Irritative Complaints, Carboxyhemoglobin Increase and Minor Ventilatory Function Changes Due to Exposure to Chain-saw Exhaust

Complaints of irritation in the eyes, nose and throat as well as dyspnea during work prompted this study to determine whether chain-saw exhaust produces acute exposure effects in loggers. Interviews concerning respiratory symptoms and rating of complaints were conducted for 211 loggers at industrial health care centers. Measurements of carboxyhemoglobin, spirometry and exposure to hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and aldehydes were assessed for 23 loggers over 36 work periods lasting 2 h each. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis among the 211 loggers was 6%. Irritative complaints of eyes, nose and throat were common and significantly higher than in a reference group. The exposure levels were all below established threshold limit levels, except for carbon monoxide. There was a significant correlation between carbon monoxide exposure and blood carboxyhemoglobin levels. A small but significant decrease of FEV1% and FEF 25-75% during the work periods indicated minimal broncho-constriction, possibly mediated through a reflex mechanism due to irritation of upper airways.