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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-04-2020 | Original Article

Reactive hyperemia and baseline pulse amplitude among smelter workers exposed to fine and ultrafine particles

Authors: Merete Drevvatne Bugge, B. Ulvestad, B. Berlinger, L. Stockfelt, R. Olsen, D. G. Ellingsen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

Objective

Ambient exposure to fine particles is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Associations between occupational particulate matter (PM) exposure and cardiovascular disease have been studied less. The objective of this study was to examine associations between PM exposure and endothelial function among workers in Norwegian smelters.

Methods

We examined endothelial function with Endo-PAT equipment after a working day (WD) and on a day off (DO) in 59 furnace workers recruited from three metal smelters in Norway. The difference in baseline pulse amplitude (BPA) and reactive hyperemia index (RHI) between the 2 days was analysed in relation to individual exposure to PM < 250 nm (PM₂₅₀) or the respirable aerosol fraction of particles, and adjusted for relevant covariates.

Results

The exposure to PM₂₅₀ ranged from 0.004 to 5.7 mg/m³. The mean BPA was significantly higher on WD relative to DO (772 vs. 535, p = 0.001). This difference was associated with PM concentrations among participants ≥ 34 years, but not among the younger workers. Reactive hyperemia was significantly lower on workdays relative to days off (1.70 vs. 1.84, p = 0.05). This difference was observed only among participants above the age 34. No associations with PM exposure were observed.

Conclusions

PM exposure was associated with higher BPA among participants older than 34 years. BPA reflects microvessel pulsatility. Our results may indicate an age-dependent cardiovascular susceptibility to PM exposure. Endothelial function measured by RHI was reduced on WD among participants 34 years and older, but we found no associations between PM exposure and RHI.

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Title: Reactive hyperemia and baseline pulse amplitude among smelter workers exposed to fine and ultrafine particles
Authors: Merete Drevvatne Bugge
B. Ulvestad
B. Berlinger
L. Stockfelt
R. Olsen
D. G. Ellingsen
Publication date: 01-04-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-019-01491-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Reactive hyperemia and baseline pulse amplitude among smelter workers exposed to fine and ultrafine particles

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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