A Cross Sectional Study to Estimate the Risk of Developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Flour Mill Workers

Introduction: Flour dust is a heterogeneous substance with respiratory sensitizing properties. Wheat flour is a complex organic dust with a large diversity of antigenic or allergic components. In this study the association for risk of developing COPD among flour mill workers will be assessed using Peak expiratory flow rate and lung function questionnaire. Method: 101 flour mill workers were approached and consented for the assessment. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were assessed using peak flow meter and risk of developing COPD were assessed using lung function questionnaire (LFQ). Result: 7(6.93%) out of 101 flour mill workers were falling under a risk of developing COPD and 94(93.07%) were falling under no risk of developing COPD. 23(22.77%) out of 101 flour mill workers were found to have minimum obstruction and 78(77.23%) were found to have no obstruction. Conclusion: It was concluded that there were no significant association found for risk of developing COPD among flour mill workers. Key words: Flour mill workers, COPD, P.E.F.R., Lung function questionnaire.