Alexander Mtemi Tungu1, Magne Bråtveit, Simon H Mamuya, Bente E Moen. 1. From the Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care (Drs Tungu, Bråtveit, and Moen), Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Dr Mamuya), School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Department of Occupational Medicine (Dr Moen), Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To compare total dust exposure, prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Tanzanian cement workers before (2002) and after (2010-2011) establishment of dust-control measures. METHODS: Personal total dust-exposure measurements, questionnaire assessment for chronic respiratory symptoms, and spirometry were conducted in both examination periods. RESULTS: Total dust exposure was lower in 2010-2011 than in 2002. The prevalence of most chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD was lower in 2010 than in 2002. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), percentage predicted FEV1, and percentage predicted forced vital capacity were higher among cement workers in 2010 than in 2002. CONCLUSIONS: There was reduced total dust exposure level, lower prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD, and higher lung function among cement workers in 2010 than in 2002.
OBJECTIVES: To compare total dust exposure, prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Tanzanian cement workers before (2002) and after (2010-2011) establishment of dust-control measures. METHODS: Personal total dust-exposure measurements, questionnaire assessment for chronic respiratory symptoms, and spirometry were conducted in both examination periods. RESULTS: Total dust exposure was lower in 2010-2011 than in 2002. The prevalence of most chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD was lower in 2010 than in 2002. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), percentage predicted FEV1, and percentage predicted forced vital capacity were higher among cement workers in 2010 than in 2002. CONCLUSIONS: There was reduced total dust exposure level, lower prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD, and higher lung function among cement workers in 2010 than in 2002.