Evaluation of pulmonary function among detergent powder factory workers- a cross sectional study in Semnan, Iran

Occupational respiratory diseases are the most prevalent occurring work-related diseases that contribute to global health concerns. The present study aimed to assess pulmonary function among detergent powder factory workers. In a cross-sectional study, 305 employees working at a detergent powder company in Semnan, Iran were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, health- and job-related information were recorded using a checklist. Subsequently, spirometer was used at baseline, before and after shift-working for recording respiratory ailments and pulmonary function tests (PFT). According to the results, the mean percentage of all spirometric indices significantly reduced after shift-work including forced vital capacity (FVC) (P < 0.01), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (P < 0.01), FEV1/FVC ratio (P = 0.038), peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P = 0.13) and forced expiratory flow at 25 and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF (25–75)) (P < 0.01). Although the mean percentage of FEV1 significantly improved upon wearing the protective mask (P = 0.014). Moreover, FVC and FEV1 indices were significantly less in smoking workers than in non-smoking participants (P = 0.005 and P = 0.003, respectively). This study revealed that using effective preventive measures should be tightly performed to promote health conditions. However, despite the occupational health programs for preventing and reducing work-related respiratory diseases, these can be considered as a serious threat for detergent powder factory workers that need to apply more control strategies and health assessment.