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Ventilatory function among metal workers in Singapore.
1Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Small-scale metal workers show reduced ventilatory function, with 4.7% having a low forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio. This highlights potential occupational lung health risks in this industry.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Small-scale metal working industries pose potential respiratory health risks to workers.
- Evaluating ventilatory function is crucial for identifying occupational lung diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the ventilatory function of workers in small-scale metal working industries.
- To compare their lung function with previously reported occupational groups.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated ventilatory function in 634 workers.
- Measured forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and mid/end expiratory flow rates.
- Compared results with published data from other occupational groups.
Main Results:
- 4.7% of workers had an FEV1/FVC ratio below 75%.
- Metal workers exhibited lower FVC and FEV1 values compared to other occupational groups.
- Mid and end expiratory flow rates, sensitive indicators of small airway obstruction, were also assessed.
Conclusions:
- Workers in small-scale metal industries may have impaired lung function.
- Further research is recommended to establish normative ventilatory function data for the general population.
- The reported forced expiratory flow rate data can aid future investigations into airway obstructions.