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J. A. Dosman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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longitudinal changes in prevalence of respiratory symptoms among canadian Grain Elevator workers
Chest, 2006Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:Objectives To determine longitudinal changes in the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among Canadian Grain workers. Design Data on respiratory symptoms, smoking status, and pulmonary function were obtained approximately every 3 years (termed cycle) over 15 years beginning in 1978 from five regions of Canada. Participants The number of Grain workers participating in each cycle were as follows: cycle 1 (n = 5,702); cycle 2 (n = 5,491); cycle 3 (n = 3,713); cycle 4 (n = 2,847); and cycle 5 (n = 3,079). Results A procedure based on generalized estimating equations (PROC GENMOD; SAS Institute; Cary, NC) was used to fit marginal models to determine risk factors influencing the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, sputum, and cough). The prevalence (predicted probability based on the final model) of chronic respiratory symptoms had an increasing trend with increasing number of years in the Grain industry from cycle 1 to cycle 3 (before dust control) for all three smoking categories (current smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers). For cycle 4 and cycle 5 (after dust control), there was a reduction in the prevalence of these respiratory symptoms. For example, in cycle 1, the prevalence of chronic wheeze among current smoking Grain workers increased from 12% (for those in the industry for 35 years); in cycle 5, the prevalence of chronic wheeze among current smoking Grain workers increased from 9% (for those in the industry for 35 years). Similar trends were observed for ex-smokers and nonsmokers and for other chronic respiratory symptoms. Conclusions Our results indicate that Grain dust control was effective in reducing the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among Grain workers in all smoking and exposure categories.
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Longitudinal decline in lung function measurements among Saskatchewan Grain workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 2003Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the long term effects of Grain dust and decline in lung function among Grain Elevator workers in Saskatchewan, studied over a 15-year period.
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Longitudinal decline in lung function measurements among Saskatchewan Grain workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 2003Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:To evaluate the relationship between the long term effects of Grain dust and decline in lung function among Grain Elevator workers in Saskatchewan, studied over a 15-year period. The Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program was started by Labour Canada in 1978 and longitudinally studied the respiratory health of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 15-year period (1978 to 1993). Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC]) were collected once every three years; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Data from Saskatchewan were analyzed for this report. A transitional model using the generalized estimating equations approach was fitted using a SAS macro to predict the annual decline in FEV1 and FVC. Previous lung function, as one of the covariates in the transitional model, played an important role. Significant predictors of FEV1 were previous FEV1, base height, weight, years in the Grain industry, current smoking status, cycle II, cycle III and cycle V. Significant predictors of FVC were previous FVC, base height, weight, years in the Grain industry, cycle II, cycle III and cycle IV. The estimated annual decline in FEV1 and FVC increased according to length of time in the Grain industry among nonsmoking, ex-smoking and smoking Grain Elevator workers. Lung function values improved after dust control, and yearly declines in FEV1 and FVC after dust control were smaller compared with yearly losses before dust control.
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predictors of onset of wheezing in Grain Elevator workers
Canadian Respiratory Journal, 1998Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:A longitudinal study of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 12-year period was conducted. Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests were collected once every three years as part of the Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program started by Labour Canada in 1978; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Of workers who had two or more observations, 1848 subjects (67.2%) were free of respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough or sputum) at the baseline (cycle II). Predictors of first episode of wheezing were examined in these symptoms-free Grain workers. Baseline mean age ± SD of the Grain workers was 34.0±11.4 years and mean duration of work in the industry was 9.9±8.7 years. Of the 1848 symptoms-free Grain workers at cycle II, 203 (11.0%) subsequently reported wheezing during the study. Cox's proportional hazards model for analysis of survival data was used to determine significant predictors of first episode of wheezing. Significant predictors for first episode of wheezing were current smoking (relative risk [RR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.33; P<0.0001) and baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity ratio [RR 0.02; 95% CI 0.003 to 0.20; P<0.0001). Baseline pulmonary function measurements and smoking habits appear to be important predictors of future development of asthma-like symptoms in Grain Elevator workers.
