Prevalence of chronic respiratory disease in selected industries in the Philippines

A survey on the prevalence of chronic respiratory disease in selected industries were carried out. Results of the study revealed that chronic bronchitis is the most common chronic respiratory disease observed in the plants surveyed. This could be due to the inhalation of toxic dusts, fumes or gases at the place of work. Lung function tests showed that lung volumes like vital capacity and FEV1 are within normal units although a little bit reduced if compared with those free of symptoms. This would suggest that cases observed are mild in character. It is recommended that dust control be instituted in the textile, feed and cement plants. In the chemical and steel plants, SO2 is the main problem and should be prevented from affecting the workers by the use of hoods and higher smoke stack. In the chlorine plant, prevention of chlorine leakages into the workroom must be done by frequent inspection and tightening of conveyor tubes to prevent gas leakage into the surrounding environment.