Analysis of obstruction of lung function in workers exposed to organic solvents at shoe factory

Abstract

Shoe factory workers are exposed to many kinds of occupational hazards, including organic solvents. Exposure to organic solvent is reported to have adverse pulmonary effects and increases the risk of obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases. This study aimed at investigating the associations between organic solvent exposure, risk factors, and clinical symptoms of pulmonary function impairment among shoe factory workers. This crosssectional study examined 134 shoe factory workers from two production areas, cementing and (n = 67) and stock fitting (n = 67). All the workers underwent pulmonary function testing, including the measurements of FVC and FEV1/FVC values using a spirometer. The workers were also interviewed about their clinical symptoms and histories related to health and work. Of all the subjects, 17% (23 of 134) suffered from restrictive diseases. Risk factors such as age, work duration, and total cumulative exposure contribute to the symptoms. However, exposure to organic solvent did not significantly cause lung function disorders.