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Predictors of onset of wheezing in Grain Elevator workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 1998Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:A longitudinal study of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 12-year period was conducted. Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests were collected once every three years as part of the Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program started by Labour Canada in 1978; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Of workers who had two or more observations, 1848 subjects (67.2%) were free of respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough or sputum) at the baseline (cycle II). Predictors of first episode of wheezing were examined in these symptoms-free Grain workers. Baseline mean age ± SD of the Grain workers was 34.0±11.4 years and mean duration of work in the industry was 9.9±8.7 years. Of the 1848 symptoms-free Grain workers at cycle II, 203 (11.0%) subsequently reported wheezing during the study. Cox's proportional hazards model for analysis of survival data was used to determine significant predictors of first episode of wheezing. Significant predictors for first episode of wheezing were current smoking (relative risk [RR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.33; P
Punam Pahwa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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longitudinal changes in prevalence of respiratory symptoms among canadian Grain Elevator workers
Chest, 2006Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:Objectives To determine longitudinal changes in the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among Canadian Grain workers. Design Data on respiratory symptoms, smoking status, and pulmonary function were obtained approximately every 3 years (termed cycle) over 15 years beginning in 1978 from five regions of Canada. Participants The number of Grain workers participating in each cycle were as follows: cycle 1 (n = 5,702); cycle 2 (n = 5,491); cycle 3 (n = 3,713); cycle 4 (n = 2,847); and cycle 5 (n = 3,079). Results A procedure based on generalized estimating equations (PROC GENMOD; SAS Institute; Cary, NC) was used to fit marginal models to determine risk factors influencing the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, sputum, and cough). The prevalence (predicted probability based on the final model) of chronic respiratory symptoms had an increasing trend with increasing number of years in the Grain industry from cycle 1 to cycle 3 (before dust control) for all three smoking categories (current smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers). For cycle 4 and cycle 5 (after dust control), there was a reduction in the prevalence of these respiratory symptoms. For example, in cycle 1, the prevalence of chronic wheeze among current smoking Grain workers increased from 12% (for those in the industry for 35 years); in cycle 5, the prevalence of chronic wheeze among current smoking Grain workers increased from 9% (for those in the industry for 35 years). Similar trends were observed for ex-smokers and nonsmokers and for other chronic respiratory symptoms. Conclusions Our results indicate that Grain dust control was effective in reducing the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among Grain workers in all smoking and exposure categories.
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Longitudinal decline in lung function measurements among Saskatchewan Grain workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 2003Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the long term effects of Grain dust and decline in lung function among Grain Elevator workers in Saskatchewan, studied over a 15-year period.
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Longitudinal decline in lung function measurements among Saskatchewan Grain workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 2003Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:To evaluate the relationship between the long term effects of Grain dust and decline in lung function among Grain Elevator workers in Saskatchewan, studied over a 15-year period. The Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program was started by Labour Canada in 1978 and longitudinally studied the respiratory health of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 15-year period (1978 to 1993). Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC]) were collected once every three years; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Data from Saskatchewan were analyzed for this report. A transitional model using the generalized estimating equations approach was fitted using a SAS macro to predict the annual decline in FEV1 and FVC. Previous lung function, as one of the covariates in the transitional model, played an important role. Significant predictors of FEV1 were previous FEV1, base height, weight, years in the Grain industry, current smoking status, cycle II, cycle III and cycle V. Significant predictors of FVC were previous FVC, base height, weight, years in the Grain industry, cycle II, cycle III and cycle IV. The estimated annual decline in FEV1 and FVC increased according to length of time in the Grain industry among nonsmoking, ex-smoking and smoking Grain Elevator workers. Lung function values improved after dust control, and yearly declines in FEV1 and FVC after dust control were smaller compared with yearly losses before dust control.
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predictors of onset of wheezing in Grain Elevator workers
Canadian Respiratory Journal, 1998Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:A longitudinal study of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 12-year period was conducted. Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests were collected once every three years as part of the Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program started by Labour Canada in 1978; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Of workers who had two or more observations, 1848 subjects (67.2%) were free of respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough or sputum) at the baseline (cycle II). Predictors of first episode of wheezing were examined in these symptoms-free Grain workers. Baseline mean age ± SD of the Grain workers was 34.0±11.4 years and mean duration of work in the industry was 9.9±8.7 years. Of the 1848 symptoms-free Grain workers at cycle II, 203 (11.0%) subsequently reported wheezing during the study. Cox's proportional hazards model for analysis of survival data was used to determine significant predictors of first episode of wheezing. Significant predictors for first episode of wheezing were current smoking (relative risk [RR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.33; P<0.0001) and baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity ratio [RR 0.02; 95% CI 0.003 to 0.20; P<0.0001). Baseline pulmonary function measurements and smoking habits appear to be important predictors of future development of asthma-like symptoms in Grain Elevator workers.
