Lung function decline and blood lead among residents nearby to industrial complex

Purpose This study was to ascertain the risk factors of pulmonary function decline (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV 1 ], forced vital capacity [FVC]) among those exposed to lead in the vicinity of industrial complex. Methods In total, 263 men and women, aged over 30, were recruited from two cities during a 2-year follow-up. Spirometry testing was conducted first at baseline and then after 2-years of follow-up. The change in FVC and FEV 1 during the study period was analyzed according to blood lead (BPb), urinary cotinine, and 1-hydroxypyrene, after controlling for sex, height, baseline FVC or FEV 1 , and airway hyperresponsiveness. Results With increase in age, both FEV 1 and FVC declined. More marked decline in FVC was noted for men than for women ( p