Occupational exposure and pulmonary function of jute mill workers in Sunsari, Nepal

Most workers of building, pottery, timber, food and mine industries suffer from non-specific lung diseases and ventilatory disorders. There are many such industries operative in Sunsari, Nepal and so far no study has been reported on pulmonary function of jute mill workers of this region, who are also exposed to dust as other workers in similar types of industries. A brief clinical sheet regarding age, occupational particulars, smoking habits and presence or absence of respiratory symptoms was recorded for each worker. Spirometric parameters were recorded using an electronic spirometer. The group consisted of 95 male workers with mean age 28.43 +/- 7.58 yrs, weight 53.77 +/- 8.70 kg and height 164.83 +/- 6.82 cm. The study indicated an overall reduction in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF25-75% and MVV. FEV1/FVC was within the normal range. Further division of workers into smokers and non-smokers, showed comparatively more decline in PEFR, FEF 25.0-75.0% and FEV1/ FVC in smokers. From this study, it can be concluded that exposure of jute dust leads to combined types of spirometric deficit revealing restrictive or obstructive diseases.