EFFECTS OF WOOD DUST ON RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS IN SAW MILL WORKERS

Background & Objectives: Occupational pulmonary diseases are more widespread and more disabling than any other group of occupational disease. The lung with its extensive surface area, high blood flow and thin alveolar epithelium is an important site of contact with substance in environment. The inhalation of dust over periods of time leads to proliferation and fibrotic changes in lungs. The workers working in industries suffer from various types of air way diseases like pneumoconiosis, farmer’s lung, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis and asthma. So the present study was undertaken to study the effects of wood dust on respiratory functions of exposed workers. Methods: Computerised spirometric parameters of saw mill workers were compared with their predicted values. We evaluated 50 male subjects in the age group of 18-50 years working in Saw Mill in different areas of Bhavnagar city. The present study was carried out by computerized software of pulmonary function test named “SPIROEXCEL”. The various data were collected; compiled, statistically analyzed and valid conclusions were drawn. Results: The present study results showed the mean values of FVC, FEV1, FEF25%, SVC, PEFR, FEF50% and MVV were significantly lower in Saw Mill workers as compared with their predicted value. The decrease in FVC and MVV indicates a restrictive impairments whereas decrease in FEV1, FEF25-75, PEFR indicates an obstructive impairment. Interpretation & Conclusion: Wood dust causes chronic bronchial irritation which is responsible for the restrictive type and restrictive plus obstructive mix type of pulmonary function impairment. The lung function indices of the saw mill workers decreased with their length of service. Inhalation of wood/saw dust is associated with a reduction in pulmonary function and also greater decline in pulmonary function was noted with greater duration of exposure.