Pulmonary Functions and Related Factors in Shipyard Workers.
- Author:
Mi Hee PARK
1
;
Chun Hui SUH
;
Chae Gwan LEE
;
Byung Chul SON
;
Dae Hwan KIM
;
Jeong Ho KIM
;
Jong Tae LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine & Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Inje University, Korea. dhjw92@naver.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Grinding;
Welding;
Pulmonary function test
- MeSH:
Cough;
Dust;
Dyspnea;
Forced Expiratory Volume;
Gases;
Respiratory Function Tests;
Respiratory Protective Devices;
Smoke;
Smoking;
Thorax;
Vital Capacity;
Welding
- From:Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2011;23(3):324-332
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors which affect pulmonary function in shipyard workers in order to build a body of basic information that can be used to prevent and manage pulmonary disorders in the future. METHODS: We studied the respiratory symptoms, smoking history, chest radiographies, and pulmonary functions of 793 workers associated with two shipyards from April 2009 to July 2009. The workers were subdivided into 3 groups by job type: welders, grinders, and machinist-managers. The data was analyzed according to job type and other possible impact factors. RESULTS: Significant differences among job type were seen with dyspnea and coughing during working hours and in the morning. In pulmonary functions, there were significant differences in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) (except FEV1/FVC%) among job types. Grinders especially showed significantly lower figures in the indices of FEV1, FVC, and MMEF. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary function was significantly lower in grinders. Grinders seem to be affected by exposure to a combination of dust particles (silica, lead, and manganese) and irritant gases in the workplace. These results suggested that workers and health officials should work together to adopt technical preventive measures, such as having well- ventilated work areas and appropriate respiratory protective devices.
