Ozone exposure and workers’ respiratory symptoms: case study a casting industry, Eastern region, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the respiratory symptoms of workers in a metal foundry in eastern Thailand. A total of 399 workers participated in the study. Data were collected by a questionnaire in regards to respiratory symptoms, and workplace ozone concentrations were evaluated. The results showed that the workers were mostly male (84.21%), with an average age of 27.01 (SD 5.0) years old. The prevalence of smoking among male workers was 25.9%,  alcohol drinking 85.2%, whereas among the female the prevalence of alcohol consumption was 57.1%. All female workers were office staff. The average ozone concentration in the work place was 28.40 (SD 10.74) ppb. The analysis of the risk factors affecting respiratory symptoms revealed that smoking and alcohol consumption increased the risk of cough which OR (95% CI) 2.02 (1.04,3.95) and 1.92 (1.01,3.64), respectively. However, just ozone exposure did not affect respiratory symptoms. This study suggested that controlling of ozone source should be implemented. Recruitment of healthy workers, job rotation, and arrangement of rest break would result in reducing ozone exposure annual health checkup would be beneficial.