Harf A, Bertrand C, Hirsch A, Di Menza L, Bignon J
IARC Sci Publ. 1980(30):517-22.
Different lung function tests have been studied in a group of 39 spray workers, with exposure of a few months to 20 years, in order to determine early impairments in ventilatory or gaseous exchange parameters. Lung function was assessed by conventional spirometric tests, plethysmographic measurement of lung volume, determination of arterial oxygen tension at rest and on exercise and measurement of single-breath diffusion of carbon monoxide. Asbestos exposure was assessed using a standardized questionnaire administered by an interviewer to determine length of exposure, and light microscopic examination to ascertain the number of ferruginous bodies in one sputum sample or in lung washing fluid. The results of the functional tests are expressed with respect either to duration of working exposure or to the number of ferruginous bodies. Restrictive ventilatory impairment with decrease in diffusion of carbon monoxide and increase in the oxygen alveolar-arterial difference on exercise was observed both in the group with 1-50 ferruginous bodies and in workers exposed for more than five years. The decrease in lung volume was approximately 10% when the length of asbestos exposure varied from 0-5 to 10-15 years, and 15% between those with no ferruginous bodies and those with more than 50. No obstructive profile was observed, even in heavy smokers. All function tests were altered equally. Plethysmography therefore appears to be a suitable technique for the follow-up of asbestos workers.
对39名喷雾工人进行了不同的肺功能测试，他们的接触时间从几个月到20年不等，目的是确定通气或气体交换参数的早期损害。通过传统的肺活量测试、肺容积的体积描记法测量、静息和运动时动脉血氧张力的测定以及单次呼吸一氧化碳扩散的测量来评估肺功能。使用由访谈者管理的标准化问卷评估石棉接触情况，以确定接触时长，并通过光学显微镜检查来确定一份痰液样本或肺灌洗液中铁质小体的数量。功能测试结果根据工作接触时长或铁质小体数量来表示。在铁质小体数量为1 - 50的组以及接触超过五年的工人中，均观察到限制性通气损害，伴有一氧化碳扩散减少和运动时肺泡 - 动脉氧分压差增加。当石棉接触时长从0 - 5年变化到10 - 15年时，肺容积减少约10%，在无铁质小体者和铁质小体数量超过50者之间减少15%。即使在重度吸烟者中也未观察到阻塞性特征。所有功能测试的改变程度相同。因此，体积描记法似乎是适合用于石棉工人随访的技术。
