Study of pulmonary function tests in workers of rurally located flour mills

Background: Agro-based industrial works like flour milling are a significant component in the industrial arena of Kerala. In milling industry, dusts are produced in substantial quantities and inhalation of which can result in pulmonary impairment in workers. In such situations, spirometric evaluation can aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary diseases. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the effect of flour dust on pulmonary function among flour mill workers and to study the variation in pulmonary function among workers according to duration of exposure and their working environment in the factory. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three wheat flour mills. Subjects were selected after proper exclusion and after getting informed consent. In the present study, 79 flour mill workers aged more than 20 years and employed for more than 1year, were considered and their FVC,FEV1,FEV1/FVC,PEFR and FEF25-75% values were assessed. The objective was to find out the effect of their duration of employment and exposure to dust on their spirometric parameters based on their type of job and age. These parameters were tested using a portable electronic spirometer in the factory premises. Results: The study showed no significant relation of these parameters with duration of employment and dust exposure. However, there was significant reduction in FVC and FEV1 with increasing age. Conclusion: Even though apparently normal PFT values are obtained in many subjects, these may be on the extremes of normal spectrum.

Effect of flour dust on lung volumes and capacities in flour mill workers.

Background And Objectives: Due to increase in industrialization, air pollution is increasing day by day. The workers working in these industries suffer from various types of air way diseases like Pneumoconiosis, Farmer’s Lung, Chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis and Asthma. So the present study was undertaken to study the effects of flour dust on the lung functions. Methods: Pulmonary function tests (PFT’s) of flour mill workers were compared with those of controls. We evaluated 100 subjects in the age group of 20-50 years consisting of 50 industrial workers from flour mills from the Amritsar Distt., and 50 healthy non-smoker, non-exposed subjects in the same age group served as controls. The PFT’s were carried out with a computerized spirometer “Med-Spiror”. The various data was collected, compiled, statistically analyzed and valid conclusions were drawn. Results And Interpretation: The present study results showed a significant decrease in the mean values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF25-75 and MVV and stratification of results showed a dose response of years of exposure in flour mills on lung functions. Conclusion: Flour dust causes chronic bronchial irritation which is responsible for the obstructive type of pulmonary impairment of lung functions.