Evaluation of Methods to Determine Excessive Decline of Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second in Workers Exposed to Diacetyl-Containing Flavorings

Objective: To evaluate methods for determining excessive short-term decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in diacetyl-exposed workers. Methods: We evaluated five methods of determining excessive longitudinal FEV1 decline in diacetyl-exposed workers and workers from a comparative cohort: American Thoracic Society (ATS), ACOEM an 8% limit, and a relative and absolute longitudinal limit on the basis of spirometry data...