Ventilatory function of workers at Okpella cement factory in Nigeria

Simple ventilatory function tests were done in 447 cement factory workers. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were higher in males than females and correlated well with age and height. FEV1 was smaller in workers who were in closer contact with cement dust. The three measured indices of ventilatory function decreased with years of service and the fall was neither accounted for by age nor height. Eleven chronic bronchitics were found, but these were heavy smokers. Overall, the lung volumes obtained were within the normal range for Nigerians. However, the nature of job done in the cement factory, and duration of service may well be important in the aetiology of "cement factory lung disease".