Dynamics of pre-shift and post-shift lung function parameters among wood workers in Ghana

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Environmental health
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Respiratory diseases pose a significant global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
• In Ghana, the respiratory effects of occupational wood dust exposure remain under-investigated.
• Industrial growth in developing nations often correlates with inadequate safety standards, increasing health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the respiratory effects of occupational wood dust exposure in Ghanaian sawmill workers.
• To assess the association between wood dust exposure and respiratory symptoms.
• To evaluate changes in pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters due to wood dust exposure.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 64 male sawmill workers and 64 non-woodworkers.
• Measurement of inhalable dust concentration and assessment of respiratory symptoms via questionnaires.
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were conducted before and after work shifts.

Main Results:

• Sawmill workers experienced high inhalable dust concentrations (3.09 ± 0.04 mg/m³).
• Workers reported increased respiratory symptoms and showed acute declines in PFT parameters by end of shift.
• No significant chronic effects on PFTs were observed before work shifts.

Conclusions:

• Wood dust exposure is linked to acute respiratory symptoms and temporary lung function impairment.
• There is a need for stringent workplace safety policies and environmental regulations in sawmills.
• Implementing safety measures can mitigate the impact of wood dust on respiratory health.