Occupational exposure and severe pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

External agents, especially metal and wood dust, are believed to be risk factors for development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The aim of this case-control study was to investigate which occupational exposure types are associated with development of severe pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and especially IPF.

METHODS:

An extensive postal questionnaire including 30 specific items regarding occupational exposure was completed by 181 patients with severe PF and respiratory failure reported to the Swedish Oxygen Register, among whom 140 were judged as having IPF. The questionnaire was also completed by 757 control subjects. We stratified data for age, sex and smoking and calculated odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS:

We found increased risk for IPF in men with exposure to birch dust (OR 2.7, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.30-5.65) and hardwood dust (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.14-6.52). Men also had slightly increased ORs associated with birds. We did not find any increased risk in association with metal dust exposure.

CONCLUSION:

Exposure for birch and hardwood dust may contribute to the risk for IPF in men.

• Authors: Torbjörn Gustafson, Anna Dahlman-Höglund, Kenneth Nilsson, Kerstin Ström, Göran Tornling, Kjell Torén
• Journal: Respiratory medicine (Respir Med) Vol. 101 Issue 10 Pg. 2207-12 (Oct 2007) ISSN: 0954-6111 [Print] England
• PMID: 17628464 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study)

Chemical References

• Dust
• Metals

Topics

• Case-Control Studies
• Dust (analysis)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Metals (adverse effects)
• Occupational Diseases (epidemiology, etiology)
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects, statistics & numerical data)
• Pulmonary Fibrosis (epidemiology, etiology)
• Risk Factors
• Sex Factors
• Sweden (epidemiology)
• Time Factors
• Wood (adverse effects)