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

• 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 2days was analysed in relation to individual exposure to PM < 250nm (PM250) or the respirable aerosol fraction of particles, and adjusted for relevant covariates. Results: The exposure to PM250 ranged from 0.004 to 5.7mg/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 ≥ 34years, 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 34years. 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 34years and older, but we found no associations between PM exposure and RHI. © 2019, The Author(s).

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Cardiovascular disease

CVD

Endo-PAT2000®

Endothelial function

Metal smelters

Ultrafine particles

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)