Cumulative Effect of Quarry Dust on Respiratory Health of Stone Quarry Workers

Abstract

Objectives: Quarry is an unorganized sector that involves various processes that produce dust particles of silica and heavy metals. Inhalation of these dust particulates causes serious respirational difficulties. Irrespective of its ill effects, negligence of protection still persists due to mere ignorance of the workers that paves the way to debilitating effects on their respiratory health. Methods: This current study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the respiratory functions of actively exposed quarry workers and to regulate the associated risk factors with respect to time duration. Results: In Thiruvannamalai district, a comparative cross-sectional study that involves 75 quarry workers had been carried out. Residents of 45 non-exposed workers were recruited for the study, and pulmonary functional testing (PFT) and peak flow metre testing were conducted on the participants. Independent tests and Univariate correlation were performed for statistical analysis. Our finding suggested that the test subject showed a significant reduction in the PFT measures of forced vital capacity (FVC) (3.05 L vs. 3.59 L) (p = 0.001**), mean Forced expiratory volume (FEV) (2.30 L vs. 3.19 L) (p = 0.001**). Similarly, forced expiratory flow (FEF) 25-75% (3.12L and 4.15L), Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (59.15%) and Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) consecutively decreased in relation to the control subject with respect to duration of exposure which suggests a higher proportion of airflow obstruction. Conclusions: Early diagnosis with the help of a spirometer and early intervention can be of great importance to quarry workers as our study suggests that obstructive or restrictive lung diseases increased with continuous exposure to dust and duration of work in the quarry.