%0 Journal Article
%T Pulmonary Problems among Quarry Workers of Stone Crushing Industrial Site at Umuoghara, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
%A AN Nwibo
%A EI Ugwuja
%A NO Nwambeke
%A OF Emelumadu
%J International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
%D 2012
%I National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) Health Organization
%X Background: Respiratory problem is one of the major health hazards in dust-exposed workers; it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Objective: To determine the prevalence of respiratory problems and lung function impairment among quarry workers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: Respiratory problems and lung function were studied in 403 quarry workers aged 10¨C60 years. Respiratory problems were investigated with a questionnaire based on international models adapted for the study population. Lung function was assessed by spirometry and chest roentgenography. Results: The respiratory problems found were chest pain (47.6%), occasional cough (40.7%), occasional shortness of breath (6.5%) and wheezing (5.2%). The mean¡ÀSD FEV1 and FVC values were significantly decreased with length of exposure¡ªrespectively, 3.52¡À0.77 and 3.91¡À0.72 L for <5 years; 2.79¡À0.68 and 3.09¡À0.87 L for 5¨C10 years; and 2.03¡À0.92 and 2.86¡À0.83 L for >10 years of exposure. Moreover, the mean¡ÀSD FEV1 and FVC values of smoker (3.37¡À0.81 and 3.56¡À1.02 L, respectively) were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of non-smokers (3.68¡À1.02 and 3.89¡À0.99 L, respectively) working in the quarry site. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to dust due to stone quarrying may increase the risk of respiratory problems and impaired lung function¡ªcigarette smokers are at higher risk.
%K Occupational exposure
%K Signs and symptoms
%K respiratory
%K Silicosis
%K Respiratory function test
%U http://www.theijoem.com/ijoem/index.php/ijoem/article/view/152