Lung function and exposure to paper dust in bookbinders—A pilot study

Abstract

Lung function deterioration has been reported among workers exposed to heavy exposure to paper dust (>5 mg/m³). This pilot study was undertaken in order to evaluate the health effects of low exposure to paper dust (≤ 1 mg/m³) in bookbinders. The study population consisted of 20 exposed subjects and 18 local office subjects. They were studied during identical conditions by means of dynamic and static spirometry, single breath wash-out with nitrogen (N₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). The 90th percentile for daily average values of total dust was 0.6 mg/m³. Non-smoking exposed subjects had on the average an increase in FEV% (forced expiratory volume in one second in percentage of vital capacity) when compared to non-smoking local control subjects. We found a weak correlation between the increase in FEV% and daily average values of total dust (probably reflecting a higher exposure in the past). The results suggest that a low exposure to paper dust in bookbinders with a time of employment more than 10 years might cause a slight lung function deterioration without a clinical relevance.