Respiratory Symptoms and Diminished Lung Functions Associated with Occupational Dust Exposure Among Iron Ore Mine Workers in Iran

Self-reported exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and use of respiratory protective equipment among Arctic miners

Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012-2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.

Effects of occupational exposures on respiratory health in steel factory workers

Background

The steel factory work environment contains various chemical exposures that can affect indoor air quality and have impact on respiratory health of the workers.

Aims

The objective of this study was to assess potential effects of occupational exposures in steel factory workers in Iran on the respiratory symptoms, occurrence and the lung function levels.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study of 133 men working in a steel factory forming the exposed group and 133 male office workers forming the reference group from a steel company in Iran. The participants filled in a questionnaire and underwent spirometry. Work history was used both as dichotomous (exposed/reference) and a quantitative measure of exposure, the latter measured as duration of exposure in the specified work (in years) for the exposed group and zero for the reference group.

Results

Multiple linear regression and Poisson regression were used to adjust for confounding. In Poisson regression analyses, an increased prevalence ratio (PR) of all respiratory symptoms was observed in the exposed group. Lung function parameters were significantly reduced in the exposed group (p < 0.001). There was a dose-response relation between duration of occupational exposures and reduction in the predicted value of FEV1/FVC level (0.177, 95% CI -0.198 to -0.156) in all models.

Conclusion

The results of these analyses showed that occupational exposures in steel factory work increase the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and reduce lung function. Safety training and workplace conditions were found to need improvement. In addition, use of proper personal protective equipment is recommended.

Assessment of obstructive and restrictive patterns of lung function among the workers of brick kilns

This article aims to measure the obstructive and restrictive patterns of lung function of 506 consented workers aged between 18 and 60 years and having at least 1 year of work experience in brick kilns. A questionnaire was completed by workers and also lung functions were measured using a spirometer. It was observed that 81% of workers had abnormal lung function, with 33% obstructive and 67% restrictive impairments. Further severe obstructive impairment was seen in 56% of workers, 41% having moderate obstructive impairment and only 3% with mild obstructive impairment. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) for both restrictive and obstructive impairments while the FEV1/FVC ratio was non-significant for unhealthy workers with restrictive impairments as compared to obstructive impairments. The pulmonary abnormalities of workers were linked to increased occupational exposure to dust and smoke of brick kilns.

Effects of High and Moderate-Intensity Interval Training on Pulmonary and Performance Parameters in Miners Suffering From Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the effect of 12 weeks of high and moderate-intensity interval training on pulmonary and functional parameters in miners with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease working in the polluted environment.

METHODS

Forty-five miners with COPD (average degree: 60 > FEV1 < 70), were randomly divided into HIIT (with 100%-125% ISWT); MIIT (with 60%-85% ISWT), and control. The study period was 12 weeks (3 sessions per week). At the beginning and end of the study, pulmonary and functional indices was evaluated.

RESULTS

Based on results, HIIT and MIIT significantly increased FVC, FEV1, and mean traveled distance in ISWT compared with control. Comparison of training intensities showed that HIIT led to a significant change in FVC, FEV1, and ISWT record compared to MIIT.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that miners suffering from COPD, consider HIIT as part of their treatment plan.

Respiratory symptoms and their association with exposure to respiratory dust among indigo-dyed cotton workers

Indigo-dyed cotton weavers are exposed to various dust particles that may contain chemical contaminants from indigo fermentation process and can be related to respiratory symptoms. This cross-sectional study thus investigates the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and their association with respiratory dust (RD) exposure among workers in northeastern Thailand. It recruited 146 indigo-dyed cotton weavers. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was collected by a self-report questionnaire included cough, phlegm, chest tightness, wheezing, and dyspnea. The average RD was 47.9 ± 28.3 μg/m³. Logistic regression models revealed a strong association between RD exposure and respiratory symptoms after adjustment. An exposure to RD ≥50 µg/m³ was associated with 5.05-, 3.58-, 2.88-, and 3.30-fold increased odds ratio of cough, phlegm, chest tightness, and dyspnea, respectively. The study results reveal that RD exposure may contribute to respiratory symptoms among indigo-dyed cotton weavers.