Pulmonary inflammatory markers in workers exposed to metal dusts and fumes in ferrochromium and stainless steel production.

OBJECTIVE: : Our aim was to determine the association between exposure to chromium compounds and the respiratory health of workers in ferrochromium and stainless steel production. METHODS: : The study included 333 workers occupationally exposed/non-exposed to chromium compounds. Respiratory health was assessed using a questionnaire and spirometry. Bronchial and alveolar nitric oxide (NO) production, inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate, and serum samples were analyzed. RESULTS: : There were no differences in symptoms or lung function between the study groups. Alveolar NO, 8-isprostane in exhaled breath and interleukin-8 in serum were higher in the study groups than in the controls. However, no consistent associations were found between inflammatory markers and exposure levels of air impurities. CONCLUSIONS: : Although the differences in some inflammatory markers were statistically significant, further research is needed to ascertain the clinical significance of the finding.