Table 4.
Decline in lung function from 1987 through 2004 among 68 welders and 24 non-welders stratified on smoking status at baseline. Crude and adjusted average difference (2004 minus 1987 values) and 95% confidence limits (CL).
| Measure of lung function | n | Baseline values | Average crude decline | Average adjusted1 decline | Difference in decline [welders – referents, (95% CL)] | |
| Smokers | ||||||
| Welders | FEV1, L | 32 | 4.26 L | 0.85 L | 0.856 L | 0.15 L (-0.15 to 0.45) |
| Non welders | FEV1, L | 122 | 4.39 L | 0.72 L | 0.704 L | Reference |
| Non-smokers | ||||||
| Welders | FEV1, L | 36 | 4.50 L | 0.56 L | 0.559 L | -0.05 L (-0.28 to 0.18) |
| Non welders | FEV1, L | 122 | 4.43 L | 0.61 L | 0.607 L | Reference |
1 Adjustment for baseline characteristics (age, height2, FEV1, alfa-1-antitrypsin), body weight measured at follow-up and cigarette pack years during the follow-up period (smokers only).
2 Eight non-welders with missing spirometric measurements