Pulmonary function evaluation among workers of rubber industry in mashhad

Introduction: Respiratory exposures in rubber industry will probably increase the risk of occupational lung diseases. The aim of this study was determining the prevalenceof abnormal pulmonary function and lung disease among workers that were exposed to rubber dust and evaluating the factors which may be associated with the respiratory effects. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a rubber-manufacturing industry in Mashhad. Required data were collected through interview, physical examination and spirometry according to the ATS criteria 2005. Environmental sampling and analysis of airborne substances including total rubber particulates and organic solvents mixture was achieved according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH)manual of analytical methods.Data were analyzed withSPSS 20. Results: A total of 393 workers (295 male and 98 female) were participated in the study. The mean of age and work experience was 31.39±6.63 and 6.29±5.50 years,respectively. Based on workplace environmental assessments, a mixture of organic hydrocarbons including benzene, toluene and xylene (0.1, 20 and 14 PPM, respectively) and also rubber dusts (2.12 mg/m3) was present at production unit. 374 (95.2%) of the participants didn t have history of lung disease. The mean of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF and FEF25-75% was 3.52±0.73lit, 4.25±0.87lit, 76.50%, 99.03% and 83.37%, respectively. The prevalence of abnormal spirometry patterns was 7.4 % (obstructive type 4.1 %, restrictive type 1.3%, and mixed pattern 2%). These prevalence rates were not significantly different according to the gender, education and the history of lung disease(P> 0.05).There were significant differences in abnormal spirometry according to age (P=0.019). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that occupational exposure to rubber dust and solvent vapors could be a significant factor for respiratory system dysfunction. So respiratory protection program(ventilation, respirator use, education.) is necessary for preventing occupational respiratory disorders among employees of this industry.

Keywords:

Pulmonary function , Rubber industry , Spirometry , Workers.