A FIELD INVESTIGATION OF THE ACUTE RESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF METAL-WORKING FLUIDS .2. EFFECTS OF AIRBORNE SULFUR EXPOSURES

An investigation of the acute respiratory effects of workers exposed t o metal working fluids (MWF) was conducted in an automobile parts manu facturing facility. After observing an association between cross-shift decline in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and ae rosol mass concentration, improved characterization of the exposure wa s sought through investigation of four elements of a priori interest ( Cl, Cr, Ni, S). Of these, only sulfur showed an association with cross -shift FEV1 decrement. The relative risk of 5% cross-shift FEV1 decrem ent was 2.7 (95% confidence interval = 1.0-6.0) comparing those with > 4.4 mu g/m(3) to those with <2.5 mu g/m(3) sulfur exposure. Because th e concentrations of sulfur in this environment were relatively low and other respiratory irritants were present, sulfur is mole likely to be an indicator of more irritating conditions than the sole agent respon sible for the observed acute respiratory effects. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.