Duration-Dependant Effect of Exposure to Rubber Dust Particles on Lung Functional Status among Rubber Factory Workers

Abstract

Rubber dust particles affect the respiratory system by directly entering into the respiratory tract while breathing. We analysed the effect and the impact of duration of exposure to these dust particles on the lung volumes by pulmonary function test (PFT) in 4 groups of 60 male employees in a rubber factory. Group 1 – Controls. .Group 2, 3 and 4 -test groups with 1-3years, 4-7 years and 8-11years exposure to rubber dust particles. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second, (FEV1), FEV as a percentage of FVC (FEV1/FVC), forced expiratory flow 25-75% (FEF 25-75%), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and maximum ventilatory volume (MVV) were assessed. The mean values of these variables (except for FVC) showed significant decline in Group 2, 3 and 4 (p < 0.000) compared to that of Group 1 and the decline was the maximum in Group 4 showing that lung function is affected by the rubber dust particles and the severity of the effect is duration-dependent, less in short time-exposure and more in long time-exposure. Knowing this fact may create awareness among the employers and the employees of rubber factories to plan for preventive measures.