Prevalence of respiratory morbidity among brick kiln workers: a cross sectional study from rural north India

Abstract

Background: Fired clay bricks, an important construction material, are manufactured in non-mechanized, labour intensive brick kilns which mostly employ unskilled men and women. The workers, as an occupational hazard, are exposed to dust and air pollution leading to respiratory diseases.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among brick kiln workers in RS Pura block of Jammu district. The workers were assessed regarding respiratory symptoms and illnesses using translated version of American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Disease questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78A).Results: 692 brick kiln workers were interviewed during the course of survey and 58.8%of them were males. 45% of the respondents were working since last less than three years. Among the respiratory symptoms chronic cough, was present in 23.55% and phlegm in 22.83% of the respondents. Chronic bronchitis was present in 20.52% of the respondents. Association of respiratory symptoms in relation to sex of the respondents was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms and illness were found to be quite prevalent in the brick kiln workers. More research needs to be conducted to assess other health risks besides respiratory morbidity. Health planners need to plan for their basic sanitation facilities and periodic check ups.

Risk Factor Analysis of Dust Exposure with Symptoms of Respiratory Disorder in Brick Industry Workers in Tegowanuh Sub-District, Kaloran District, Temanggung Regency

“…Furthermore, it is supported by the findings of Permatasari's 2018 study, which found that total dust particle levels were a risk factor for the incidence of symptoms of respiratory disorder. Field interviews revealed that, while overall dust particle levels surpassed the threshold value, the dose of exposure that entered the worker's body varied depending on the time of exposure and the usage of personal protective equipment (Gupta et al, 2019a). The findings of this study are also consistent with Mirza's research from 2021, which found an association between total dust exposure and respiratory illnesses (p value = 0.048) (Fuadi et al, 2021).…”

“…The inability of personnel to use PPE, such as masks, while performing their jobs can result in symptoms of respiratory disorder (Gupta et al, 2019b). Alternative solutions to issues were revealed by research done by Ipmawati in 2018 including recommendations for personal protective equipment that can be pursued as an early protection measure against accidents and occupational diseases that arise in the workplace environment, then implementing fundamental policies regarding the application of occupational safety and health at work to minimize the number of occupational diseases, especially dust (Ipmawati PA, 2018).…”

“…Regular health checkups can reduce respiratory symptoms due to instructions from health professionals and help stop smoking behaviours if the examination results show a respiratory tract disease (Putra, 2014). According to a study by Putra in 2014, other ways to lessen the risks of smoking include throwing away or hiding cigarette packs or lighters, compiling a list of the benefits and drawbacks of smoking, and avoiding social situations where smoking is present (Gupta et al, 2019a;Pramesti and Sutiari, 2021).…”