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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