A Study on Effect of Cement Dust on Pulmonary Function Test in Construction Workers

Background: Exposure to cement dust has long been associated with the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and airway obstruction in human beings. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of long-term dust exposure on lung functions of cement workers in Dervan, Maharashtra. Method and Materials:After obtaining Ethical committee clearance this cross sectional study was done among 150 construction workers compared with 75 controls & their respiratory functions were assessed with help of spirometry. Results:Overall prevalence of respiratory symptoms & abnormal spirometry parameters among study group was statistically significant when compared with control group. Spirometry tests of 150 construction workers compared with control group of 75 subjects revealed that this impairment in respiratory functions was correlating with duration of exposure to cement dust.