Short communication, Note
Can the occurrence of bronchial astma in potroom workers be prevented?
M. Šarić
; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
M. Vukšić
; Health Unit, Light Metal Plant, Sibenik, Croatia
J. Marelja
; Health Unit, Light Metal Plant, Sibenik, Croatia
Abstract
Bronchial reactivity was evaluated in a group of 35 workers at preemployment examination using the metacholine lest. Three workers showed an increased bronchial reactivity, the rate being in accordance with the previous experience. Ten randomly chosen subjects with normal reactivity, who were engaged as potroom workers, were followed up during a two-to-five-year period. None of them experienced any significant respiratory complaints and their bronchial reactivity also remained normal. Only one worker had a borderline finding (PD20FEV1). Although selection al preemployment medical examination is a measure that has to be used only exceptionally, based on the finding obtained by non-specific bronchoprovocation challenge it seems that it can be recommended in the case of that particular exposure.
Keywords
bronchial hyperreactivity; electrolytic extraction of aluminium; metacholine testing occupational exposure; preemployment medical examination
Hrčak ID:
147202
URI
Publication date:
20.4.1994.
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