Abstract
Objective: To study the self-reported prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases among construction painters and estimate the potential risk for this group compared with a representative group of carpenters sharing the construction work environment but without significant exposure to paint. Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted on 1,000 male Finnish construction painters and 1,000 carpenters (mean response rate 60.5%). Symptoms and diseases of the respiratory tract were studied, by logistic regression modelling, in relation to occupation and duration of painting experience. Age, atopy and smoking habits were taken into account. Results: The painters reported more asthma-like, rhinitis, laryngeal and eye symptoms than the carpenters [odds ratio (OR) 1.4–1.8]. The difference in the prevalence of asthma between the occupations was not statistically significant, but the painters with 1–10 years of painting experience had a threefold risk of asthma compared with the carpenters. Chronic bronchitis was linked to painting occupation [OR 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–3.0] and to the duration of exposure; OR (CI) for over 30 years of painting was 2.2 (1.2–4.0). Occupation was not associated with allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis. Conclusions: The results indicate a higher risk for respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis among construction painters than among carpenters.
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Acknowledgements
This study was carried out at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) in co-operation with the Federation of Painting and Decoration Contractors, the Finnish Construction Trade Union and the Finnish Association of Paint Manufacturers. Financial support was received from the Finnish Work Environment Fund.
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Kaukiainen, A., Riala, R., Martikainen, R. et al. Respiratory symptoms and diseases among construction painters. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 78, 452–458 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-004-0600-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-004-0600-8