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Abnormal pattern of lung functions in rubber factory workers
P Gupta1, D K Banerjee, S K Bhargava
1University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Workers in rubber factory compounding sections exposed to high levels of particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons showed impaired lung function. This suggests a combined obstructive and restrictive pattern, impacting respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Rubber factory workers are potentially exposed to various airborne pollutants.
- Particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common industrial contaminants.
- Understanding the impact of these exposures on respiratory health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between suspended particulate matter, benzo(e)pyrene, and benzo(a)anthracene concentrations and pulmonary lung function.
- To compare lung function parameters among different work sections in a rubber factory.
- To identify potential patterns of lung dysfunction related to occupational exposures.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 667 rubber factory workers from 1990-91.
- Measurement of pulmonary lung functions: residual volume, total lung capacity, residual volume/total lung capacity ratio, and forced residual capacity.
- Assessment of airborne pollutant concentrations (suspended particulate matter, benzo(e)pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene) in different factory units.
Main Results:
- The compounding section (group III) exhibited higher mean concentrations of suspended particulate matter, benzo(e)pyrene, and benzo(a)anthracene compared to vulcanizing (group II) and packing loading (group I) units.
- Workers in group III showed significantly higher residual volume, residual volume/total lung capacity ratio, and forced respiratory capacity, alongside lower total lung capacity.
- These lung function changes correlated with higher pollutant exposures in group III.
Conclusions:
- High occupational exposure to specific airborne pollutants in rubber factories is associated with significant alterations in pulmonary lung function.
- The observed lung function patterns in highly exposed workers suggest a combination of obstructive and restrictive respiratory effects.
- This study highlights the need for effective exposure control measures in the rubber industry to protect worker respiratory health.