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Consequences of cement dust exposure on pulmonary function in cement factory workers
Author(s) -
Shanshal Sadeel A.,
AlQazaz Harith K.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.23211
Subject(s) - medicine , vital capacity , pulmonary function testing , spirometer , spirometry , cement , inhalation , respiratory system , lung volumes , environmental health , lung function , lung , asthma , anesthesia , diffusing capacity , exhaled nitric oxide , archaeology , history
Background Several health conditions are associated with cement dust exposure; obstructive and restrictive lung disorders are the most common consequences. The aims of this study were to assess the pulmonary function of cement factory workers and to determine the distribution of respiratory consequences resulting from dust inhalation. Methods A cross‐sectional study with convenience sampling was undertaken from December 2019 to March 2020. A total of 97 (response rate, 92.4%) nonsmoking male cement workers were recruited and compared with 97 apparently healthy volunteers. A spirometer was used to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ), and their ratio (FEV 1 /FVC). The measured parameters were interpreted according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines. Results Significant reductions were observed in pulmonary function parameters of cement factory workers compared to controls (FVC 4.03 vs. 4.65 L in controls; FEV 1 3.06 vs. 3.95 L in controls; p < 0.001 for both comparisons). A significant variation was observed in the prevalence of spirometric patterns between the two participating groups. Ninety (92.8%) controls had normal respiratory function with no defects, compared with only 25 (25.8%) of the cement workers. Restriction was the most common respiratory problem, with a greater prevalence in the cement workers (44 [45.4%]) compared to six (6.2%) controls. Conclusions Cement factory workers showed decreased lung function and abnormal spirometric patterns which we attribute to dust inhalation. These workers should have periodic medical examinations and regular rotations through different factory departments to minimize the pulmonary hazards of cement dust.