Production of Silicon Metal and Alloys Is Associated With Accelerated Decline in Lung Function: A 5-Year Prospective Study Among 3924 Employees in Norwegian Smelters.

摘要

OBJECTIVES:: To investigate the association between decline in lung function and production of alloys in the Norwegian smelting industry. METHODS:: All employees (N = 3924) were examined annually for 5 years (16,570 examinations). The employees were classified into three categories: 1) line operators (employed full time in the production line), 2) nonexposed (no exposure last year), and 3) non-line operators (remaining subjects). The outcome variable was expressed as forced expiratory volume in 1 second per squared height (FEV1/height). RESULTS:: In the subcohorts of the ferrosilicon/silicon metal and silicon carbide industries, the differences between line operators and nonexposed workers were -2.3 (-4.3 to -0.3) (CI = 95%) and -5.6 (-10.4 to -0.7) mL/(m2 x year), respectively. CONCLUSION:: Line operators in the ferrosilicon/silicon metal and silicon carbide industries had a steeper annual decline in FEV1/height compared with nonexposed workers.