Serial nasal peak expiratory flow measurements in woodwork teachers

Abstract

Serial nasal peak expiratory flow rate (PEFRN) recordings and symptom ratings were used on 39 woodwork teachers exposed mainly to wood dust and on 31 control subjects (other school personnel) during a working week. The objective was to study whether the peak flow method is useful for the assessment of work-related nasal obstructive symptoms. By comparison with the controls, the woodwork teachers reported a higher level of nasal blockage, with a pattern of gradual increase during the working week, over which period the PEFRN deteriorated gradually. The method is considered useful for detecting work-related nasal obstruction in groups with exposure to airborne irritants and can be recommended for such purposes. But because of the great variability of peak flow values, many measurements on a great number of individuals must be performed.