ASSESSMENT OF SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION AMONG ALUMINIUM FACTORY WORKERS DONE IN A TERITIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KANCHIPURAM

Rajkumar Manchikalapudi; Krishnappriya Ramachandran; Srinivasan. R

Volume : VII, Issue : I, January - 2018

ASSESSMENT OF SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION AMONG ALUMINIUM FACTORY WORKERS DONE IN A TERITIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KANCHIPURAM

Rajkumar Manchikalapudi, Krishnappriya Ramachandran, Srinivasan. R

Abstract :

Background:Aluminium is prevalent and essential alloy in daily life of many people being used in wide variety of aspects and is considered as the second most used metal after steel.

Objectives:

1) To study the respiratory symptoms and lung function of workers in aluminium factory.

2) Radiological assessment of pulmonary manifestations with high resolution Computed Tomography (CT) scan of chest among the workers.

Materials and methods:40 workers in aluminium factory were included in this study were screened with HRCT chest,SPIROMETRY and DLCO.

Results:70% workers showed normal spirometric values,while 17.5% had mild restriction,2.5% had mild obstruction and 10% had small airway obstruction.5%of group had reduced DLCO.95% workers showed normal HRCT findings while 5% of them were abnormal.

Conclusion:95% of workers were non smokers and usage of personal protective measures were strictly adhered by them,which can be considered as an explanation for predominantly normal lung functions and radiological findings in this study.