Exposure to occupational dust and changes in pulmonary function among cobblestone paving workers of Jimma, Ethiopia

Abstract

The classic diseases of "dusty" occupations may be on decline, but they are not yet extinct. Studies have found associations between changes in ambient particulate air pollution and increased cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. A cross-sectional comparative study design was employed on 127 male nonsmoker cobblestone paving workers and 194 matched employed office workers as a reference in order to assess changes in pulmonary function related to dust exposure among cobblestone road paving workers of Jimma zone, Ethiopia. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and spirometric measurements after ethical clearance was obtained. Data was analyzed using unpaired t-tests to examine the differences between the groups. P-values equal or less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant; odds were calculated at a 95% confidence interval. Cobblestone road paving workers had significantly higher odds of respiratory symptoms, dry cough (p < 0.05), cough (p < 0.01) and sore throat (p< 0.001) compared to the reference. The FEV1 for workers exposed to cobblestone road paving workers ranged between 3.12-4.73 L, with a mean of 3.96 ± 0.6 L, significantly lower than the reference groups who had a range of 3.3-4.78 L and a mean of 4.01 ± 0.6 L (p < 0.05). The mean value of the ratio of FEV1/FVC was significantly decreased in the cobblestone road paving workers compared to the controls (87.2 (SD 4.3) v 89.5 (SD 5.4), p = 0.01). In conclusion, the study revealed clear evidence of the need for health education and for the promotion of activities directed towards mitigating respiratory hazards in order to foster a safe and healthy work environment.

Lung function and respiratory symptoms among mine workers in the Eastern part of Iran

“…This was consistent with findings by Isara et al [10] among workers exposed to quarry dust in Edo state, Nigeria and Draid et al on quarry industry workers in Libya [11]. The same results were obtained by similar studies [14][15][16]. The study indicated that the FVC and FEV1 values in the dust exposed groups were significantly reduced, and considering that there was no significant difference in the variables affecting the spirometry (gender, age, height, weight, work experience), this reduction could be attributed to the dust in the workplace.…”

Assessment of Respiratory Symptoms among Woodworkers in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia, A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

“…Despite there is no study conducted on the interested area in the setting and as well as in the country, there are different studies conducted among woodworkers to evaluate the magnitude of respiratory symptoms globally [3,5,8,[11][12][13][14]. Previous study conducted in the setting among woodworkers reported higher magnitude of respiratory disorders than the control group [37] and also study done among cobblestone road paving workers revealed the significant higher odds of respiratory symptoms, (dry cough (p < 0.05), cough (p < 0.01) and sore throat (p< 0.001)) compared to the reference group [38]. Study conducted among street sweepers in Addis Ababa showed the high prevalence respiratory symptoms [39].…”

Study of Lung Function Disorders of Headstone and Stone Mortar Crafters and Factors That Affect Them

“…This also workers in Myanmar revealed that these conditions have led to the occurrence of similar diseases (20). This study also found that workers in different workplace (cobblestone paving workers, kaolin, gold mine, quarry, stone cutting) were exposed to higher levels of dust (21,22) Furthermore, most of the affected headstone and stone mortar crafters in Allakuang Village worked in an arid locality, where the soil is prone to lifting due to the dry condition (23). Based on the field observation, the intensity of dust in these areas was significantly higher than in others, hence, they must be supported with objective measurement.…”