Non‐malignant respiratory disease among workers in the rubber manufacturing industry: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

摘要

Background Non‐malignant respiratory disease (NMRD) cases have occurred among rubber manufacturing workers. We examined exposure to rubber manufacturing emissions as a risk factor for NMRD. Methods From a systematic literature review, we identified case reports and assessed cross‐sectional and mortality studies for strength of evidence of positive association (strong, intermediate, non‐significant positive association, none) between exposure to rubber manufacturing emissions and NMRD‐related morbidity and mortality, and conducted two meta‐analyses. Results We analyzed 62 articles. We identified 11 cases of NMRD. Nine (30%) of 30 cross‐sectional studies and one (4%) of 26 mortality studies had strong evidence. The summary odds ratio and SMR for the cross‐sectional and mortality meta‐analyses were 3.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.28‐6.51) and 0.90 (95%CI, 0.82‐0.99), respectively. Conclusion Available evidence supports rubber manufacturing emissions as a potential risk factor for NMRD‐related morbidity. Further investigations with longer follow‐up periods and inclusion of short‐tenured workers could further define risks for NMRD and identify prevention strategies.