Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary functions test results in glass - factory workers

Objective: To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, lung function abnormalities and the prevalence of chronic bronchitis among glass factory workers who were exposed to silica-cyrstal. Material and Method: 37 female (23.4%) and 121 male (76.6%) total 158 workers (mean age SD: 27.65 +/- 8.64 years) employed in glass factory were studied. All of the workers filled a questionnaire for their respiratory symptoms. Their pulmonary function tests (PFT) were determined by a portable spirometry. Their respiratory symptoms and PFT results were compared with a control group who has similar age, sex, and smoking habit. Results: The mean duration of employment of workers was 60.32 +/- 86.64 months. The workers had high prevalence of cough (19%), phlegm (23%), wheezing (25%) and dyspnea (16%) when compared to control group (p=0.052, p=0.002, p=0.0001, p=0.013, respectively). The workers had lower FEV1%, FVC%, PEF% ve FEF25-75% results compared to the control group (p=0.001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.007, respectively). The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and PFT results were not significantly different between departments of the factory. A negative correlation was found between FEV1% and duration of employment (r=-0.214, p=0.007). Conclusion: Increased respiratory symptoms and reduced PFT results were found amongst glass-factory workers. This population is under increased risk of occupational chronic bronchitis. Taking precautions for workers' health, training workers against occupational diseases, and regular check ups will provide those workers' well-being.