Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in never-smoking male workers exposed to grain dust

Abstract

Introduction. Existing literature indicates that workplace exposure to grain dust is associated with adverse respiratory effects in exposed workers. Aim of the study. To assess prevalence and characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in workers exposed to grain dust. Material and methods. We performed a cross-sectional study including 37 never-smoking male grain workers and an equal number of male office workers matched to grain workers by age and smoking status studied as a control. Evaluation of examined subjects consisted of completion of a questionnaire, baseline spirometry, and bronchodilator reversibility testing. Results. We found higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in grain workers with significant difference for cough and phlegm. Majority of respiratory symptoms in grain workers were work-related. The mean values of all measured spirometric parameters were significantly lower in grain workers. The prevalence of COPD, diagnosed by spirometric confirming of persistent airflow limitation, was significantly higher in grain workers as compared to office workers (10.8% vs. 2.7%, P = 0,021).COPD in grain workers was close related to age over 45 years and duration of employment at the actual workplace over 20 years. Conclusions. Our findings suggest relationship between workplace exposure to grain dust and persistent airflow limitation in exposed workers.