Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF LUNG CAPACITY IN CASHEWNUT FACTORY WORKERS USING 3 BALL SPIROMETER

*Dr. M. Monitha Star, Dr. J. Jaslin Edward, T. Sherrington, Reshma T., Fagin Sam R. M., Vishnu V. S., Ashika M. D. and Arun Kumar I.

.

Abstract

This study assesses lung capacity and evaluates co-morbidity in cashew nut factory workers using a 3-ball spirometer in Kanyakumari district. The objective is to determine lung capacity and assess respiratory health. The study is a prospective observational design, conducted over 3 months with a sample size of 200 workers, all above 30 years of age. Workers under 30 were excluded. All cashewnut factory workers below 30 years were excluded. In our study 30-70 years of cashewnut factory workers were included. The workers age distribution is 30- 50 years 73(36.5%), 50- 60 years 81(40.5%) and 46(23%) workers age range above 60. There are 11(5.5%) of workers have 1-10 years of experience 93(46.5%) have 10-20 years of work experience, 89(44.5%) workers have 20-30 years of experience and 7(3.5%) of workers have 30-50 years of experiences. Workers are employed in Shelling 70(35%), Peeling 57(28.5%), Grading 44(22%), Roasting 16(8%), Packing13(16.5%). The medical history reveals that 28(14%) of cashewnut factory workers have diabetic, 28(14%) of workers have hypertension, 8(4%) have skin related diseases, 7(3.5%) have asthma, 2(1%) of workers have arthritis, 27(13.5%) have thyroid condition, 1(0.5%) have CVD, 3(1.5%) have other diseases. Respiratory health problems experienced by cashewnut factory workers are chest tightness 13(6.5%), wheezing 14(7%), nasal/throat irritation 2(1%), frequent sneezing 7(3.5%), shortness of breathe 32(16%), cough for as long as 3 months 4(2%), phlegm from chest 9(4.5%). History of respiratory ailments 6(3%) and exposure of fumes, vapours, fuels and paints are 40(20%). In this study, 85(42.5%) workers have elevated 3 balls, 43(21.5%) workers have elevated 2 balls, 8(4%) workers have elevated 1 ball, 64(32%) workers does not respond for spirometric analysis. This study emphasizes the importance of early detection of respiratory issues and continuous monitoring of lung function to prevent chronic lung diseases and reduce the risk of respiratory complications among workers.

Keywords: Cashewnut factory, Occupational exposure, Lung capacity, Spirometer, FVC/FEV1 ratio.