Comparative study of pulmonary impairment among diverse working groups in coal mine

Abstract

Aim:There are different categories of workers depending upon their involvement in mining operation who are exposed to different levels of dust and for different durations. The occurrence and degree pulmonary impairment may differ among different workers in the same mining environment. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the respiratory function parameters of actively engaged exposed mine workers to that of supportive workers with respect to their duration of work exposure. Methods: 207 workers from coal mine were divided into two groups as per job profile. Group 1 consisting of 115 workers engaged in active mining operations and Group 2 consisting of 92 workers not continuously exposed to mining operations during their working hours. The lung functions of the workers were assessed by using Spirometer. ANOVA and Independent "t" test were used p value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result: Lung parameters, i.e., forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and forced expiratory flow (25-75%) were significantly reduced among Group 1 workers except for peak expiratory flow rate which was non-significantly reduced. The differences among the parameters of lung function were statistically significant with exposure <30 years of work; however, the difference was insignificant >30 years of exposure. Conclusion: Pulmonary impairment is more evident in early years among the mine worker actively engaged in mining operations as compared to workers engaged in allied mining operation as the level of exposure to dust varies largely. However, after long-term exposure the impairment of allied workers is also in line with that of actively engaged mine workers. ARTICLE HISTORY

Literature Review: Health Impact of Coal Combustion Emissions in Power Plant on Adult Respiratory Systems

“…The study found that the control group's respiratory function was significantly better than that of the study group, although in the study group the mean number of years of smoking was shorter than in the control group (32). These results are consistent with recent epidemiological studies that study the relationship between decreased lung function status in workers on the effects of tobacco smoke and exposure to coal dust (73).…”

Factors Related to Cafe Worker’s Lung Capacity in Pontianak

“…There are addictive substances in cigarettes that can damage human respiratory organs, especially the lungs, which can cause damage to function and tissue structure in the lungs. 15 Secondhand smoke is smoke from active smokers inhaled unconsciously by passive smokers. 22 Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals in it.…”

“…14 Cigarette smoke exposure is a risk factor for decreased lung function status, causing health risks. 15 The effect of smoke exposure affects the functional lung capacity of workers. Finding cafes or restaurants indoors and outdoors in Pontianak City is not difficult; they are spread along the roads.…”

Literature Review: Coal Dust Exposure and Pulmonary Physiology Status

“…Smoking is one of the risk factors in decreasing lung function status cause of health risks and the emergence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (29). Smoking can also damage the alveoli in a person's lungs.…”

“…The combination of exposure to coal dust and smoking can worsen a person's lung condition. Several epidemiological studies studying the association of coal dust exposure with tobacco smoke's effect on workers' lung status have shown decreased lung function (29).…”