Determining pulmonary function and the associated risk factors among stone quarry workers in a suburban area of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

BACKGROUND: Stone quarrying activities generate dust and fine particulate matters of silica and heavy metals. The prolonged exposure to suspended particulates leads to fatal respiratory complications. Occupational pulmonary complications are poorly characterized among quarry workers in Tamil Nadu. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess pulmonary function and determine the associated risk factors among quarry workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2014 to January 2015 among workers at seven stone quarries in Chennai and residents within a 5 Km radius. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and sputum analysis were done. RESULTS: Overall, 670 participants were enrolled in the study, with a median age of 37 years. Comparatively, the mean PFT measures were significantly lower in quarry workers with a higher proportion of airflow obstruction and tuberculosis infection. CONCLUSION: The risk of airflow obstruction among quarry workers increased with smoking and longer duration of work years in quarry.