The Health of Workers in Cement Factory: Evaluation of Lung Function
- Author:
Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim
1
;
Ayman Fathi Ramadhan
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Cement, Dust exposure, Chronic respiratory problems, Spirometry, Mosul
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.1):195-199
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: Introduction: Very few follow-up studies have investigated the respiratory function of cement employees. This research’s key objectives were to calculate overall dust exposure, evaluate chronic respiratory problems, and determine lung function status in cement factory workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the Cement Factory - City of Mosul. 100 cement production employees participated in this study who is exposed directly to the dust. Another 100 employees were chosen from the departments where the workers are not exposed to dust. The “Medical Research Council Questionnaire (MRCQ)” that recommended for use in epidemiological and occupational respiratory surveys was used. Lung function tests were performed using a Cosmed Pony FX spirometer. At the end of the day’s shift, acute respiratory symptoms were scored on a five-point Likert scale (1-5) using a modified questionnaire for respiratory symptoms. Different lung function was tested. Results: The mean age of the workers was 36.4 years (range 28-61), all of them were male. Cement overall dust ranged from (1.1 to 11.6 mg/m3 ) at the workplace. The (TLC) for 10 mg/m3 was exceeded in just one of the tests. For the exposed group, “the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out in the first 1 second, after full inspiration” FEV1 is (72.20 ± 11.35), the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out after full inspiration, measured in liters (FVC%) is (70.40 ± 12.27). Conclusion: Preventive measures are needed to reduce exposure to dust. Chronic respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function have been associated with high exposure to cement dust.
- Full text:11.2022my1199.pdf
