طب کار (Jan 2017)
Changes in spirometric parameters of a glass-manufacturing plants in a three-year period
Abstract
Introduction: Silica dust is one of the most dangerous substances in the workplaces inducing a respiratory disease. Inhalation of silica particles at high levels can cause silicosis, a special form of interstitial lung disease. One way to monitor and control the effects of silica dust on workers is the study of changes in spirometric parameters. This study aimed to investigate the changes in spirometric parameters of workers exposed to silica dust in a glass-manufacturing plant in a 3-year period. Methods: In this study, spirometric parameters of 200 workers were assessed in three consecutive years (1391-1393). The effects of smoking as well as changes in FVC and FEV1 were examined in different working groups with different exposure levels. The data were analyzed by SPSS ver. 18. Results: The results didnchr('39')t show a significant difference among various working groups with different level of exposure during follow-up period. The changes between smokers and non-smokers were not significant as well. Conclusion: It is concluded from the results of this study that the effect of silica dust on the spirometric parameters of the workers participating in this study was minimal. Introduction: Silica dust is one of the most dangerous substances in the workplaces inducing a respiratory disease. Inhalation of silica particles at high levels can cause silicosis, a special form of interstitial lung disease. One way to monitor and control the effects of silica dust on workers is the study of changes in spirometric parameters. This study aimed to investigate the changes in spirometric parameters of workers exposed to silica dust in a glass-manufacturing plant in a 3-year period. Methods: In this study, spirometric parameters of 200 workers were assessed in three consecutive years (1391-1393). The effects of smoking as well as changes in FVC and FEV1 were examined in different working groups with different exposure levels. The data were analyzed by SPSS ver. 18. Results: The results didnchr('39')t show a significant difference among various working groups with different level of exposure during follow-up period. The changes between smokers and non-smokers were not significant as well. Conclusion: It is concluded from the results of this study that the effect of silica dust on the spirometric parameters of the workers participating in this study was minimal.
