1D Network computational fluid dynamics for evaluating regional pressures in subjects with cement dust exposure

Cement dust is a primary contributor to air pollution and is responsible for causing numerous respiratory diseases. The impact of cement dust exposure on the respiratory health of residents is increasing owing to the demand for construction associated with urbanization. Long-term inhalation of cement dust leads to a reduction in lung function, alterations in airway structure, increased inhalation and exhalation resistance, and heightened work of breath. In this study, we investigated the effects of cement dust exposure on lung function based on the pulmonary function test (PFT) and one-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (1D CFD). Statistical tests were performed to address the disparity of airway function between healthy and cement dust-exposed participants. The percent predicted values of forced vital capacity percent (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁%) were found to be decreased in the group of dust-exposed participants. An elevation of regional pressure variation was found in cement dust-exposed airways during both inhalation and exhalation that was associated with alternations of airway structural features therein. The 1D CFD model is beneficial for a cost-effective estimation of airway regional pressure and provides valuable insights for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning in individuals exposed to cement dust.