Dust Exposure and Lung Function Impairment in Construction Workers

Abstract

Background: Millions of people are working daily in dusty environment. They are exposed to different types of occupational health hazards such as fumes, gases, organic and inorganic dusts which are risk factors in developing occupational lung diseases. Workers engaged in building and construction work are at risk of developing impaired lung function due to exposure to high level of dust generated at the construction site.
Aims: The present study was designed to assess the effect of exposure to various types of dust in construction site on lung functions of construction workers.
Materials and methods: The lung function was studied in 61 male construction workers and 62 male control subjects. All the participants were nonsmokers. The subjects were matched for age, height and weight. The pulmonary function test was performed by using an electronic spirometer and results were compared by Student’s unpaired t test. 
Results: The results of the present study showed a significant decrease in the mean values and percent predicted value of FVC, FEV₁, %FEV1/FVC, PEFR and FEF_25-75% in construction workers and this impairment was increased with duration of exposure to dust in construction site.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study it may be concluded that construction workers in India are at
increased risk of developing occupationally related pulmonary impairment. We recommend the compulsory use of personal
protective equipment by construction workers during work.