Pulmonary Function Test in Cement Workers in Iraq

BACKGROUND: Exposure to cement dust has long been associated with the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and decline in pulmonary function. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effect of exposure to cement dust on lung function in cement factory workers in Iraq , by measuring Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio and Forced Expiratory Flow 50% (FEF50%). PATIENTS AND METHODS 180 workers enrolled in the study , 171 , are male (93.44%) and only 12 are female(6.56%). and 100 workers controls (non exposed) were selected.The age of the subjects ranged between 20-50 years. Both groups were smokers and non smokers, had no chronic pulmonary diseases or symptoms during the time of study. Spirometeric study was used to measure FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF50% . RESULTS: Statistically, significant reduction in FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio were found in exposed workers when compared to control. Lung function indices were found to be not affected with increasing duration ofexposure to cement dust nor with smoking. CONCLUSION: Exposure to Portland cement dust may result in reduction in the pulmonary function and may lead to respiratory diseases.Implementing measures to control dust and providing adequate personal respiratory protective equipment for the production workers are highly recommended.