Respiratory symptoms, COPD, and work ability in workers exposed to phenolic resins

<bold>Objective:</bold> To evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and COPD, as well as the level of work ability index in workers exposed to phenolic resins. <bold>Methods:</bold> This cross-sectional study involved 45 male workers exposed to phenolic resins (mean age 48.2±7.5 years, mean exposure duration 21.3±8.6 years, 40% smokers). Additionally, 50 male office workers (mean age 46.2±8.2 years, mean job duration 20.7±9.2 years, 38% smokers) were examined as a control. Evaluation of examined subjects included completion of a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months, spirometry, job exposure matrices for evaluation of occupational exposure, and Work Ability Index (WAI). <bold>Results:</bold> Compared with office workers, exposed workers had more frequently cough (17.8% <italic>vs</italic>. 6%), phlegm (15.6% <italic>vs</italic>. 6%), and dyspnoea (13.3% <italic>vs</italic>. 6%) (<italic>p</italic><0.05). Spirometry showed significantly lower MEF75, MEF50, and MEF25 in exposed workers. COPD was significantly more frequent in exposed workers (13.3% <italic>vs</italic>. 6%, <italic>p</italic><0.05). Regular exposure to phenolic resins significantly increased COPD risk (OR=2, 95%CI 1.7-2.3). Mean WAI score was significantly lower in exposed workers (34.5±5.2) than in controls (44.9±6.5) (<italic>t</italic>=-7.9; <italic>p</italic><0.01). Mean WAI score was significantly lower in workers with COPD in both gropus. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Our data emphasize important role of occupational exposure to phenolic resins in the development of respiratory symptoms, COPD, and WAI decrease.