Lung Function Impairment in Construction Workers – Influence of Smoking and Exposure Duration

Abstract

AIM: The objective of the study was to assess the influence of exposure duration and smoking on ventilatory impairment among construction workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed, including 83 construction workers aged 18–64 years, compared to equivalent number of office controls matched by age, workplace exposure duration, and smoking status. Data on chronic respiratory symptoms, work history, and smoking status were collected by standardized questionnaire, while lung functional testing of the examined subjects was performed by spirometry. RESULTS: Mean values of spirometric parameters were lower in construction workers compared to controls with statistical significance registered for maximal expiratory flow (MEF25), MEF50, and MEF75. Lung functions of construction workers have been found to decrease in relation to exposure duration but reached significance only for small airways changes. There was a significant difference in detected ventilatory impairment between exposed workers and controls for any type of ventilatory impairment, as well as obstructive and combined ventilatory pattern and obstructive ventilatory pattern in small airways. Obstructive ventilatory impairment was significantly associated with life-time smoking in construction workers, while obstructive ventilatory pattern in small airways was significantly associated with life-time smoking. The combined effect of daily smoking, life-time smoking, and number of cigarettes smoked daily was shown to have a significant influence in their development. The risk for obstructive ventilatory pattern in small airways among exposed subjects was about 4 fold higher in those exposed more than 20 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.68 [1.01–14.59] confidence interval [CI] 95%), and about 2.5 fold higher in smokers (OR = 2.57 [0.92-7.25] CI 95%). Exposure duration, smoking and age had independent effect only on small airways changes and force expiratory volume in the 1st s/force vital capacity %. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest the importance of the joint effect of job exposure in construction and daily smoking on the development of lung function impairment and airflow limitation, being dominant, especially on small airways.

An analysis of pulmonary function tests in construction workers.

“…This finding is in consistent to that of [12] In the study pulmonary functions were decreased in construction workers but the changes were restricted to small airways. [11] A total of 11 construction workers had restrictive pulmonary impairment while obstructive type of pulmonary disorder was seen in 6 construction workers. Combined type of pulmonary impairments was seen in a total of 5 construction workers.…”

Work-related respiratory health conditions among construction workers: a systematic narrative review

“…Importantly, the length of exposure to occupation-related dust among construction workers further increases their vulnerability to respiratory health problems. Recent evidence9 39 indicate that construction workers who have been in the sector for a longer period, for example, over 10 years were more likely to report respiratory health diseases than those who have spent less than 10 years as construction workers 9…”

“…Occupational health education is required as continuous conversations would increasingly improve workers’ awareness of hazards in the work sector and empower them with requisite skills and processes to protect, maintain and promote their health. In the same vein, health promotion messages through information, education and communication resources and strategies could help in preventing behavioural practices such as smoking, which could increase the vulnerability and severity of work-related respiratory diseases among construction workers 2 7 39…”

Occupational Pesticide Exposure and Respiratory Effects among Mosquito Control Workers in Kota Bharu and Bachok, Kelantan

“…The types of pesticides also explained some heterogenicity with stronger and more consistent effects for organophosphate, particularly on FEV1 as compared to paraquat or non-specific pesticide exposure [46]. However, few researchers reported that aging, smoking, excessive smoking, and occupational exposure showed a significant relationship with low lung function [47][48][49]. In addition, a different pattern of lung function was found in various occupational groups exposed to pesticides.…”