Lung-function reference values from Victorian power-industry workmen.

Reference values for a number of lung function tests performed on a group of apparently healthy Victorian power industry workmen are described. Most workers in this industry have had at least incidental exposure to a range of respiratory hazards, including asbestos dust, at some time in their working lives, but men who recalled handling asbestos materials were excluded from the study. Comparison with other published Australian data shows considerable variation. Differences such as measurement technique, equipment calibration, occupational factors, and selection bias must be considered when reference values from published reports are used for clinical or epidemiological purposes.