To compare the effects of marble and stone dust on lung volumes and capacity.

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: Occupational pulmonary diseases are more widespread and more disabling than any other group of occupational disease in form of pneumoconiosis, silicosis, byssinosis, farmerslung, asbestosis, asthma, allergic alveolitis. Early recognition of disturbed lung functions will be of great clinical, social and preventive importance in industry workers who constantly exposed to air borne pollution. So the present study was conducted to determine the effect of marble and stone dust on marble cutters and stone cutters. Methods: Thirty subjects were marble cutters and thirty were stone cutters . The pulmonary function tests viz forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), peak expiratory volume(PEFR) and maximum ventilatory volume (MVV) were carried out with the help of compurterised medspiror. The data were collected, and conclusions were drawn on the basis of appropriate statistical analysis.Results and interpretation: The results were compared with students `t` test which showed a significant reduction in pulmonary function tests due to marble dust and stone dust. The decrease in FVC and MVV indicates a restrictive impairement whereas decrease in (FEV1), (FEF25-75), (PEFR) indicates an obstructive impairment. Conclusion: The observed changes in pulmonary function tests could be due to mechanical irritation caused by exposed dust and individual’s susceptibility to silica dust. The pulmonary function tests are more decreased in marble cutters as compared to stone cutters which may be due to longer duration of exposure suggesting an urgent need to improve dust control measures and health status of marble as well as stone cutters.