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. 1981 Oct;41:167–169. doi: 10.1289/ehp.8141167

Review of pulmonary effects of poly(vinyl chloride) and vinyl chloride exposure.

R Lilis
PMCID: PMC1568872  PMID: 7333234

Abstract

The contributions of several recent reports to the definition of pulmonary effects of PVC dust inhalation are reviewed. Granulomatous reaction, with inclusion of PVC particles in macrophages and histocytes, and associated interstitial pulmonary fibrosis have been found to lead to exertional dyspnoea, diffuse micronodular chest radiographic opacities and restrictive pulmonary dysfunction. The effects of vinyl chloride (VC) monomer (gas) on proteins and the immunologic mechanisms triggered by the altered protein are possible mechanisms for the development in some cases of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis secondary to VC exposure. Vinyl chloride, a confirmed carcinogen, has been associated with, among other malignant tumors, a significant increase in the incidence of lung cancer. The magnitude of this effect has not yet been completely evaluated.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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