Epidemiological-environmental study of lead acid battery workers. II. Acute effects of sulfuric acid on the respiratory system.

Two hundred and twenty-five (225) workers in five lead acid battery plants were administered a questionnaire containing work-related symptoms, underwent spirometry, and had personal samples for H2SO4 taken over the shift. Most personal samples were less than 1 mg/m3 H2SO4. Mass median aerodynamic diameter of H2SO4 from area samples in the formation areas was 2.6-10 micron. Workers with a higher exposure to acid did not have an increased rate of acute work-related symptoms. Changes in pulmonary function over the shift were not related to levels of airborne lead or airborne acid, sex, age, or smoking status. In acclimated workers, there is no evidence of acute symptoms or reductions in pulmonary function over the shift at concentrations less than 1 mg/m3.