Am J Ind Med

Background: Non-malignant respiratory disease (NMRD) cases have occurred among rubber manufacturing workers. We examined exposure to rubber manufacturing emissions as a risk factor for NMRD. Methods: From a systematic literature review, we identified case reports and assessed cross-sectional and mortality studies for strength of evidence of positive association (strong, intermediate, non-significant positive association, none) between exposure to rubber manufacturing emissions and NMRD-related morbidity and mortality, and conducted two meta-analyses. Results: We analyzed 62 articles. We identified 11 cases of NMRD. Nine (30%) of 30 cross-sectional studies and one (4%) of 26 mortality studies had strong evidence. The summary odds ratio and SMR for the cross-sectional and mortality meta-analyses were 3.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.28–6.51) and 0.90 (95%CI, 0.82–0.99), respectively. Conclusion: Available evidence supports rubber manufacturing emissions as a potential risk factor for NMRD-related morbidity. Further investigations with longer follow-up periods and inclusion of short-tenured workers could further define risks for NMRD and identify prevention strategies.

30775791

PMC6693673

CDC Public Access