Dust Exposure; Respiratory Symptoms and Disease among Informal Quarry Workers in Lusaka Province; Zambia

ABSTRACT

Background: Research into dust exposure and respiratory outcomes in quarry workers has not been extensively conducted in Zambia. Methods: This study determined total and respirable dust levels associated with respiratory symptoms and disease among Zambian informal quarry workers. A cross-sectional study in 2013 among quarry workers (n=400) used an adapted American Thoracic Society respiratory health questionnaire. Area gravimetric dust samplers assessed dust levels. Multivariate models tested for associations between demographics; dust levels; smoking; occupational history and respiratory symptoms and disease. Results: Doctor-diagnosed respiratory disease ranged from 22.2 (bronchitis) to 5.0 (pneumonia); respiratory symptoms ranged from 22.5 (cough) to 8.5 (breathlessness). Dust exposure for ? 6.7 years and exposure to a cumulative total dust concentration of ? 36.7 mg-yrs/m3 were associated with having phlegm and coughing for three or more months; respectively. Conclusion: Dust exposure and respiratory symptoms in this population indicate a need for dust control to prevent disease