PT Journal AU Gamble, JF Nicolich, MJ Barone, NJ Vincent, WJ TI Exposure-response of asphalt fumes with changes in pulmonary function and symptoms SO Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health PD 6VL PY 1999 BP 186 EP 206 IS 3 DI 10.5271/sjweh.424 WP https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=424 DE acute effect; asphalt fumes; benzene-soluble fraction; exposure assessment; heat stress irritation; lung function; nonparametric statistics; shift study; symptom; total particulate; volatile hydrocarbon SN 0355-3140 AB '

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OBJECTIVES ': 'This study examines possible associations between asphalt fumes and workshift changes in lung function and symptoms among 170 workers exposed to asphalt fumes.'

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METHODS ': 'The workers were from 5 segments of the asphalt industry, and most of them participated for 2 consecutive workdays. The primary response variables were changes in lung function (measured at the beginning and end of the shift) and incidence of symptoms (measured before, 3 times during, and at the end of the shift). Exposure was estimated from breathing-zone samples of total particulate (TP), respirable particulate (RP), the benzene-soluble fraction of the TP (BSF), volatile hydrocarbons collected on a charcoal tube (VHC), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide. Ozone and wet bulb/dry bulb temperature, as a measure of heat stress, were measured as area samples. In addition, daily cigarette smoking was determined by questionnaire. The exposure-response associations were assessed by both parametric and nonparametric statistical techniques.'

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RESULTS ': 'Overall, no consistent association was observed between an acute reduction in lung function or the incidence of symptoms and exposure to asphalt fumes. Concentrations in the neighborhood of the maximum levels constitute no-observed adverse effect levels: TP ( ER