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A study of illness and potential workplace exposures among Denver International Airport (DIA) construction workers was conducted. DIA workers had significantly higher case rates than nonDIA workers. Of the cases, 74% had three or more lower respiratory symptoms. DIA illness was also related with exposure to alkaline dust from fireproofing and/or cement, with a possible contribution from fungal molds or associated bioaerosols. Work related asthma in three workers and histologic evidence of chronic bronchitis in four never smokers were indicated in the clinical evaluation. The pace of construction and DIA work practices may have resulted in unique conditions for the development of respiratory symptoms. The authors conclude that future studies of occupational respiratory illness among construction workers should consider indoor factors such as exposure to alkaline and microbial dusts.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 28(2):193-205, 1995. (11 references)
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