Healthwise Cross Sectional and Inception Cohort Studies

Chief Investigators

• Professor Malcolm Sim (Monash University)
• Professor Bill Musk (University of Western Australia)
• Associate Professor Lin Fritschi (University of Western Australia)
• Professor Nick de Klerk (University of Western Australia)

Cross-sectional Study of Respiratory Health

This study investigated the relationship between occupational exposures to several chemical substances and changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms. This survey took place in 1995/6 and all current employees working at that time were invited to take part. Almost 90% (5095 employees) of the eligible workforce were surveyed.

The main exposures of interest were bauxite, alumina, caustic, fluorides, PAHs, oil mist, SO2 and particulates. A task exposure matrix was developed using occupational hygiene data to examine any relationship between exposure to these substance and health outcomes.

Inception Cohort Study

This study investigated the incidence of respiratory symptoms and changes in lung function and bronchial reactivity over time in new employees, and examined the relationship between any abnormalities and occupational exposures. Commencing in July 1995, new employees at all sites were asked to participate in this study. This recruitment process ended in 1999 in Western Australia and at the end of 2004 in Victoria.

At each yearly interview, participants were asked questions about their health and had their lung function and bronchial reactivity tested. A total of 1007 employees were recruited during this study, 470 in Victoria and 537 in Western Australia.

The findings for the Victorian part of the study were communicated to Victorian Operations employees in late 2006. The findings for the WA part of the study will be available later in 2009, when they will be communicated to Alcoa management and employees.