Spirometric changes by exposure to particulate matter

Abstract

In the workplace spirometry is a screening test for determining lung function of workers exposed to pollutants and provides information necessary to take measures to prevent respiratory protection and avoiding negative effects on the health of workers.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify spirometric changes in workers exposed to inorganic particulate material in a construction company during 2013.

Methodology: observational, descriptive cross-sectional study; held in registers 199 workers. Data were collected through a survey of socio-demographic characterization and epidemiological questionnaire. Data were analyzed using statistical software Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS version 20. The numerical variables were based on measures of central tendency and variability ratio based on percentages and percentage distributions. To examine associations tests of statistical significance were used Pearson's coefficient (P = 0.05 value)

Results: spirometric changes of various kinds were found in 23% of the population. The changes at the level of the spirometric variables were evident in changes in FVC and FEV1 / FVC ratio.

Conclusions: Spirometry is a good instrument for occupational screened regularly for alterations of the respiratory system in workers exposed to inorganic particulate material, however spirometry alone does not provide enough value to diagnose occupational respiratory disease considering sociodemographic variables as age including lung capacity influence.