflammatory markers in workers exposed to metal dusts and fumes in ferrochromium and stainless steel production
Jukka Uitti, Markku Huvinen, Aki Kanervo, Merja Järvelä, Panu Oksa, Lauri Lehtimäki, Pauliina Toivio, Timo Tuomi, Eeva Moilanen, Riitta SauniObjective
: Our aim was to determine the association between exposure to chromium compounds and the respiratory health of workers in ferrochromium and stainless steel production.
Methods
: The study included 333 workers occupationally exposed/non-exposed to chromium compounds. Respiratory health was assessed using a questionnaire and spirometry. Bronchial and alveolar nitric oxide (NO) production, inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate, and serum samples were analyzed.
Results
: There were no differences in symptoms or lung function between the study groups. Alveolar NO, 8-isprostane in exhaled breath and interleukin-8 in serum were higher in the study groups than in the controls. However, no consistent associations were found between inflammatory markers and exposure levels of air impurities.
Conclusions
: Although the differences in some inflammatory markers were statistically significant, further research is needed to ascertain the clinical significance of the finding.