Respiratory symptoms and patterns of pulmonary dysfunction among roofing fiber cement workers in the south of thailand

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the associations between respiratory symptoms and patterns of pulmonary dysfunction of 115 male roofing cement workers compared with 134 unexposed subjects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Environmental samplings and spirometry measurements were also collected. Results: The exposed workers had higher respiratory dust exposure levels (0.65 mg/m3) compared with the unexposed groups (0.32 mg/m3). The exposed group had significantly higher prevalence than the unexposed group for shortness of breath (OR=2.19). The exposed group also had higher but insignificant prevalence of chronic cough (OR=1.34), chest tightness (OR=1.64), and wheezing (OR=1.89). The ventilatory respiratory function values (FEV1 and FVC) were slightly lower for the exposed group. Conclusion: An association between higher cement dust levels and a decline in ventilatory function among roofing fiber cement workers suggests that the respiratory health of roofing cement workers should be protected through policies or work standards.