Evaluation of Pulmonary Function in Rice Mill Workers

摘要

Background: There is paucity of data emanating from vulnerable population who are employed one in the prominent dust generating industries in this region including rice mills. The present study aims to study the effect of paddy husk exposure on pulmonary functions in rice mill workers of Kolar. Materials and Methods: 250 rice mill workers and 250 age matched unexposed subjects were recruited based on various inclusion and exclusion criteria &Pulmonary Function Tests were performed. Results: There was significant reduction of FVC, FEV.,, PEFR in the exposed population (p<0.001) and significant increase in FEV1/FVC ratio (p<0.043) as compared to unexposed subjects. There was no significant difference in pulmonary function between rice mill workers with duration of exposure lesser than 5 years, 5-10 years and greater than 10 years. Conclusion: There was impairment in pulmonary functions in rice mill workers. There is early impairment of pulmonary function after exposure which does not seem to deteriorate further suggesting that severity of exposure might play a more significant role in further deterioration rather than duration of exposure alone. FEV1/FVC was above 70% indicating restrictive lung disease.