Occupational exposure to inhalable agents is associated with reduced work ability: A prospective cohort study in Norway

Geir Klepaker; Kjell Torén; Paul Keefer Henneberger; Johny Kongerud; Anne Kristin Møller Fell

doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000003292

Occupational exposure to inhalable agents is associated with reduced work ability: A prospective cohort study in Norway

J Occup Environ Med. 2024 Nov 29. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003292. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Geir Klepaker¹, Kjell Torén², Paul Keefer Henneberger³, Johny Kongerud⁴, Anne Kristin Møller Fell

Affiliations

¹ Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Telemark Hospital, Skien, Norway.
² Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine/Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
³ Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States.
⁴ Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.

PMID: 39639503
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003292

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess work ability score (WAS) in 2018 based on self-reported data regarding inhalable occupational exposure and data from a northern European job-exposure matrix (N-JEM) recorded in 2013.

Methods: During the 5-year follow-up period of this population-based study, 4423 participants completed a postal questionnaire comprising self-reported questions regarding occupational exposure, work history, and WAS.

Results: Ever, weekly, and daily exposure to vapors, gas, dust and fumes (VGDF) in the last 5 years in 2013 was associated with reduced WAS in 2018. The N-JEM data showed that exposure to irritants, wood and paper dust, and mixed agricultural agents were associated with reduced WAS.

Conclusions: Exposure to several occupational inhalable substances is associated with reduced work ability. We recommend reducing inhalable occupational exposure to prevent reduced work ability.