Spirometry pattern and respiratory symptoms in sweepers

Introduction: Multiple and sometimes contradictory evidence exists on the relationshipbetween dust exposure and respiratory symptoms with pulmonary disorders. The studywas conducted to examine the effects of chronic exposure to street dust on the pulmonaryparameters and respiratory complaints in sweepers.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 sweepers working in district3 Bandar Abbas municipality in 2014. The control group was selected from the staff ofthe same municipality with an office/administrative position who lacked occupationalrespiratory exposures. In order to investigate pulmonary parameters, spirometry withSpirolab MIR3 were performed and FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF and FEF25-75parameters were measured. Data were analyzed using STATA 12 software. Two WayANOVA was used to compare respiratory parameters between two groups.Results: Prevalence of respiratory symptoms including cough, sputum, shortness ofbreath and wheezing had no significant differences in two groups. Values of FEV1,FEF25-75 and PEF showed significant decrease when adjusted for the effect of smokingon sweeper compared with administrative personnel (P<0.05). There were no statisticallysignificant differences between two groups and other variables of FVC and FEV1/FVC.Conclusion: It seems that sweepers cleaning street, who are constantly exposed to dust,are at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and decline in spirometric indices. It isuseful to apply protective measures to prevent exposure to dust and to perform annualspirometry for early detection of respiratory disorders in sweepers.

Keywords:

Spirometry , Dust , Respiratory Symptoms