Association between cement dust exposure (PM2.5) and respiratory health among cement workers in Bahau, Negeri Sembilan

Ahmad Razlan, Nurul Shahira (2017) Association between cement dust exposure (PM2.5) and respiratory health among cement workers in Bahau, Negeri Sembilan. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Cement industry possesses a variety of occupational hazards which can lead to major constituent of airborne dust in the air. High concentration of dust has been associated with decreased in ventilatory lung function, airway inflammation and prevalence of respiratory symptoms. A comparison was done between two groups of workers, which were administrative and manufacturing workers in the cement industry. Objective: To determine the exposure level of cement dust and respiratory health implications among cement workers in Bahau, Negeri Sembilan. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out among 88 administrative workers as the comparative group and 88 manufacturing workers as the exposed group. A set of questionnaires which was adapted from the American Thoracic Society was used to obtain background information as well as respiratory symptoms among the respondents. For the personal exposure level of cement dust (PM2.s), a Gilian GilAir-3 Air Sampling Pump was used and placed at the breathing zone area for assessing personal exposure in 8 hours towards cement dust. For lung function performance, a Spirometry test was used. Meanwhile, to assess airway inflammation, a NIOX MINO was used to determine the exhaled nitric oxide in worker's breath. All respondents were chosen based on inclusion criteria, which include male and age of 18 to 55 years old workers. Results: The concentration of personal exposure level (PM2.5) among manufacturing was high compared to administrative workers which was 10.60 mg/m3 that exceed the permissible exposure limit 5 mg/m3 set by Factories and Machinery (Mineral Dust) Regulations 1989. The lung function abnormality was higher among manufacturing workers with OR=3.82 for FVC% and OR=5.16 for FEV1 %. For respiratory symptoms, cough was reported the most among manufacturing with OR=2.40 after it has been adjusted for age and smoking. FENO level were reported, significantly higher among manufacturing workers. There was a significant correlation between personal exposure level (PM2.5) and lung function FVC%. Working duration showed a significant correlation of FEV 1/FVC% among all respondents. Conclusion: The study found that personal exposure to cement dust (PM2.5) may affect lung function and also increased the high level of FENO which indicate an airway inflammation especially among manufacturing workers. Keywords: Cement industry, personal exposure level (PM2.5), lung function, Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO), respiratory symptoms.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	25 Oct 2024 08:10
Last Modified:	25 Oct 2024 08:10
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2087

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