RESPIRATORY HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS IN JOINERY WORKSHOPS

Introduction: Occupational exposure to wood dust may result in different toxic and alor molds affecting respiratory system and skin. Aim of work: To study the respiratoryhealth disorders among workers in some joinery workshops and to assess their workplaceenvironment. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conductedduring the period from the February 1st, 2019 to August 31th, 2020, on 100 woodworkerschosen from 11 joinery (wood made furniture) workshops, Menouf city, Menoufia governorate.Similar numbers of subjects were chosen randomly from workers’ relativeswho were never exposed to similar hazards. All participants were interviewed using apredesigned questionnaire. Physical examination and spirometric measurements wereperformed for them. Environmental study of the workplace was done. Results: Themean concentration of respirable wood dust was 3.61±2.00 mg/m3, which is higherthan the international permissible levels. Workers exposed to wood dust had significantlyhigher prevalence of respiratory manifestations e.g. rhinitis, cough, expectoration,wheezes, shortness of breathing, chest pain and asthma (59%, 64%, 51%, 34%,70%, 4% and 24%; respectively) as well as decreased spirometric measurements comparedto the controls. The higher prevalence of respiratory manifestations as well asdecreased spirometric measurements were positively correlated with time intensity factor.Conclusion and recommendations: Exposure to wood dust in a concentrationmore than permissible level has been adversely affecting the respiratory system andcausing decrease in spirometric measurements. Regular use of good quality personal   protective equipment, proper ventilation and periodic medical examination are highlyrecommended. Also, regular monitoring of the work environment and keeping dustlevel below permissible levels are mandatory.