Effect of Carbon Black Exposure on Respiratory Function and Symptoms

Details

• Personal Author:
  Harber P ; Merz B ; Muranko H ; Solis S ; Torossian A
• Description:
  Carbon black is a widely used pigment and filler. Some, but not all, previous studies have suggested an effect of long-term exposure upon the lungs. Carbon black production facility employees (1755) participated in the third round of the industry-wide medical surveillance testing. They were employed in 22 North American plants. Spirometry and a systematically administered questionnaire were included in the year 2000 round of the industry-wide medical surveillance program. Industrial hygiene data from an industry-wide survey in 2000-2001, as well as all available exposure assessment data collected since 1979, were integrated with process questionnaires and exposure rating questionnaires completed by plant personnel. Analyses included multiple linear regression and categorical data analyses. Multiple regression analyses showed statistically significant, consistent relationships between cumulative exposure and small reductions in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) but not with other spirometry parameters. The estimated slopes were -2 mL FEV1 per mg-year/m3 of cumulative 'total' dust exposure and -0.7 mL FEV1 per mg-year/m3 of cumulative exposure for the inhalable fraction. In addition, heavy cumulative exposures were associated with a small increase in chronic bronchitis in nonsmokers. Recent exposures, typically much lower than in the past, were not demonstrated to be associated with these effects. Consistent with good occupational hygiene practice for any contaminant, workplace exposures to carbon black should be controlled to lowest practical levels. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Dust Environmental Exposure Occupational Exposure Occupational Health Respiratory System Safety
• Keywords:
  Carbon Black Dust Exposure Exposure Assessment Exposure Levels Industrial Dusts Medical Screening Occupational Exposure Respiratory Function Surveillance
• ISSN:
  1076-2752
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Arizona ; California ; OSHA Region 9
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  144-155
• Volume:
  45
• Issue:
  2
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20058253
• Citation:
  J Occup Environ Med 2003 Feb; 45(2):144-155
• Contact Point Address:
  Philip Harber, MD, MPH, Division of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10940 Wilshire Blvd, Ste #1220, Los Angeles, CA 90024
• Email:
  pHarber@mednet.ucla.edu
• CAS Registry Number:
  Carbon black (CAS RN 1333-86-4)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2003
• Performing Organization:
  University of California, School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  19990701
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• End Date:
  20040630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:6e8851dcfd3c81378666a228e8e420cbe41a4ae3f8b977243932b39a4014ce7bfb9cfd95127194c6e19b1ba1db9878d3588ebffc0afe36f6284f488c5236ec1a
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/221383/cdc_221383_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 238.54 KB ]