Non‐malignant respiratory disease among workers in the rubber manufacturing industry: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Issue 5 (18th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thapa, Nirmala; Tomasi, Suzanne E.; Cox‐Ganser, Jean M.; Nett, Randall J.
• Is Part Of: American journal of industrial medicine. Volume 62:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 367
• Page End: 384
• Publication Date: 2019-02-18
• Subjects: chronic bronchitis -- chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases -- emphysema -- eosinophilia -- non‐malignant respiratory disease -- occupational asthma -- occupational lung disease -- rubber; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Médecine du travail -- Périodiques; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22959
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-3586

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Non‐malignant respiratory disease (NMRD) cases have occurred among rubber manufacturing workers. We examined exposure to rubber manufacturing emissions as a risk factor for NMRD. Methods: From a systematic literature review, we identified case reports and assessed cross‐sectional and mortality studies for strength of evidence of positive association (strong, intermediate, non‐significant positive association, none) between exposure to rubber manufacturing emissions and NMRD‐related morbidity and mortality, and conducted two meta‐analyses. Results: We analyzed 62 articles. We identified 11 cases of NMRD. Nine (30%) of 30 cross‐sectional studies and one (4%) of 26 mortality studies had strong evidence. The summary odds ratio and SMR for the cross‐sectional and mortality meta‐analyses were 3.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.28‐6.51) and 0.90 (95%CI, 0.82‐0.99), respectively. Conclusion: Available evidence supports rubber manufacturing emissions as a potential risk factor for NMRD‐related morbidity. Further investigations with longer follow‐up periods and inclusion of short‐tenured workers could further define risks for NMRD and identify prevention strategies.