EFFECTS ON THE LUNG-FUNCTION OF EXPOSURE TO CARBON-BLACK DUSTS - RESULTS OF A STUDY CARRIED OUT ON 677 MEMBERS OF STAFF OF THE DEGUSSA FACTORY IN KALSCHEUREN GERMANY/

Spirometry, full-bodyplethysmography, and inhalation challenge tears a re the most frequently used methods for lung function testing. In all, 677 examinations were performed among exposed employees at the Deguss a carbon black plant in Kalscheuren/Germany using the above mentioned methods, in order to detect whether there is a measurable impact of ca rbon black fine dust on pulmonary function, or a higher prevalence of obstructive air-way diseases among the study candidates, and whether f ine dust exposure is related to the prevalence of bronchial hyperrespo siveness. Within the smokers' group carbon black dust exposure reveals a (minimal) impact upon the lung function of the study subjects. Howe ver, the impact of fine dust exposure within that group is less signif icant than the influence of smoking on pulmonary function. Nevertheles s, smokers are displaying significant more frequently signs of obstruc tive airway diseases compared with nonsmokers. In the smokers' group w e found 7.3% of study subjects with signs of obstructive airway diseas es compared with 3.9% in the group of nonsmokers. No significant impac t of fine dust exposure on lung function could be detected within form er- and nonsmokers. The overall percentage of 5.1% is not higher than that of subjects with bronchial hyperresponsiveness in other comparabl e studies.