Short Communication
Fibrinogen Concentrations in Aluminium Smelter Workers
Results from the WOLF Study
Bengt Sjögrenl, Anders Knutsson2, Helena Bergström3, Evy Fellenius4, Bo Fernström3, Dan Isling3, and Monica Söderholm4
1 Work Environment Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
2 Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Umea University Hospital, Umea, Sweden
3 Kubikenborg Aluminium AB, Sundsvall, Sweden
4 Health and Development in the New Working Life, Swedish National Institute for Working Life, Stockholm, Sweden
Corresponding author: Bengt Sjögren
Work Environment Toxicology
Institute of Environmental Medicine
Karolinska Institutet
P.O.Box 210
SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 728 64 00
Fax number: +46 8 31 41 24
E-mail address: Bengt.Sjogren@niwl.se
or Bengt.Sjogren@imm.ki.se
CEJOEM 2002, Vol.8. No.1.:49–54
Key words:
Aluminium, fibrinogen, potroom, smelter workers
Abstract:
Increased level of plasma fibrinogen is an established risk factor for coronary heart disease
and has also been associated with stroke. Some previous studies observed increased incidences of
mortality due to these diseases among aluminium smelter workers. The purpose of this study was to
investigate whether aluminium smelter workers exposed to presumable high levels of air pollution
had higher concentration of plasma fibrinogen compared to those exposed to low levels. In an old
part (Part A) of the plant investigated, vertical Söderberg pots were used. Altogether 40 males
from two shifts were included in the study. Personal measurements of total dust were performed in
1995, four years prior to the measurements of plasma fibrinogen. The mean concentration of alI
measurements was 2.4 mg/m3 and the median 1.9 mg/m3. The second group
comprised 22 male shift workers working in an area with closed prebaked anodes (Part B). Here, the
mean concentration of alI measurements was 1.1 mg/m3 and the median 0.6 mg/m3.
A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed where all plasma levels of fibrinogen were
dichotomized at the median (2.43 g/L). Workers in part A were compared to workers in part B. These
groups did not differ statistically significant as the odds ratio was 3.19 with 95% confidence
interval of 0.91–11.1, after adjustment for age and smoking habits. In order to investigate the
relationship between aluminium potroom exposure and plasma levels of fibrinogen, larger
cross-sectional studies are needed.
Received: 18 April 2002
Accepted: 04 June 2002
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