Respiratory health among wheat workers

ABSTRACT

160 workers in a wheat grinding mill, together with 60 other male workers not exposed to dust, as a control group, were examined to find the effect of grain dust on their health. All workers were interviewed using the MRC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Clinical examination of chest, heart and skin was done. Blood film for eosinophil count and stool sample for parasitic infestation was done. Pulmonary function tests were done before and after shift mainly FEV/FVC%, FVC/PVC%, PEFR/Predicted%. An environmental study to measure the level of suspended dust in the different departments of the mill was carried out. A significant prevalence of chest symptoms [cough, phlegm, wheeze, tightness] was found in the exposed group. Skin irritation, rhinitis and eye irritation were also higher. Chronic bronchitis was found in 26.25% and asthma in 17.5%. Eosinophilic count was high in 63.4% of the asthmatic subjects. There was a significant decrease in the FEV/FVC% and PEFR/Predicted%. Also, a significant decrease across the shift was reported. No effect of duration of exposure but a dose response relationship was demonstrated between dust level and symptoms as well as between dust level and lung functions