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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year : 2012  |  Volume : 1  |  Issue : 4  |  Page : 268-273

Respiratory morbidity in spray paint workers in an automobile sector


1 Department of Physiology, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, India
2 Department of Physiology, BMC and Hospital Chitradurga, Karnataka, India
3 Department of Physiology, JSS MC and Hospital (JSS University), Mysore, Karnataka, India

Date of Web Publication27-Feb-2013

Correspondence Address:
Savitri P Siddanagoudra
Department of Physiology, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, d/o Shri P. C. Siddanagoudra, H.No 91 7th cross, Vishweshwar Nagar, Hubli, Karnataka
India
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/2278-344X.107897

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  Abstract 

Background: Occupational asthma (OA) is a major cause of respiratory morbidity and the most common cause of non-acute lung disease in the industrialized world. The incidence of OA in developed country is increasing, while in developing countries is still unknown. Automobile industry is a place where workers are exposed to harmful chemicals and toxic substances. In automobile industry work floor assembly lines chassis move continuously and pass by "Robot Painter" that spray them and workers assemble the chassis. The paint that is used contains isocyanate (low-molecular-weight compound) which is most common agent responsible for OA. Objective: The present study is undertaken to assess respiratory morbidity of paint workers in terms of obstructive and restrictive lung pattern and to study relationship between duration of exposure and respiratory morbidity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 70 car spray paint workers, who are working for 1-6 years in an automobile industry. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to record the clinical, sociodemographic profile, and clinical examination. Pulmonary function parameters were recorded by a computerized spirometer-Medspiror during their working hours. An independent t test and a correlation test were applied. Results: Sixty-one workers had normal lung functions. The nine isocyanate-exposed workers showed a significant reduction in FEV 1 /FVC (P < 0.05) suggestive of obstructive lung pattern. There is a strong correlation between duration of exposure and pulmonary functions (P value = 0.002). Conclusion: Decreased pulmonary function tests (PFT) in spray painters were related to duration of exposure to isocyanate.

Keywords: Isocyanate (spray paint), isocyanate-induced asthma, respiratory morbidity preventive measures


How to cite this article:
Siddanagoudra SP, Kanyakumari DH, Nataraj SM. Respiratory morbidity in spray paint workers in an automobile sector. Int J Health Allied Sci 2012;1:268-73

How to cite this URL:
Siddanagoudra SP, Kanyakumari DH, Nataraj SM. Respiratory morbidity in spray paint workers in an automobile sector. Int J Health Allied Sci [serial online] 2012 [cited 2024 Mar 29];1:268-73. Available from: https://www.ijhas.in/text.asp?2012/1/4/268/107897


  Introduction Top


Occupational asthma (OA) is defined as asthma caused or made substantially worse by agents inhaled in the occupational environment. [1] Diisocyanates have been the most commonly identified causing agent for OA in industrialized areas. Asthma among diisocyanate-exposed workers is due to a high level of irritant exposure at work or by sensitization to diisocyanates. Alternatively, asthma may be coincidental or may be aggravated by work exposure. [2] Risk of occupational exposure to isocyanates is increasing substantially because of the rapidly expanding use of coating materials (paints), polyurethane foam manufacturing, and binders. [3],[4] Spray paint contains isocyanate a low-molecular-weight compound. Spray painting is a process by which exposure to isocyanates can be high. These spray paint creates fine mists or droplets of paint that may stay suspended in the air for a short period of time there by increasing the risk of inhalation and eye, skin exposure. [5] Some examples for diisocyanates are TDI (toluene diisocyanate), MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), HDI (hexamethylene diisocyanate).

Since Fuchs and Valade were the first to recognize that isocyanate exposure can cause respiratory diseases, numerous studies have been carried out among paint works. [6] In recent years, many studies documented the effects of spray painton respiratory functions. Compared with OA caused by other agents, those with OA due to diisocyanates had a significantly earlier onset of asthma (mean 5 years vs. 7 years). [7],[8]

The early identification of OA in workers lead to reversal of the symptoms and prevent additional workers from being at risk of getting OA. Without early detection, workers will be needlessly put at risk of developing morbid lung diseases possibly preventing from enjoying leisure sports activities and continuing to work in the same profession. [9] Despite possible adverse health effects, there has been little epidemiologic investigations of the automobile repair industry in developing countries. [10] Hence, the present study was aimed to assess the respiratory morbidity in spray paint workers by recording pulmonary function tests (PFTs).


  Materials and Methods Top


The present study was designed as a cross-sectional study. Prior to the commencement of the study, the ethical clearance was taken from the J.S.S Medical College, Mysore. A study was carried out in an automobile shop in Bangalore city. A total of 70 male workers who were working in a car spray paint booth (exposed to diisocyanates) for 1-6 years and aged between 25 and 35 years were included. Among 110 workers in industry, only 70 were selected based on exclusion criteria. The informed written consent was taken from each subject.

