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Peak expiratory flow (PEF) and workplace exposure were measured to investigate asthma symptoms and medication use among employees in a fiberglass wool manufacturing plant. The 8 hr time weighted average personal exposure ranges were: endotoxin, 0.4 to 759 ng/m3; phenolic resin, 5.7 to 327 *g/m3; and formaldehyde, 1.2 to 265 *g/m3. Amplitude percent mean peak flow was associated with years since starting regular work in the highest endotoxin exposure area, although current assignment in that area was associated with reduced amplitude, evidence for a healthy worker effect. Endotoxin exposure above 4 ng/m3 (8 hr time weighted average) was associated with decline in lung function across the work shift, and with drops in lung function 16 to 20 hr after exposure. Phenolic resin exposure was not consistently associated with decrements, and formaldehyde was not associated with decrements in lung function.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 29(1):3-13, 1996. (36 references)
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