Table 7

Linear regression of factors modifying annual change in FVC and FEV1, analysis based on generalised estimating equation approach among 296 exposed and referent employees

Population subgroup and explanatory factorsFVC estimate (95% CI) (l/y)FEV1 estimate (95% CI) (l/y)
Total group (n=296):
Slope−0.0437-165(−0.030 to −0.056)−0.0437-165 (−0.031 to −0.056)
 Slope×sex0.0187-165 (0.008 to 0.029)0.0127-150 (0.001 to 0.022)
 Slope×race0.005 (−0.003 to 0.012)0.0087-160 (0.002 to 0.014)
 Slope×pack-years−0.00037-160 (−0.0001 to −0.0005)−0.00037-165 (−0.0001 to −0.0004)
 Slope×BMI−0.0377-165 (−0.019 to −0.054)−0.0247-160(−0.008 to −0.040)
 Slope×TDI dose−0.00001 (−0.00002 to 0.00001)0.00000 (−0.00001 to 0.00001)
Never cigarette smokers (n=101):
Slope−0.0317-160 (−0.008 to −0.055)−0.0287-150 (−0.006 to −0.051)
 Slope×sex0.0207-150 (0.003 to 0.037)0.011 (−0.005 to 0.028)
 Slope×race0.006 (−0.005 to 0.017)0.004 (−0.006 to 0.014)
 Slope×age−0.00127-165 (−0.0005 to −0.0019)−0.00117-165 (−0.0005 to −0.0018)
 Slope×BMI−0.0557-165 (−0.022 to −0.087)−0.030 (−0.063 to 0.003)
 Slope×TDI dose−0.00002 (−0.00004 to 0.00000)−0.00000 (−0.00003 to 0.00001)
  • 7-150 p<0.05;

  • 7-160 p<0.01;

  • 7-165 p<0.001.

  • Factor definitions: sex, woman=1 man=0; race, black=1 other=0; age=<40 at last examination; pack-years=number of cigarette pack-years at last examination; BMI=average annual gain in BMI (kg/m2) between first and last examination; TDI dose=cumulative TDI dose in ppb-months at last examination.