Lung Capacity and Respiratory Health in Rice Mill Workers

Abstract

Background: Rice mill workers are routinely exposed to grain dust, posing significant health risks, particularly in terms of respiratory health. This exposure has been linked to various pulmonary diseases, yet the extent of these risks within the rice milling industry remains insufficiently explored. Objective: This study aimed to assess the lung capacity and respiratory health among rice mill workers in Wazirabad, focusing on the relationship between dust exposure and respiratory impairments. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2023 among 345 workers from different rice mills in Wazirabad. Participants were selected using a non-probability convenient sampling technique, focusing on individuals aged 18-60 years, actively engaged in the mills for a minimum of four hours per day, with at least six months of employment. Exclusion criteria included workers with a history of heart failure, recent surgeries, diagnosed COPD, known allergies, and administrative staff. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were administered, measuring parameters such as FVC and FEV1. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: The study revealed that 49.6% of the participants reported the presence of respiratory symptoms, and 39.1% had a history of respiratory infections. Pulmonary function tests showed significant declines in lung parameters among exposed workers, with reductions noted in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and FEV1/FVC ratio. Implementation of dust control measures showed a notable decrease in dust concentration. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant correlation between dust exposure in rice mills and impaired lung function among workers. This underscores the need for improved dust control measures and regular health monitoring in rice milling environments to safeguard worker health.