Questionnaire for study group

Questionnaires were administered by author in Kannada language. An interview technique was used as a tool for data collection. Clinical history like history of breathlessness, chest tightness, cough, wheezing before or after employment, nocturnal awakening in the last year, symptoms regression on weekend or regression on holidays, family history of asthma, occupational rhinitis, dermatitis were asked. Occupational history about their previous job, present job was noted. For all 70 workers this was the first job and was no history about change of job. Sociodemographic history and clinical examination of the subjects were recorded on predesigned proforma.

Exclusion criteria

Workers with previous exposure to any occupational exposure, diagnosed case of asthma or the symptoms suggested of asthma before joining the present job and any systemic illness.

Definitions

In accordance with American College of Chest Physicians, we diagnosed OA and likely OA as follows: (A) diagnosis of asthma and (B) onset of asthma after entering the workplace: (C) association between symptoms of asthma and work, and (D) one or more of the following: (1) workplace exposure to an agent known to give rise to OA, (2) work-related changes in PEFR, (3) work-related changes in bronchial responsiveness, (4) positive response to specific inhalation test. [11]

OA: meets A + B + C + D2 or D3 or D4 of the surveillance case definition.
Likely OA: meets A + B + C + D1 only of the surveillance case definition.

Anthropometric measurement were recorded. PFT parameters were recorded by a computerized spirometer-Medspiror during their working hour. These are

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC).
Forced Expiratory Volume in First second (FEV 1 ).
FEV 1 /FVC (FEV 1 %).
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR).
Forced Expiratory Flow during 25-75% expiration (FEF 25-75% ).

Procedure

The subjects were familiarized with the set up and detailed instructions and demonstrations were given by the author. The subjects were made to breath out forcefully following deep inspiration into the mouth piece attached to the pneumotachometer. Expiration was maintained for a minimum period of 3-4 seconds. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommends that at least three acceptable maneuvers be saved. Among these three, the largest FVC must not vary more than 0.2 L or 5% from the second largest. Also largest FEV 1 must not vary more than 0.2 L or 5% from the second largest because this amount of variation can be seen within 1 day in normal subjects. Of these three maneuvers, the largest FVC and largest FEV 1 is reported. A normal PEFR value of 3-5 L/s ensured maximum effort by the subject while performing the test. Normal % predicted was taken as 80% according to ATS. [12] [Table 1] shows the interpretation of spirometry values.
Table 1: Interpretation of spirometry values[12]

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All the recording were done at the body temperature and pressure saturated with water vapor concentration (BTPS). As recommended by Snowbird workshop all the readings were taken in standing position. All the tests were carried out at the same time of the day, between 8.30 am and 9.30 am to avoid possible variations. The tests were done in a quiet room in order to alleviate the emotional and psychological stresses. During the test, maximum effort from the subjects was ensured by adequately motivating them to perform at their optimum level. These above said parameters were compared with average predicted value for a subject on the basis ofage, sex, built andrace. [13] The Indian standard predicted values were taken for the calculation.

Spirometry is required for the evaluation of workers for disability under the Social Security Administration (SSA). [14] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) [15] and in Workers Compensation Settings. [16]

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-17). The results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Independent t test was applied to study the PFTs in smokers and non-smokers and also for worker with symptoms suggestive of OA and without OA. Relationship between duration of exposure andrespiratory morbidity state was studied by correlation test. P < 0.05 was considered significant (S).


  Results Top


Seventy spray paint workers based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were participated in the study. All the workers were males. Anthropometric and demographic characteristics of workers are depicted in [Table 2]. Mean and SD of age, height, weight and BMI was calculated. [Table 3] shows the occupational characteristics includes duration of exposure to automobile spray painting and smoking characteristics of workers. [Table 4] depicts respiratory symptoms of workers. Out of 70 workers, 65 had various symptoms listed in the [Table 4]. 3% of the workers had itching, redness, and swelling of skin. The scientific literature contains a limited amount of data suggesting that dermal exposure to diisocyanate may produce respiratory sensitization. [17] The PFTs of these workers were normal. [Table 5] shows PFTs results in which all the parameters (M ± SD) were normal compared to their % predicted. Statistically non-significant results as P value was > 0.05. But 9 workers had obstructive lung pattern when compared to their individuals % predicted. [Table 6] shows that out of 9 workers with obstruction 8 were smokers and 1 was nonsmoker. Based on clinical symptoms among 65 symptomatic workers, 9 had obstruction. In [Table 7], the independent t test was applied to measure the significance difference in PFTs values between workers with symptom, without symptom and between smoker and, non-smokers. There was non-significant difference in the PFTs for both the variables. Between workers with symptom, without symptom and between smokers and non-smokers, the P value was >0.05 and the t value with degree of freedom (df) was >0.05. [Figure 1] and [Figure 2], scatter diagrams, show the linear negative correlation between duration of exposure with FVC and with FEV1 respectively. Correlation was statistically significant at the 0.001 level (two-tailed) r = -.371 for FVC and -.365 for FEV1.
Table 2: Anthropometric and demographic characteristics of workers

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Table 3: Occupational (includes duration of exposure to automobile spray painting) and smoking characteristics of workers

