Mean (SE) lung function in 212 tunnel workers compared with 205 outdoor construction workers
| Tunnel workers (n = 212) | Construction workers (n = 205) | Difference between construction and tunnel workers3-151 | |
| FVC (% of predicted)3-150 | 103.7 (1.4) | 103.9 (1.4) | 0.2 (–2.9 to 3.3) |
| <10 years employed | 107.1 (1.8) | 101.9 (2.3) | –5.2 (–10.6 to 0.2) |
| 10–20 years employed | 104.0 (1.8) | 106.0 (1.8) | 2.0 (–2.4 to 6.3) |
| >20 years employed | 100.0 (2.8) | 104.0 (1.8) | 4.0 (–2.4 to 10.2) |
| FEV1 (% of predicted)3-150 | 95.5 (1.5) | 100.6 (1.5) | 5.1 (1.8 to 8.4) |
| <10 years employed | 101.6 (2.4) | 100.3 (2.4) | –1.3 (–7.1 to 4.5) |
| 10–20 years employed | 94.4 (1.9) | 101.6 (1.9) | 7.2 (2.5 to 11.9) |
| >20 years employed | 90.3 (3.0) | 99.8 (2.2) | 9.5 (2.7 to 16.2) |
| FEV1 %3-160 | 74.7 (0.8) | 79.6 (0.7) | 4.9 (3.2 to 6.5) |
| FEF25–75 (% predicted)3-160 | 79.9 (2.5) | 90.4 (2.4) | 10.5 (4.9 to 16.1) |
The means are adjusted for years in the same job (<10 years, 10–20 years, and >20 years), atopy (yes, no), and smoking (never, current/former).
FVC = forced vital capacity; FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in one second; FEV1 % = FEV1/FVC × 100; FEF25–75 = forced expired flow from 25% to 75% of FVC.
↵3-150 p<0.05 for interaction between occupational group and years employed;
↵3-160 p<0.001 for occupational group.
↵3-151 Mean (95% CI).