Respiratory health and breath condensate acidity in sawmill workers.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate exhaled breath condensate acidity (EBC pH) as a biomarker of airway response to occupational respiratory hazards present in sawmill.

METHODS

Sixty-one sawmill workers in total (26 from Sawmill 1 and 35 from Sawmill 2) provided EBC samples at the beginning and at the end of the working week. Respiratory symptoms, lung function, bronchodilator test and atopy status were assessed. Occupational environment was checked for the levels of respiratory hazards.

RESULTS

Airborne dust concentrations were below threshold limit value. Endotoxin in Sawmill 1 and Sawmill 2, and moulds in Sawmill 1 were at the levels able to induce inflammatory response in the airways. Mould levels were 2.5 times higher in Sawmill 1 than in Sawmill 2. Compared to Sawmill 2 workers, lower spirometry values, higher prevalence of dry cough and positive bronchodilator test were found in Sawmill 1 workers. Monday EBC pH values did not differ between sawmills, but declined after one working week in Sawmill 1 workers (from 7.88 to 7.49, P = 0.012) and not in Sawmill 2 workers. Similar results were obtained when only respiratory healthy non-smokers were analysed. Monday-to-Friday change of other respiratory parameters was not observed.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest EBC pH as a biomarker of acute respiratory effects related to occupational exposure to respiratory hazards in sawmills, presumably increased mould levels. The effect was present even at subclinical level, namely in respiratory healthy subjects. The long-term health implications remain unclear and should be evaluated in a follow-up study.