Deterioration of pulmonary function with duration of exposure to silica dust in stone crusher workers

• Author Details:   
• Priyanka Mirdha
• Shilpa Solanki
• Brijendra Singh

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Background and Objectives: In stone crusher workers, one of the major health hazards is respiratory disorder. Globally, it is most common occupational disease and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Prevalence of respiratory disease depends upon amount of silica exposure and duration of exposure. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of duration of exposure to silica dust on pulmonary function test parameters.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in stone crusher workers. Pulmonary function test were recorded on 50 subjects. Statistical analysis amongst the stone crusher workers was carried out by Analysis of Variance (ANNOVA) test.
Results: It was concluded from this study that pulmonary function test decreases as duration of exposure to silica dust increases.
Conclusion: Increased duration of exposure to silica dust may increase the risk the respiratory problems.

Keywords: Pulmonary function test, Stone crusher workers, Silica, Duration of exposure, Occupational disease