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Table 4: Respiratory symptoms in workers

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Table 5: Pulmonary function test parameters of spray paint workers

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Table 6: Respiratory morbidity in workers

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Table 7: Respiratory morbidity in workers with smoking history and symptomatology

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Figure 1: Correlation between duration of exposure and FVC

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Figure 2: Correlation between duration of exposure and FEV1

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  Discussion Top


An extensive amount of clinical/epidemiological literature exists regarding the effects of diisocyanate exposure on respiratory health. The key respiratory disorders examined are bronchial asthma and an accelerated decline in lung functions. OA is a disease characterized by increased airway responsiveness to a wide variety of both specific and non-specific stimuli in work place. The present study was an indoor-based air pollution problem in an automobile industry. This study revealed that nine spray painters showed < 70% FEV 1 /FVC suggestive of early obstructive lung disease when compared to their % predicted. PEFR and FEF 25-75% were also declined but not statistically significant suggesting smaller airway obstruction. All the nine workers had typical symptoms of OA. Among nine, seven were working for more than 5 years and two for 3-4 years and eight were smokers, one was non-smokers. This could be attributed to long duration of exposure to isocyanate. The Pearson correlation test showed negative correlation which concludes, as duration of exposure increases the PFTs decreases. Compared to non-smokers the smokers PFTs were not statistically declined. This needs a further study with large sample for statistical significance. The difference in PFTs between workers with symptoms and without symptoms were not significant statistically, could be due to acute sensitization (lesser duration of exposure) in which the PFTs will remain normal.

The present study is in harmony with previous studies. In a similar study by Schwarz and Baker concluded that increased risk of airflow obstruction in painters was related to duration of exposure to isocyanate and was independent of the effects of cigarette smoking. [18] It was shown in a 2.5 years follow-up study that, the PFTs of workers exposed to isocyanate for longer duration, were reduced even in very low concentration. [19]

Similar correlation between higher exposure to TDI and larger annual decline in FEV 1 , FVC and FEF 25-75% in painters was shown in a longitudinal study of 5 years. [17],[20] In this study, we enquired regarding the proper designing of paint booth and use of preventive measures by workers which were under standard. It was reported in a study that despite of improvements in autobody shop materials, practices, and control, there are still opportunities for substantial exposure to isocyanates on long terms. [21] It was shown by Mapp CE and others in their study that paint workers developed asthmatic reaction after exposure to isocyanate. [22] A follow-up study for 6 years was conducted in which the impairment correlated well with the frequency of high peak exposure to HDI, not with the mean exposure to diisocyanate. [23] It was concluded in a study that OA is common disorder among automobile painters and duration of exposure as significant effects on OA occurrence. [24],[25] A study found the correlation between FVC within the week and the long-term (6 years) changes in FVC, standardized for the effects of smoking and exposure. [26] Years working in a non-functioning paint booth, along with smoking, were associated with in the low FEV 1 /FVCindicating obstructive diseases of lung. [27]

Since chemicals with MW less than 1000 daltons cause rarely antigenic, but may act as haptens. It has been proved that isocyanate act as pharmacologic inhibitors, reducing the ability of beta-adrenergic receptors to produce cAMP in sufficient amount to maintain bronchial tone. [28],[29]

Future studies with larger sample, addition of provocative tests for diagnosis of OA and assessment of permissible amount of isocyanate in industry can be done for better results and for primordial prevention of respiratory morbidity.


  Conclusion Top


On the basis of history taking and clinical findings, we conclude that the lung functions will decline with increasing duration (>5 years) of isocyanate exposure. Based on the above findings we recommend the following.

The worker should wear mask during painting.

Pre-employment medical examination: PFTs and X-ray chest should be done once in a year after 1 year of exposure.

Regular use of all preventive measures like face mask, Splash gloves, barrier cream, etc.

Avoidance of smoking, tobacco, regular exercise, lifestyle modification.

It is well known that the cessation of occupational exposure to a sensitizing agent may modify airway caliber or bronchial reactivity.


  Acknowledgment Top


My sincere thanks to Dr. Basavangowdappa Principal, Dr. A. R. Gorkal professor dept of Physiology, J.S.S Medical College Mysore, for their invaluable guidance and support for the study to carry out. I also thank all those who directly or indirectly supported for the study.

 
  References Top

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26.Dahlqvist M, Tornling G, Plato N, Ulfvarson U. Effects within weekon FVC arecorrelated with longterm changes in pulmonary functions: Reanalysis of studies on carpainters exposed to isocyanate. Occup Environ Med 1995;53:192-5.  Back to cited text no. 26
    
27.Gee JB, Morgan WK. A10yr follow up study of a group of workers exposed to Isocyanate. J Occup Med 1985;34:263-71.  Back to cited text no. 27
    
28.Karol MH, Sandberg T, Riley EJ. Longitudinal study of tolyl reactive IgEantibodies in workershypersensitive to TDI. J Occup Med 1979;21:354-8.  Back to cited text no. 28
    
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[PUBMED]    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2]
 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4], [Table 5], [Table 6], [Table 7]


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