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Predictors of onset of wheezing in Grain Elevator workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 1998Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:A longitudinal study of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 12-year period was conducted. Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests were collected once every three years as part of the Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program started by Labour Canada in 1978; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Of workers who had two or more observations, 1848 subjects (67.2%) were free of respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough or sputum) at the baseline (cycle II). Predictors of first episode of wheezing were examined in these symptoms-free Grain workers. Baseline mean age ± SD of the Grain workers was 34.0±11.4 years and mean duration of work in the industry was 9.9±8.7 years. Of the 1848 symptoms-free Grain workers at cycle II, 203 (11.0%) subsequently reported wheezing during the study. Cox's proportional hazards model for analysis of survival data was used to determine significant predictors of first episode of wheezing. Significant predictors for first episode of wheezing were current smoking (relative risk [RR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.33; P
Helen H Mcduffie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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longitudinal changes in prevalence of respiratory symptoms among canadian Grain Elevator workers
Chest, 2006Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:Objectives To determine longitudinal changes in the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among Canadian Grain workers. Design Data on respiratory symptoms, smoking status, and pulmonary function were obtained approximately every 3 years (termed cycle) over 15 years beginning in 1978 from five regions of Canada. Participants The number of Grain workers participating in each cycle were as follows: cycle 1 (n = 5,702); cycle 2 (n = 5,491); cycle 3 (n = 3,713); cycle 4 (n = 2,847); and cycle 5 (n = 3,079). Results A procedure based on generalized estimating equations (PROC GENMOD; SAS Institute; Cary, NC) was used to fit marginal models to determine risk factors influencing the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, sputum, and cough). The prevalence (predicted probability based on the final model) of chronic respiratory symptoms had an increasing trend with increasing number of years in the Grain industry from cycle 1 to cycle 3 (before dust control) for all three smoking categories (current smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers). For cycle 4 and cycle 5 (after dust control), there was a reduction in the prevalence of these respiratory symptoms. For example, in cycle 1, the prevalence of chronic wheeze among current smoking Grain workers increased from 12% (for those in the industry for 35 years); in cycle 5, the prevalence of chronic wheeze among current smoking Grain workers increased from 9% (for those in the industry for 35 years). Similar trends were observed for ex-smokers and nonsmokers and for other chronic respiratory symptoms. Conclusions Our results indicate that Grain dust control was effective in reducing the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among Grain workers in all smoking and exposure categories.
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Longitudinal decline in lung function measurements among Saskatchewan Grain workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 2003Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the long term effects of Grain dust and decline in lung function among Grain Elevator workers in Saskatchewan, studied over a 15-year period.
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Longitudinal decline in lung function measurements among Saskatchewan Grain workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 2003Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:To evaluate the relationship between the long term effects of Grain dust and decline in lung function among Grain Elevator workers in Saskatchewan, studied over a 15-year period. The Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program was started by Labour Canada in 1978 and longitudinally studied the respiratory health of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 15-year period (1978 to 1993). Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC]) were collected once every three years; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Data from Saskatchewan were analyzed for this report. A transitional model using the generalized estimating equations approach was fitted using a SAS macro to predict the annual decline in FEV1 and FVC. Previous lung function, as one of the covariates in the transitional model, played an important role. Significant predictors of FEV1 were previous FEV1, base height, weight, years in the Grain industry, current smoking status, cycle II, cycle III and cycle V. Significant predictors of FVC were previous FVC, base height, weight, years in the Grain industry, cycle II, cycle III and cycle IV. The estimated annual decline in FEV1 and FVC increased according to length of time in the Grain industry among nonsmoking, ex-smoking and smoking Grain Elevator workers. Lung function values improved after dust control, and yearly declines in FEV1 and FVC after dust control were smaller compared with yearly losses before dust control.
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predictors of onset of wheezing in Grain Elevator workers
Canadian Respiratory Journal, 1998Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:A longitudinal study of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 12-year period was conducted. Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests were collected once every three years as part of the Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program started by Labour Canada in 1978; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Of workers who had two or more observations, 1848 subjects (67.2%) were free of respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough or sputum) at the baseline (cycle II). Predictors of first episode of wheezing were examined in these symptoms-free Grain workers. Baseline mean age ± SD of the Grain workers was 34.0±11.4 years and mean duration of work in the industry was 9.9±8.7 years. Of the 1848 symptoms-free Grain workers at cycle II, 203 (11.0%) subsequently reported wheezing during the study. Cox's proportional hazards model for analysis of survival data was used to determine significant predictors of first episode of wheezing. Significant predictors for first episode of wheezing were current smoking (relative risk [RR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.33; P<0.0001) and baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity ratio [RR 0.02; 95% CI 0.003 to 0.20; P<0.0001). Baseline pulmonary function measurements and smoking habits appear to be important predictors of future development of asthma-like symptoms in Grain Elevator workers.
