Study of respiratory symptoms and lung function in Polyvinyl chloride fabrication workers

ABSTRACT

To study the chronic effect of exposure to polyvinyl chloride [PVC] dust on workers in the production and maintenance areas in plastic factories. A structured questionnaire was administered to all control and exposed workers. Forced spirometer testing was performed using a standard spirometer. A total of 204 male workers was examined to study the chronic effect of exposure to PVC dust. A group of 228 workers not exposed to noxious substances or aerosols from other factories was selected randomly to serve as controls. The exposed and control workers were matched by gender, socioeconomic status, ethnic and smoking habits. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms, such as chronic cough chronic, production of phlegm and shortness of breath on exertion, were significantly higher in the factory workers exposed to PVC compared with the controls. Factory workers exposed to PVC had significantly lower values for FVC, FEV1.0, FEV1.0%, PEFR, FEF200-1200, FEF25-75, Vmax75, and Vmax50 compared with the controls. These effects were independent of age, height and smoking habits of the workers. The total duration of employment in the workers exposed to PVC was significant when associated with a decline in adjusted FEV1.0%, PEFR, FEV1.0, FEF25-75, Vmax75 and Vmax50. it was concluded that employees in these plants are associated with patterns of obstructive air-flow limitation and respiratory symptoms consistent with exposure to pulmonary irritants. It is recommended that more environmental control measures should be applied to reduce respiratory health problems among exposed workers