1Professor & Head, Department of Respiratory Medicine, JN Medical College, Maharashtra
2PG Student, Department of Respiratory Medicine, JN Medical College, Maharashtra
3Associate Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, JN Medical College, Maharashtra
*Corresponding Author: Email: bghewade@redifmail.com
Online published on 28 July, 2016.
Numerous cross-sectional studies have reported reduced lung function among steel plant workers but limitations of exposure assessment and design preclude causal inference. The aim of this study was to assess pulmonary function of steel plant workers exposed to fine inorganic metal dust in working environment.
Demographic characteristics of employees in a steel plant were recorded & their lung function was measured by spirometry using RMS Spirometer. Collected data was analyzed by statistical methods.
Among the workers FEV1, PEFR, FEF25–75 was significantly reduced whereas FEV1/FVC was normal.
Exposure to mineral dust in steel plant over a prolonged period results in decline of lung function. Periodic assessment of such workers with spirometry should be undertaken to detect it early and to take appropriate corrective & preventive measures.
Steel plant worker, Spirometry, Pulmonary function test, Dust exposure