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Predictors of onset of wheezing in Grain Elevator workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 1998Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:A longitudinal study of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 12-year period was conducted. Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests were collected once every three years as part of the Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program started by Labour Canada in 1978; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Of workers who had two or more observations, 1848 subjects (67.2%) were free of respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough or sputum) at the baseline (cycle II). Predictors of first episode of wheezing were examined in these symptoms-free Grain workers. Baseline mean age ± SD of the Grain workers was 34.0±11.4 years and mean duration of work in the industry was 9.9±8.7 years. Of the 1848 symptoms-free Grain workers at cycle II, 203 (11.0%) subsequently reported wheezing during the study. Cox's proportional hazards model for analysis of survival data was used to determine significant predictors of first episode of wheezing. Significant predictors for first episode of wheezing were current smoking (relative risk [RR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.33; P
Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Longitudinal decline in lung function measurements among Saskatchewan Grain workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 2003Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the long term effects of Grain dust and decline in lung function among Grain Elevator workers in Saskatchewan, studied over a 15-year period.
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Longitudinal decline in lung function measurements among Saskatchewan Grain workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 2003Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:To evaluate the relationship between the long term effects of Grain dust and decline in lung function among Grain Elevator workers in Saskatchewan, studied over a 15-year period. The Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program was started by Labour Canada in 1978 and longitudinally studied the respiratory health of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 15-year period (1978 to 1993). Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC]) were collected once every three years; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Data from Saskatchewan were analyzed for this report. A transitional model using the generalized estimating equations approach was fitted using a SAS macro to predict the annual decline in FEV1 and FVC. Previous lung function, as one of the covariates in the transitional model, played an important role. Significant predictors of FEV1 were previous FEV1, base height, weight, years in the Grain industry, current smoking status, cycle II, cycle III and cycle V. Significant predictors of FVC were previous FVC, base height, weight, years in the Grain industry, cycle II, cycle III and cycle IV. The estimated annual decline in FEV1 and FVC increased according to length of time in the Grain industry among nonsmoking, ex-smoking and smoking Grain Elevator workers. Lung function values improved after dust control, and yearly declines in FEV1 and FVC after dust control were smaller compared with yearly losses before dust control.
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predictors of onset of wheezing in Grain Elevator workers
Canadian Respiratory Journal, 1998Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:A longitudinal study of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 12-year period was conducted. Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests were collected once every three years as part of the Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program started by Labour Canada in 1978; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Of workers who had two or more observations, 1848 subjects (67.2%) were free of respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough or sputum) at the baseline (cycle II). Predictors of first episode of wheezing were examined in these symptoms-free Grain workers. Baseline mean age ± SD of the Grain workers was 34.0±11.4 years and mean duration of work in the industry was 9.9±8.7 years. Of the 1848 symptoms-free Grain workers at cycle II, 203 (11.0%) subsequently reported wheezing during the study. Cox's proportional hazards model for analysis of survival data was used to determine significant predictors of first episode of wheezing. Significant predictors for first episode of wheezing were current smoking (relative risk [RR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.33; P<0.0001) and baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity ratio [RR 0.02; 95% CI 0.003 to 0.20; P<0.0001). Baseline pulmonary function measurements and smoking habits appear to be important predictors of future development of asthma-like symptoms in Grain Elevator workers.
