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Symptoms, ventilatory function, and environmental exposures in Portland cement workers
H L Abrons1, M R Petersen, W T Sanderson
1West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown 26505.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Portland cement workers experienced similar respiratory symptoms and lung function as controls, but with higher rates of shortness of breath (dyspnoea). Chronic phlegm and wheezing increased with job tenure and dust exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Portland cement production involves significant dust exposure.
- Respiratory health in cement workers is a public health concern.
- Previous studies show mixed results on cement dust effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in Portland cement workers.
- To investigate the relationship between dust exposure, tenure, and respiratory health outcomes.
- To compare cement workers' health with a control group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 2736 cement workers and 755 controls.
- Collected data on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function.
- Measured personal respirable and total dust concentrations.
- Analyzed symptom prevalence and lung function indices in relation to exposure and tenure.
Main Results:
- Cement workers reported higher dyspnoea (5.4%) than controls (2.7%).
- Chronic phlegm prevalence increased with job tenure.
- Wheezing prevalence rose with both tenure and current dust levels.
- Overall pulmonary function and other symptoms were similar between groups.
Conclusions:
- While overall lung function may not be significantly impaired, specific symptoms like dyspnoea, chronic phlegm, and wheezing are associated with cement work.
- Job tenure and current dust levels are risk factors for certain respiratory symptoms in cement plant workers.
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