metal dust exposure and respiratory health of male steel work¬ers in terengganu, malaysia

background: this cross sectional study was carried out to determine the relationship between metal dust exposure and respiratory health in male steel workers in terengganu, malaysia. methods: subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire from british medical research council (bmrc) questionnaire regarding respiratory symptoms and were examined their lung function using spirometer. results: the mean trace metal dusts concentration twa 8 for cobalt and chromium in most of work unit exceeded occupational exposure prescribed values. prevalence of chest tightness, chronic phlegm, and shortness of breath was 28.0%, 26.8%, 24.1%, and 20.2% respectively. age and smoking were among the factors associated with respiratory symptoms (or: 0.92 – 1.78). smoking and cumulative respirable metal dust were negatively associated with fev 1 . conclusion: the mean metal dust for cobalt and chromium were 1 to 2 times higher than permissible exposure limit (pel). this study found that respirable cumulative metal dust exposure is one of the contributing factors to lung function values among steel workers.