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Predictors of onset of wheezing in Grain Elevator workers
Canadian respiratory journal, 1998Co-Authors: Punam Pahwa, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Helen H Mcduffie, J. A. DosmanAbstract:A longitudinal study of Canadian Grain Elevator workers over a 12-year period was conducted. Data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests were collected once every three years as part of the Grain Dust Medical Surveillance Program started by Labour Canada in 1978; each three-year interval was called a 'cycle'. Of workers who had two or more observations, 1848 subjects (67.2%) were free of respiratory symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough or sputum) at the baseline (cycle II). Predictors of first episode of wheezing were examined in these symptoms-free Grain workers. Baseline mean age ± SD of the Grain workers was 34.0±11.4 years and mean duration of work in the industry was 9.9±8.7 years. Of the 1848 symptoms-free Grain workers at cycle II, 203 (11.0%) subsequently reported wheezing during the study. Cox's proportional hazards model for analysis of survival data was used to determine significant predictors of first episode of wheezing. Significant predictors for first episode of wheezing were current smoking (relative risk [RR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.33; P
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Persistent wheeze in Grain Elevator workers should not be ignored
American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 1996Co-Authors: Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Punam Pahwa, Helen H Mcduffie, Peizhong Peter Wang, J. A. DosmanAbstract:We investigated the relationship between annual change in pulmonary function and changes in respiratory symptoms among male Grain Elevator workers who participated in a health surveillance program mandated by Labour Canada. The surveillance was conducted every 3 yr starting from the period 1978 to 1981. The 1,211 workers who participated in the second (1981 to 1984) and fifth (1990 to 1993) surveillance were included in the analysis and the mean duration of the follow-up was 8.6 yr. In the analysis we also included the pulmonary function measurements that were available for some subjects at the third and fourth surveillance. The subjects who reported persistent wheeze had the largest mean annual rate change in FEV1 (-44.4 ml/yr) and FVC (-55.3 ml/yr). When adjusted for age, height, weight change, smoking, baseline lung function, location of Grain Elevators, and duration of employment, the subjects with persistent wheeze had an annual rate change of -28.3 ml/yr (SE 10.5; p = 0.007) in FEV1 and -37.3 ml/yr (SE = 12.3; p = 0.003) in FVC in comparison to subjects without any respiratory symptoms. The subjects who reported new onset of wheeze had significantly greater annual rate changes only in FEV1 (-13.7 ml/yr; SE 6.0; p = 0.02) in comparison to asymptomatic subjects' symptoms. Persistent wheeze is an important predictor of decline in lung function among Grain Elevator workers and should not be ignored in surveillance programs or clinical evaluations.
Susan M. Kennedy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Respiratory health among retired Grain Elevator workers.
American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 1994Co-Authors: Susan M. Kennedy, Helen Dimich-ward, Alain Desjardins, Anisa Kassam, Sverre Vedal, Moira Chan-yeungAbstract:Previous studies of Grain Elevator workers have shown exposure-related increased rates for respiratory symptoms and reduced levels of lung function compared with those of other employed populations. However, some reports have suggested that this effect may be reversible after cessation of exposure. To investigate this, we conducted a respiratory health survey among 75 retired Grain Elevator workers and 37 retired civic workers. Methods included a standard respiratory questionnaire, routine spirometry, chest radiography, a 6-min walk test, and a specialized questionnaire to assess the impact of breathing trouble on the activities of daily life. Grain retirees were slightly older than civic retirees (69 versus 67 yr, p < 0.05) and less likely to be atopic (7 versus 35%, p < 0.01). Grain Elevator retirees reported more dyspnea (44 versus 11%, p < 0.01) and had significantly lower levels for both FEV1 (78.6 versus 88.2% pred) and FVC (90.0 versus 97.7% pred) (both p < 0.05). Compared with civic retirees, grai...
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Five Cross-sectional Studies of Grain Elevator Workers
American journal of epidemiology, 1992Co-Authors: Moira Chan-yeung, Helen Dimich-ward, Donald A. Enarson, Susan M. KennedyAbstract:Five cross-sectional studies were conducted on Grain workers in all the terminal Elevators in British Columbia, Canada, at 3-year intervals from 1976 to 1988. Civic workers were studied in the same manner as a referent group. The studies consisted of questionnaires, spirometry using the same spirometers, allergy skin tests, and measurement of dust concentration by personal sampling. Although the dust concentration in the Elevators was reduced progressively over the years, Grain workers had more respiratory symptoms and lower lung function compared with the civic workers in each of the five cross-sectional studies. Exposure to Grain dust was associated with significant reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) but not in maximal midexpiratory flow rate or FEV1/FVC, suggesting reduction in volume which may be due to lesions in the lung parenchyma or in the small airways. Cigarette smoking was associated with significant reduction in FEV1, maximal midexpiratory flow rate, and FEV1/FVC due to airflow obstruction, but had no influence on FVC. Workers who took part in all five surveys tended to be a "healthier" selected group, but the Grain workers still had lower lung function compared with the civic workers. This study confirmed previous findings that Grain dust has adverse effects on the lungs. Cross-sectional study of the Grain Elevator workers proved to be a consistent and useful method to evaluate occupational health hazards.
