P1.1 STUDY OF RESPIRATORY CONDITION OF WORKERS EMPLOYED IN THE SILICA FACTORY OF HAMADAN IN 2003

R. Shabani¹, S. Tavana², H. Mahjoob², N. Habibi², S. Mirarab², T. Shirmohamadi².Department Of Nursing, Islamic Azad University, Hamadan, Iran

Introduction: Silicosis is an occupational respiratory disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust. This paper reports our survey of the lung condition of all silica grinding workers in Hamadan.

Methods: All workers exposed to silica while working in the glass factory and silica grinding factory were selected as study subjects. The study was cross sectional in design, and sampling was non-probable. A questionnaire on demographic data, respiratory signs and symptoms, and habits was administered. All workers underwent spirometry measurements and chest x ray.

Results: The mean (SD) age of 309 workers was 38.2 (9.8) years, range 16–61 years. Most of these (37.5%) had been exposed to silica dust for 1−5 years, 38.5% had many respiratory signs and symptoms such as cough, sputum, and exercise dyspnoea, and 38.2% smoked. There was a negative relationship between the starting age of smoking and smoking duration with spirometry index, and use of a paper mask had no effect on spirometry index. The type of ventilation in the factory affected forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC).

Conclusions: The research finding revealed that 21% of the workers had both positive radiological and spirometry evidence. The investigation into these cases made it clear that the type of ventilation available in the factories was not standard, a special mask was not available for the workers, and with regard to disposal, sufficient water for the stonebreaking machines was not supplied in the Azandaryan area. As there is a direct relationship between silicosis and some dangerous diseases such as tuberculosis and cancer, periodical examinations, twice a year, to ensure rapid diagnosis …