LUNG HEALTH AMONG BOILERMAKERS IN EDMONTON, ALBERTA

Background Construction boilermakers may be exposed to a variety of su bstances, including asbestos and welding fumes. Past studies of boiler makers have shown increases in mortality from lung cancer and asbestos is and radiographic changes consistent with asbestos exposure. Methods Respiratory symptoms, lung function, and radiographic changes were co mpared for 102 actively employed boilermakers with 20 or more years of union membership and 100 telephone workers. Posteroanterior chest rad iographs were evaluated by two experienced chest physicians, with a th ird arbitrating disagreed films. Union members were further categorize d as boilermakers (n = 50) or welders (n = 52), based on longest servi ce. Lung health was also compared with employment in a number of work sectors for time, and time-weighted exposure to dust and fumes. Result s Boilermakers had more respiratory symptoms than telephone workers, b ut lung function did not differ Radiographic changes were more common among the boilermakers (20% with any change, 8% circumscribed, and 9% diffuse pleural thickening). None of the boilermakers had small radiog raphic opacities. Several symptoms suggestive of bronchial responsiven ess were associated with fume exposures in the gas and oil industry. W orkers whose longest service was as a boilermaker demonstrated more sy mptoms than did welders. FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75, and FEF50 were sign ificantly lower among boilermakers compared with welders. Conclusion H ealth screening programs for these workers are warranted. (C) 1998 Wil ey-Liss,Inc.