Analysis of the Pulmonary Function Status Among Brass Utensils Factory Workers

Abstract

Background and objectives: Occupational lung diseases are the major work-related illness. Not only the lengthen exposures, repetitive single exposure to the irritating or toxic substance can cause acute or chronic respiratory problem. Workers in metallurgical industry in the developing countries are repeatedly exposed to high concentrations of dusts and fumes that affect pulmonary function and cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results of the present study will help to add on the literature regarding the lung functions and its affection with the duration of exposure of different metals in Brass factory workers. So, the present study was conducted with an objective of determining the ventilatory capacity and presence any of chronic respiratory illness in brass factory employees using Pulmonary function test. Methods: Participants with age of 20-60 years were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria in Group A (n=100). Participants in Group B (n=50) were selected from the healthy individual with the same socio-economic condition and age. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed in all participants. Results: The results from between group analysis using unpaired t test revealed significant difference between the two groups in FVC score (t=4.45, p<0.05), FEV1 score (t=6.67, p<0.05), FEV1/FVC score (t=4.256, p<0.05), FEF25-75% score (t=7.163, p<0.05) PEFR score (t=10.205, p<0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that there is significant reduction in pulmonary Functions FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75%, PEFR value in brass ware factory workers when compared to control group. Also, exposure to brass metal dust and other environmental pollutants present in brass factory, adversely affects the respiratory system of the workers. Key words: Pulmonary function test, Brass Factory workers, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.