Pine dust, atopy and lung function: a cross-sectional study in New Zealand sawmill workers

¹ Centre for Public Health Research, Research School of Public Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand; and Wellington Asthma Research Group, Otago University, Wellington, New Zealand
² Centre for Public Health Research, Research School of Public Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand; and Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Research School of Public Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: j.douwes{at}massey.ac.nz.

	Abstract

We have previously shown an increased risk of asthma symptoms in 772 pine sawmill workers. The current study assessed the association between dust exposure, lung function and atopy.

Subjects with (n=59) and without asthma symptoms (n=167) were randomly selected from the previous survey. Lung function and atopy were determined using spirometry and skin prick tests respectively. Inhalable dust was measured on the same day.

The geometric mean dust concentration was 0.52 mg·m^-3 (GSD, 2.66). Exposure to "dry" dust but not green dust was associated with asthma symptoms (OR, 2.1, CL 1.0-4.4). "Green" dust was associated with atopic sensitisation, particularly against outdoor allergens (OR 2.23, CL 1.02, 6.46); no association was found for "dry" dust. FVC, FEV₁, and PEF were significantly lower in high "green" dust (-350 ml; -260 ml; and -860 ml·s^-1, respectively) and high "dry" dust exposed workers (-230 ml; -190 ml; and -850 ml·s^-1, respectively). These associations were observed both in subjects with and without asthma symptoms. No associations with cross-shift changes in lung function were found.

Exposure to "green" pine sawdust may be a risk factor for atopy. Both "green" and "dry" dust were associated with obstructive as well as restrictive pulmonary effects.