Effect Of Exposure To Dust On Peak Expiratory Flow Rate In Construction Site Workers- A Prospective Comparitive Study

Abstract

Background:   Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is the maximum velocity of the air which is forced out of the lungs, recorded in litres per minute.  Peak flow rate primarily reflect large airway flow and depends on the voluntary effort and muscular strength of the person. It may be reliably recorded using portable equipment called peak flow meter and thus can be used for field studies. Factors influencing the PEFR are age, sex, weight, nutritional status and pollutants. Dust from various sources like building construction site, road construction work and tunnel construction site can reduce the lung function.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of exposure to construction site dust on peak expiratory flow rate among the construction site workers.

Materials of method: Mini Wright’s peak flow meter (MICROPEAK PEAK FLOW METER)

Inch tape &Weighing balance.

This study was carried out after receiving the clearance of institutional ethics committee.

 A total number of 200 male subjects were taken for this study, belonging to same socio economic status. Among that 100 males working in construction site and 100 control subjects (not working at the construction site). Subjects recruited for this study was of 18-40 years age. Both smokers and non-smokers were included in the study since it was difficult to obtain construction workers who were totally non-smokers. The subject details like age, sex, weight etc., were noted and it was also noted number of years working in the construction site. Nature of the study was explained and informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to participation in this study. Subjects with the family history of asthma, chronic respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease were excluded from this study.

Result: A total of 200 male subjects were taken for the study. All the subjects were in the same socio economic status. These 200 subjects were divided into 2 groups. Group A (control: n= 100, people not involved in the construction work) with the same socio economic status and Group B (exposed: n= 100 workers exposed to construction site dust) exposed group. In this study only negligible subjects are none smokers and most of them are smokers in both groups we are not grouped them separately for analysis.

Conclusion: Chronic exposure to the construction site dust will affect the lung function. We recommend safeguarding the health of the workers in the construction site by providing adequate protective measure materials. The management should embark on safety in the working environment and conduct health education and training on hazards of exposure to construction site dust, safety precautions and its practices.