O-45 Qualitative and quantitative assessment of workplace respirable dust and pulmonary function among non-smoker ceramic industry workers

Introduction

Workers in different sections of ceramic tile industry are continuously exposed to dust of varying micron size and are at risk to develop occupational respiratory diseases. We conducted this study to quantify and characterize the workplace respirable dust exposure (PM4 – particulate matter < 4 microns) and to estimate the prevalence of abnormal lung function among ceramic tile workers of Gujarat, India.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in industrial zone of Morbi with a sample of 128 workers to achieve 5% alpha and 20% beta. The subjects included ceramic tile workers of different sections exposed to dust and administrative employees of industry as comparator group. Particulate sampling was done near breathing zone of representative subject from each section using personal environmental monitor (SKC, USA). We evaluated lung functions of all workers using pneumotach sensor based Spirovit SP-1 (Schiller). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v26.0. The study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee and funded by the Institute.

Results

Compared to respective international recommended limits, average personal exposure to PM4 was relatively high in spray drying (8 hour time weighted average – 28.9 mg/m3) and ball milling (8 hour TWA – 7.12 mg/m3) sections; whereas average respirable crystalline silica was higher in spray drying section only (0.08 mg/m3 TWA). We observed abnormal lung functions (obstructive/restrictive) in 17% workers. We found significant deteriorated spirometry measurements in workers as compared to administrative staff. Duration of job was associated with compromised spirometry measurements.

Conclusion

It is evident that ceramic tile workers have higher than recommended exposure to PM4 and crystalline silica at workplace and high prevalence of abnormal lung functions. Proper implementation of industrial hygiene for containing workplace dust and periodic screening programmes of workers for early detection of pulmonary compromise is recommended in ceramic tile industry.