UPPER AIRWAY SYMPTOMS AND FUNCTION IN WOOD SURFACE COATING INDUSTRY WORKERS

Respiratory and ocular effects from exposure to airborne contaminants in workers employed in the manufacture of wood products using ultraviolet radiation curing (UV) or acid curing (AC) of surface coating were investigated. Surface coating line or finishing workers exclusively employed in one or both processes were compared to a control group. Symptoms of exposure were investigated by questionnaire and medical examination. Nasal, pharyngeal, and ocular symptoms of discomfort, but not lower airway, were common among all exposed groups. These symptoms were most frequent in UV line workers and finishers of UV surface-coated wood products. Mucociliary clearance was significantly slower in UV line workers. Significantly higher olfaction thresholds were observed in UV line and AC line workers and finishers of UV/AC surface-coated wood products. Low levels of organic solvents and coating dusts (composed in part of wood dust, chemical composition unknown) were measured in the workers' breathing zones. Although remarkable improvements have been made in both AC and UV surface coating, additional control measures to eliminate airborne contaminants and improved work practices are required. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.