Spirometric Abnormalities and Lung Function Decline in Current and Former Microwave Popcorn and Current Flavoring Manufacturing Workers

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare spirometry results in microwave popcorn and flavoring manufacturing workers. METHODS We used NIOSH data on current and former microwave popcorn workers (MPWs) and surveillance data on flavoring manufacturing workers (FMWs). RESULTS Former MPW had higher prevalence of mixed and high severity abnormalities, some had excessive lung function drops. Current MPW had lowest occurrence of excessive lung function drops. FMW with excessive drops and spirometric abnormalities at last test had developed a restrictive pattern. Spirometric abnormalities and excessive drops were associated with work-related factors. CONCLUSION There was evidence of a healthy worker survivor effect in MPW. Importantly, removal from exposure did not always stabilize lung function decline indicating a need for continued monitoring. The development of a restrictive pattern should raise the level of suspicion for possible work-related disease in flavoring-exposed workers.