Respiratory impairment, chronic, dust

Cotton Dust Exposure and Chronic Respiratory Impairment An Epidemiological Controversy... 

In contrast to the documented effect of cotton dust on acute responses, the causation of chronic respiratory effects in occupationally exposed subjects has not been established. The OSHA cotton dust standard is based on the premise that sustained exposure may result in chronic respiratory problems. To test this hypothesis, the pertinent literature is reviewed and discussed in an attempt to decide if convincing epidemiological documentation exists to support a cause and effect connection between prolonged dust exposure and chronic respiratory impairment. There appears to be a need for additional studies to clarify this important aspect of occupational medicine. 

A number of studies have examined the potential for airborne aluminum to induce respiratory effects in chronically exposed workers. Exposure to aluminum fumes and dust occurs in potrooms where hot aluminum metal is recovered from ore, in welding operations, and the production and use of finely powdered aluminum. Wheezing, dyspnea, and impaired lung function have been observed in potroom workers (Bast-Peetersen et al. 1994 Chan-Yeung et al. 1983 Simonsson et al. 1985). Because these workers were also exposed to a number of other toxic chemicals including sulfur dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide, and hydrogen fluoride, it is difficult to ascribe the respiratory effects to aluminum. 

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