Lung function predicts mortality: 10-year follow-up after lung cancer screening among asbestos-exposed workers

To assess the predictive value of lung function impairment on mortality among asbestos-exposed workers. A total of 590 workers originally screened for occupational lung disease including spirometry and pulmonary diffusing capacity measurements were followed up for mortality data (ICD-10 classification). The mean follow-up time was 10.5 years. Associations of different lung function parameters with mortality from all causes and from cardiovascular (I00-I99) and non-malignant respiratory diseases (J00-J99) were analysed. Factor analysis was used to create obstructive and restrictive factors. A total of 191 deaths were found altogether. Most measured lung function variables were associated with increased mortality when studied separately. Both decreased forced expiratory flow in one second (hazard ratio/measurement unit = 0.977, 95 % CI 0.969–0.988, p