Respiratory illnesses and ventilatory function among gem cutters in Sri Lanka.

INTRODUCTION This study explores the proportion of respiratory symptoms and ventilatory functions among gem cutters in the city of gems, in Sri Lanka. METHODS All gem cutters in the Ratnapura Medical Officers of Health area were included and the control group was selected from the government officers residing in the same area. The gem cutters and the controls were matched according to their age and sex. Pulmonary function was measured with a spirometer and peak flow meter. RESULTS A significantly higher percentage of the exposed workers reported recurrent and prolonged cough (35%) and chest tightening (10%). FEV1 and FEV1/FVC was significantly lower in the exposed workers compared with unexposed workers. The results remained the same for the FEV1/FVC ratio (p=0.004) after adjusting for age and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS Adverse respiratory health effects observed among gem cutters were probably caused by exposure to gem dust.