PULMONARY IMPAIRMENT FROM CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO SULFUR-DIOXIDE IN A SMELTER

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Abstract
The pulmonary function of 113 Cu smelter workers was measured in 1973 and in 1974 to assess effects of chronic-exposure to SO2. Respiratory symptoms, smoking history, occupational history and pulmonary function as measured by forced vital capacity and 1-s forced expiratory volume were recorded. Exposures to SO2, respirable particulates, sulfates and Cu were sampled at intervals throughout the year by personal monitoring. Exposure to 1.0-2.5 ppm of SO2 was associated with excessive loss of 1-s forced expiratory volume during the year and increase in respiratory symptoms, after controlling for smoking. No significant interaction between SO2 and concurrent exposure to respirable particulates on pulmonary function was found. Workers with 1-s forced expiratory volume below normal on initial measurements (based on age and height) evidenced even greater losses of pulmonary function related to SO2 exposure.

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