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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/59377
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Lung function and health status in metropolitan fire-fighters compared to general population controls |
Author: | Schermer, T. Malbon, T. Morgan, M. Briggs, N. Holton, C. Appleton, S. Adams, R. Smith, M. Crockett, A. |
Citation: | International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2010; 83(7):715-723 |
Publisher: | Springer-Verlag |
Issue Date: | 2010 |
ISSN: | 0340-0131 1432-1246 |
Statement of Responsibility: | Tjard Schermer, Trish Malbon, Michael Morgan, Nancy Briggs, Christine Holton, Sarah Appleton, Robbert Adams, Michael Smith and Alan Crockett |
Abstract: | <h4>Purpose</h4>To assess health status of South Australian (SA) metropolitan fire-fighters in terms of lung function and health-related quality of life, compare these with general population controls, and explore associations between fire-fighters' self-reported occupational exposure and health status.<h4>Methods</h4>The study was a cross-sectional comparison of (respiratory) health indices between 501 fire-fighters and 1,324 general population controls taken from the North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS). All were men aged 21 to 61. Measurements included spirometry (i.e., forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC), mid-expiratory flow (FEF(25-75)) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health-related quality of life questionnaire.<h4>Results</h4>Health status in the fire-fighters was generally better than in NWAHS controls. Mean % predicted FEV(1) and FVC were 103.4% [SD 12.1] versus 89.5% [13.7] and 110.0% [11.6] versus 88.5% [12.5] (both p < 0.001 in linear regression analysis, adjusted for age, smoking, BMI, and FEV(1) % predicted). FEV(1)/FVC and FEF(25-75) were significantly lower in the fire-fighters (p < 0.003). A total of 93 (18.6%) fire-fighters and 82 (6.2%) controls had an FEV(1)/FVC < 70% (p < 0.001). The SF-36 Mental Health scale was the only scale on which fire-fighters had a lower mean score (p = 0.009), but none of the SF-36 scales showed clinically meaningful differences between the cohorts. Fire-fighters exposed > 6 h/week to dust, smoke, and fire showed lower FEV(1), FEV(1) % predicted, and FVC values compared to those who were less exposed (p < 0.05).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Male metropolitan fire-fighters showed better general health, better lung health, and similar mental health compared to general population controls. The high rate of fire-fighters with FEV(1)/FVC values below the recommended cut-point for airflow obstruction illustrates the inappropriateness of this clinical cut-point for use in populations preselected on their physical fitness. The observed dose-effect relationship between self-reported occupational exposure and fire-fighters' lung function warrants further investigation. |
Keywords: | Fire-fighters Occupational health Population health Respiratory system Lung function Exposure Tobacco smoking |
Rights: | © Springer-Verlag 2010 |
DOI: | 10.1007/s00420-010-0528-0 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0528-0 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest 5 General Practice publications |
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