Pulmonary Function Impairment in Female Workers Exposed to Environments with Varied Ambient Air Pollution in the Central Business Area of Lusaka-Zambia

Abstract

Aims: To determine the lung function of cleaners exposed to particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 micrometer (PM 2.5) in the streets and offices in Lusaka, Zambia. Study Design: This was a cross sectional study between two groups. Place and Duration of Study: Lusaka city, central business area, between June and August 2014. Methodology: The study included women between 18-50 years of age who had been working as street or office cleaners for 6 months or more. Males and individuals in both groups who used to smoke or were currently smokers, as well as those with a history of respiratory related illnesses or had cardiopulmonary conditions were excluded from the study. The cleaners were interviewed to get information on socio-demographic characteristics and other information using a structured interview schedule. The participants' lung volumes, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1), 2 forced vital capacity (FVC) and their ratio (FEV 1 /FVC) were measured using a MRI spirobank G spirometer. On the day of the interview, PM 2.5 in their work environment was sampled using a personal aerosol monitor (SIDEPAK AM510). Results: Out of the 90 participants, 45 were street sweepers and 45 were office cleaners. More street sweepers had impaired lung function (FEV1/FVC) 15(75%) than office cleaners 5(25%) p=0.01. FEV 1 was also significantly different among street sweepers 12(70.6%) and office cleaners 5(29.4%) p=0.05. PM 2.5 measurements revealed significantly high levels of exposure among street sweepers (p=0.001). Participants with impaired lung function (p=.005) and those with reduced FEV 1 percent predicted were exposed to significantly high concentrations of PM 2.5 (p=0.012). Conclusion: Exposure to high PM 2.5 concentration is associated with pulmonary function impairment and reduced FEV 1 % predicted among cleaners. DEFINITIONS Ambient Air: refers to the air in the surrounding environment. Particulate Pollution: Tiny solid and liquid droplets suspended in the air that when inhaled can cause damage to the lungs. Fine Particulate matter: is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. Fine particulate matter is 2.5 micrometres in diameter. Spirometry: The measurement of how quickly air can be expelled from the Lungs. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second: The volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled from the lungs in the first second of forced expiration. Forced Vital Capacity: The total volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after taking the deepest breath possible. Lung Function status: refers to how well air flows in and out of the lungs or an FEV 1 /FVC ratio of greater than 70%, FEV 1 % predicted greater than 80% in women, or FVC% predicted greater than 80%. Impaired Lung Function Status: when an individual has an FEV 1 /FVC ratio of less than 70% or the loss or distortion or weakening of lung tissue leading to difficulty in air flowing out of the lungs. Personal Protective Equipment: This is the protective clothing, facemasks, respirators, goggles, or other garment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury by blunt impacts, electrical hazards, heat, chemicals, and infection, for job-related occupational safety and health purposes. Exposure: The act of subjecting or an instance of being subjected to an action or an influence, (fine particulate air Pollution).