The relationship between exposure to respiratory pollutants and pulmonary function tests capacities in steel industry workers

In the steel industry, workers are often exposed to high concentrations of dust particles of raw materials such as iron ore, coke, manganese, and metal fumes such as iron oxides, manganese and silicon which can affect respiratory function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between exposure to respiratory pollutants and pulmonary function tests capacities in steel factory workers. In this historical cohort study, a total of 260 workers were divided into two groups. One group was exposed and the other group was not exposed to respiratory pollutants. Environmental sampling was used to evaluate the type, distribution and exposure rate. In order to evaluate respiratory problems and lung function of the workers we used ATS standard questionnaire and spirometry, respectively, based on ATS/ERS guidelines. The mean total dust levels measured in bag filter, blast furnace, material supply and casting units were 13.32, 12.015, 11.75 and 10.98 mg/m3 respectively. The measured mean values for fume particles in blast furnace and casting units were 8.54 and 6.81 mg/m3 respectively. 37.6% of the workers had a history of respiratory symptoms, 32.3% of them were among the exposed group (p<0.05). Mean percentages of FEV1/FVC were significant in exposed and unexposed groups. Mean percentages of FVC and FEV1 in the exposed group were lower than those of ATS standard range, but the relationship was not significant. It seems that workers exposed to pollutants are at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and reduced spirometric indices. Therefore, appropriate measures should be considered to reduce the impact of pollutants.