شیوع علائم بیماریهای تنفسی و اختلال عملکرد ریه در کارگران کارگاه پنبه پاک کنی داراب

Abstract Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function impairments among Darab ginning factory workers Masoud neghab , Morteza nowroozi sarjoeeye Background: Exposure to cotton dust and its bioaerosol contaminants is the major cause of byssinosis.This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and acute and chronic ventilatory disorders among Darab ginning factory workers. Methods: In this cross sectional study the paremeters of pulmonary function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms were measured by portable medical spirometers and standard respiratory symptoms questionaires, respectively. The exposure group were qualified workers of one of Darab ginning factories and referent subjects were selected among clerical staff of Shiraz university of medical science. Data analysis was performed using spss version 19. Results: In this study the prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as: cough, phlegm, wheezing, chest tightness and byssinosis were significantly more common in exposed group than in the referent subjects(p<0.05).Additionally, some parameters of pulmonary function such as: VC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% in the exposed group were lower than the control group. Mean changes in all lung function parameters except FVC signigicantly reduced after 8-hour shift in the exposed group(p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that seasonal short-term exposure to cotton dust and its bioaerosol contaminants is associated with byssinosis, respiratory symptoms and lung function impairments. Key words: cotton dust,respiratory symptoms, lung function impairments,byssinosis, chest tightness