GM, A., ME, A., EA, S., AS, E., DN, M. (2021). RESPIRATORY HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS IN JOINERY WORKSHOPS. Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 45(2), 17-32. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2021.170559
Abdel GM; Abu Salem ME; Salem EA; El-Badry AS; Mohamed DN. "RESPIRATORY HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS IN JOINERY WORKSHOPS". Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 45, 2, 2021, 17-32. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2021.170559
GM, A., ME, A., EA, S., AS, E., DN, M. (2021). 'RESPIRATORY HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS IN JOINERY WORKSHOPS', Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 45(2), pp. 17-32. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2021.170559
GM, A., ME, A., EA, S., AS, E., DN, M. RESPIRATORY HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS IN JOINERY WORKSHOPS. Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 2021; 45(2): 17-32. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2021.170559
RESPIRATORY HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS IN JOINERY WORKSHOPS
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University
Abstract
Introduction: Occupational exposure to wood dust may result in different toxic and al or molds affecting respiratory system and skin. Aim of work: To study the respiratory health disorders among workers in some joinery workshops and to assess their workplace environment. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted during the period from the February 1st, 2019 to August 31th, 2020, on 100 woodworkers chosen from 11 joinery (wood made furniture) workshops, Menouf city, Menoufia governorate. Similar numbers of subjects were chosen randomly from workers’ relatives who were never exposed to similar hazards. All participants were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire. Physical examination and spirometric measurements were performed for them. Environmental study of the workplace was done. Results: The mean concentration of respirable wood dust was 3.61±2.00 mg/m3, which is higher than the international permissible levels. Workers exposed to wood dust had significantly higher prevalence of respiratory manifestations e.g. rhinitis, cough, expectoration, wheezes, shortness of breathing, chest pain and asthma (59%, 64%, 51%, 34%, 70%, 4% and 24%; respectively) as well as decreased spirometric measurements compared to the controls. The higher prevalence of respiratory manifestations as well as decreased spirometric measurements were positively correlated with time intensity factor. Conclusion and recommendations: Exposure to wood dust in a concentration more than permissible level has been adversely affecting the respiratory system and causing decrease in spirometric measurements. Regular use of good quality personal
protective equipment, proper ventilation and periodic medical examination are highly recommended. Also, regular monitoring of the work environment and keeping dust level below permissible levels are mandatory.
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