RELATION BETWEEN DECLINE IN FEV(1) AND EXPOSURE TO DUST AND TOBACCO-SMOKE IN ALUMINUM POTROOM WORKERS

Objectives-To investigate the relation between pulmonary function and occupational exposure in aluminium pot operators. Methods-2795 observa tions were obtained in 630 workers over six years of follow up. An aut oregressive method of analysis was used. Results-After adjustment for FEV(1) in the three previous years, the effect of smoking upsilon no s moking on FEV(1) was -43.1 ml, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -72.3 to -13.9. Similarly, an increase in the exposure to particulates by 1 mg/m(3) corresponded to a decrease in FEV(1) of -11.9 ml, 95% CI -19.9 to -3.9. Age was a significant predictor of both FEV(1) and FVC. Conc lusion-Exposure to particulates in aluminium potrooms seems to increas e the decline in FEV(1), thereby increasing the risk of development of chronic obstructive lung disease in pot operators.