Respiratory findings among millwright and machinery erectors: Identification of health hazards from asbestos in place at work

Asbestos-associated diseases are prevalent in the construction trades primarily because of the previously widespread use of asbestos-containing insulation materials. Workers in metal-related trades, employed at construction sites and power facilities, but who do not routinely handle such materials as part of their work, may also be at risk for significant asbestos exposure. In order to evaluate such risk, a clinical field survey was conducted of 110 millwright and machinery erectors from the New York metropolitan area. A high prevalence of chest roentgenologic abnormalities was found. Forty-nine (44.5%) of the examined workers had pleural abnormalities consistent with asbestos-induced effects. Eighteen workers showed evidence of unilateral pleural thickening. Duration from onset of employment was significantly longer for those with pleural abnormalities (mean 32.3 years) as compared to those with normal chest radiographs (mean 18.5 years). Thirteen workers (11.8%) had radiographic signs of interstitial lung disease. The workers with pleural abnormalities had lower mean values of restrictive and obstructive lung function parameters than those with normal pleura. Multivariate and logistic regression analyses demonstrated association between duration of employment in the millwright trade and pleural abnormalities which was independent of smoking status. These findings suggest that millwright and machinery erectors employed in work environments where there is potential for primarily indirect exposure to airborne asbestos-containing dust are at risk for adverse effects from such exposure.