Pulmonary function results in asbestos factory workers

The pattern of lung function was assessed in a group of 159 male employees of the Dar es Salaam asbestos factory. The results were compared with a control group (N= 180) of age and sex matched from the same area but not exposed to asbestos. The mean age were 32.8, SD=8.9 and 33.1 SD=7.7 years in the asbestos workers and control groups respectively. Lung function indices showed an increase with age reaching peak values between 30-34 years of age. FVC and FEV(1) values were similar in the two groups. However, MMEF, PEF, V(75), V(50), and V(25) were significantly lower in asbestos factor workers than in the control group. Observed results were also compared with results computed from prediction equation for normal healthy subjects. Observed FVC and FEV(1) values were similar to predicted values while MMEF and PEF values were significantly lower ([P < 0.05]) and [P < 0.001] respectively) in asbestos factory workers than predicted values. The reduced flows suggest early airways dysfunction affecting peripheral airways more than large airways, a finding supported by the normal FVC and FEV(1) values. It is recommended that efforts should be directed at increasing awareness of employees on the risks associated with asbestos and frequent health monitoring to all factory workers should be instituted.