Epidemiologic health survey of grain elevator workers in British Columbia.

Abstract

Epidemiologic health surveys were carried out among 610 workers in the 5 grain elevators in British Columbia and 2 control groups consisting of 136 civic workers and 187 non-cedar sawmill workers. A medical and occupational questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers. Spirometry was performed on site using a 13.5-L Collins spirometer. Skin tests were performed using various antigens, and serum samples were obtained for determination of α1-antitrypsin concentration and phenotype, and precipitin studies. Dust concentration was measured by both personal and area sampling methods in the grain elevators and sawmills. There was a higher prevalence of eye, nasal, and chest symptoms (cough, sputum, wheeze, and breathlessness) among grain workers than among control subjects. The mean values for Spirometric indices of pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity) were slightly lower among grain workers than control subjects. The estimated decreases in forced expiratory vo...