Analysis of lung functions in flour mills and ricemills workers.

ABSTRACT

Aims: To study of the lung function tests in asymptomatic flour and rice mill workers and this study would be helpful in preventing longstanding harmful effects of such exposures and it is also useful for preventing environmental risks. Study Design: Cross – sectional study Material and Methods: The subject 207 asymptomatic healthy male is instructed to take maximal inspiration (to TLC) and he was connected to medspiror through the mouthpiece, after that nose clip is applied and the subject was asked to exhale forcefully into the medspiror as fast as possible. Statistical analysis: Statistical tests used like Student's ‘t’ test for two groups and ANOVA for multiple group comparisons. Results: Majority of lung function test parameters showed reduced levels in flour mill workers when compared to rice mill workers. However the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: It is concluded that flour dust and rice husk dust causes deterioration of pulmonary functions in subjects working at mills (flour and rice). The findings of this study recognized the role of grain dust (flour and rice) for a longer duration in decline of pulmonary function test among flour mills and rice mills workers.