Cardiopulmonary functions of Nigerian female flour mill workers occupationally exposed to flour dust

Abstract

Background Workers working in small-scale milling industries are exposed to a variety of contaminants that can affect both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Aim The purpose of this research was to evaluate the consequence of flour dust exposure on the cardiopulmonary functions of female flour mill workers in two Nigerian food milling markets. Participants and methods A total of 200 participants were engaged for the study, comprising 100 female flour mill workers (test group) and 100 female control participants. The blood pressure measurement and pulse rate were determined, whereas the lung function was assessed using electronic spirometer. Data on respiratory symptoms and duration of exposure were collected using questionnaire. Results The most common symptoms reported by the workers was cough (75%), whereas 57% of the workers had symptoms of high blood pressure. Highly significant peak expiratory flow rate, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume measured at the first second were lower significantly in the test patients relative to the control (P<0.05). The blood pressure was significantly higher in the test patients when compared with the control participants (P<0.05). All the test indices were significantly associated with the duration of exposure. Conclusion In general, this study indicated link between cardiopulmonary function impairment and length of contact to flour dust. The cardiovascular parameters elevated with increased period of exposure, whereas the pulmonary function parameters decreased with increased duration of exposure.

Keywords

• cardiopulmonary
• female workers
• flour dust
• function