Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Occupational lung diseases are one of the most neglected conditions across the globe. This is more so in cases of highly populated and resource‐limited settings like India. Construction workers are exposed to wide variety of physical and chemical environmental factors that can make them prone to respiratory morbidity. Exposure to cement dust, wide range of inorganic respiratory allergens, welding fumes and so on in the construction site for a longer periods had been proved to reduce the lung function. Working in the construction industry has also been reported to be associated with marginally increased risk of lung cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary function of construction workers by comparing the results of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) with those of age‐and gender‐matched controls. A total of 100 subjects participated in the study, consisting of 50 construction workers with at least 5 years of exposure to dust and 50 age‐and gender‐matched controls. Pulmonary function was assessed using computerised spirometry ((RMS Helios 401 software) following standardized protocols. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 29 and the Paired t‐test was used to assess differences between groups. A p‐value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The PFT parameters, including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and the FEV1/FVC ratio, were significantly reduced among the construction workers compared to the control group. The pulmonary function profile of construction workers exhibited a tendency toward a restrictive pattern of lung disease. Construction workers exhibited significantly lower pulmonary function test values compared to age‐and gender‐matched controls, with a predominance of restrictive lung disease patterns. These findings underline the need for enhanced occupational health measures, including better dust control strategies and the implementation of engineering controls to minimize exposure to hazardous substances. Strengthening safety protocols and improving the working environment are essential to protect the respiratory health of construction workers.
How to cite this article:
P. Asvini Jenifer, M. Anita, H.R. Haribabu and K.R. Hasna Parveen. Evaluation of Pulmonary Function Test Among Construction Site Workers.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.62.66
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.62.66