Spirometry

WHAT IS PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING?

THE NEED FOR PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING

Inhalation of some dusts, gases, or other air contaminants in your workplace may harm your lungs. Spirometry testing may be performed on workers who are required to perform job tasks that are physically demanding, require wearing a respirator, or cause exposure to certain possible airborne hazards. Workers who show signs of breathing problems may also be tested.

For example, OSHA standards for asbestos, cadmium, coke oven emissions, and cotton dust require spirometry testing as part of medical surveillance. OSHA standards for formaldehyde and benzene require pulmonary function testing when respiratory protection is used at work. To determine if your workers need pulmonary function testing, please read Screening and Surveillance: A Guide to OSHA Standards.