Associations between housing conditions, smoking habits and ventilatory lung function in men with clean jobs
Rasmussen, F.V.; Borchsenius, L.; Winsløw, J.B.; Ostergaard, E.R.
Scandinavian Journal of Respiratory Diseases 59(5): 264-276
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-5572 PMID: 734386 Document Number: 132374
In 218 men, who had minimal occupational exposure to dusts, fumes, temperature variability or physical exercise, the relation between housing conditions throughout life and lung function was analyzed. The number of years spent in dwellings without central heating was significantly inversely associated with the level of FEV1 [forced expiratory volume in 1 s ] and MMEF [maximal mid-expiratory flow], and significantly directly associated with closing capacity in percent of total lung capacity, CC%. Significant dose-response relationships between smoking habits and FEV1, MMEF, CC% and slope of the alveolar plateau (phase III) were found, whereas closing volume was only correlated to age. The association between dwelling conditions and ventilatory capacity was independent of smoking habits. Tobacco smoking moderated the association in as much as it was strengthened after standardization for tobacco consumption. Poor dwelling conditions during childhood and adolescence are associated with development of peripheral airways disease and expiratory airflow obstruction at middle age. Comparisons of lung function between different occupational categories are incomplete and may be misleading if lifelong housing conditions or other factors reflecting socioeconomic status are not taken into consideration.