Association between occupational risk factors and lung function among small-scale gold miners in Mongolia: a...

This study aimed to assess the association between occupational risk factors and lung function among gold miners in a northern Mongolian province.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 gold miners in July 2024. Data were collected through structured interviews, physical examinations, chest X-rays, and spirometry. Occupational exposures included workplace type (administrative, factory, or underground), dust exposure level (low, moderate, high, based on work duration and underground working hours), and N95 mask use. Lung function outcomes were assessed using forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), evaluated both both as an absolute value (liters) and as impaired lung function, defined by FEV₁ <80% of predicted. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations with impaired lung function, and linear regression was applied to assess determinants of absolute FEV₁, adjusting for age, sex, and smoking status.

Among 143 workers, mean FEV₁ was 3.39 L; and 23.8% had FEV₁ <80% of predicted. No occupational exposure was significantly associated with impaired lung function (FEV₁ <80%). However, underground work was significantly associated with reduced absolute FEV₁ (β = -0.22 L; p=0.026). N95 mask use was not significantly associated with impaired lung function after adjustment.

Early lung function decline was not captured by the standard threshold. Therefore, monitoring absolute FEV₁ may offer a more sensitive measure of early pulmonary changes among miners. Regular health monitoring and enhanced protective measures are urgently needed to prevent occupational lung diseases in resource-limited mining settings, including Mongolia and other developing countries.