RESPIRATORY STATUS OF WORKERS FROM THE EMISSION OF PREHARVESTING OF SUGARCANE BURNING at METHARA SUGAR FACTORY.

The objective of the study was to determine the health status of cane cutters and cane collectors who are exposed to suspended particulates from pre-harvesting sugar cane burning in Methara sugar factory. The design of the study was cross-sectional, 160 cane cutters against 89 control groups . Lung function measurement results revealed that FVC, FEV1, PEFR and MMF of cane cutters significantly decreased with an increasing age . Two tailed paired sample T- test shows that measured values of FVC and FEV1 both for cane cutters and cane collectors were significantly lower than respective predicted values. Appropriate personal protective devices to mask nose and mouth which are the major routes of entry must be frequently supplied and strong regular medical checkups must be employed.