Cardiopulmonary Effects of Particulate Exposure

The aim of this study is to assess cardiac rate and respiratory responses and rhythm after workplace exposure to combustion particulates. A repeated measurement study is being performed on acute boilermakers (apprentices and journeymen). A stratified analysis is then done on those with and without chronic bronchitis, after adjustment for relevant covariates.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Respiratory Tract Diseases; Bronchitis; Cardiac Diseases

Detailed Description

Population-based epidemiologic studies of communities in the United States have revealed a consistent association between ambient particulate air pollution and increases in morbidity and mortality. The observed increases result from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Similar associations have been observed for rates of hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases for subjects over age 65. These ambient exposures are to low levels of particulates, many times lower than occupational exposures faced by workers in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, transportation and electric-power generation. The objective of this proposal is to investigate the role of occupational exposure to particulates in the development of respiratory and cardiac responses in boilermakers. We will employ a detailed, continuous-exposure assessment to PM2.5 with repeated measures of biologic and physiologic markers of response. Specific hypotheses to be tested will include: (1) occupational exposure to fuel-oil ash particulates induce airway inflammation as reflected in increased expired NO, and airflow obstruction as reflected in decreases in peak flow (PEFR) and FEV1; (2) particulate exposure will result in acute changes in cardiovascular function, as reflected in changes in heart rate, heart-rate variability and blood pressure; (3) particulate exposures result in increased serum fibrinogen levels, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease; and (4) chronic bronchitis predisposes particulate-exposed workers to changes in cardiac function. The results of this study will have important implications for preventive efforts aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality from occupational exposure to respirable particulates.

• Study Type: Observational

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Massachusetts
    • Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115
      • Harvard School of Public Health

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Adults; Over 18; Boilermakers

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: March 1, 1999
• Study Completion: February 1, 2002

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 15, 2001
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 16, 2001
• First Posted (Estimate): February 19, 2001

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): September 4, 2006
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 1, 2006
• Last Verified: September 1, 2006

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Inflammation; Air Pollution; Lung; Particulates; Cardiopulmonary Disease
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Cardiovascular Diseases; Infections; Respiratory Tract Infections; Lung Diseases; Bronchial Diseases; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Heart Diseases; Bronchitis; Respiratory Tract Diseases
• Other Study ID Numbers: 9860-CP-001