Airway inflammation in cement production workers

Abstract

A significantly higher percentage of neutrophils was observed in cement production workers during the exposed period compared with both the non-exposed period and the external reference group, and corresponded with elevated IL-1beta concentration. These data indicate that cement aerosol exposure in concentrations below the Norwegian occupational limits (respirable dust 5 mg/m(3); total dust 10 mg/m(3)) may cause airway inflammation.