A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study On Respiratory Health, Lung Function Impairment, And Radiological Assessment Of Stone Crushing Workers In Pakistan

Abstract

Occupational exposure to respirable silica dust generated during stone crushing operations has been associated to the development of silicosis; an irreversible, and untreatable fibrotic lung disease that continues to progress even after cessation of work.Therefore, primary prevention through exposure control is extremely important. In Pakistan, most stone crushing industries operate without any dust control or containment systems. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to assess the association and extent of silicosis with the inhalation of silica dust among the stone crusher workers in the hub district of Baluchistan which is the biggest province of Pakistan. The cross-sectional study was conducted among the workers of six different stone crushing industries who voluntarily participated in the study. Demographic data included age, gender, service duration, education, smoking and different departments of the industry. Estimation of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) was performed using spirometer. Radiography was carried out in workers with disturbed PFTs to observe the appearance of micro nodules in lungs. Data was analyzed by SPSS ® version 16.0 software. The PFTs were significantly reduced in workers with service duration of 15-20 years. A significantly reduced level of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Vital Capacity (VC) was detected in workers of screening department, while reduced Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) in loading and decreased Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) in drilling, crushing and screening divisions of industries was observed. No safety measures were acquired by 68% of the population in industries. The nodule appearance detected by radiography suggested the presence of silicosis in 4.3% of the population of stone crushing workers. Finding of this study suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between dust exposure and disturbed PFTs with lack of awareness and implementation of safety measures by the workers of stone crushing industries in Pakistan.