Table 4.

Health characteristics over time for Group 2 microwave popcorn production workers at a microwave popcorn plant in Missouri, 2000–2003

^aTotal number of survey participants in subgroup

^bThe questionnaire asked, “Do you usually have a cough?” (first survey and follow-up surveys).

^cThe questionnaire asked, “During the last 12 months, have you had any trouble with your breathing?” (first survey) and “Since the last time we saw you, have you had any trouble with your breathing?” (follow-up surveys).

^dThe questionnaire asked, “Are you troubled by shortness of breath when hurrying on level ground or walking up a slight hill?” (first survey and follow-up surveys).

^eThe questionnaire asked, “Is there an exposure in your work environment that you find irritating to your eyes, nose, or throat?” (first survey and follow-up surveys).

^fOne of 73 survey participants in the subgroup did not answer the question.

^gOne of 73 survey participants in the subgroup did not have at least two interpretable spirometry tests.

^hOnly 31 of 73 survey participants in the subgroup had at least three interpretable spirometry tests.

ⁱTwo of six survey participants in the subgroup did not have at least three interpretable spirometry tests.

FEV₁ = forced expiratory volume in one second

ml = milliliter

NA = not applicable