Respiratory System Effects of Search and Rescue Workers in the February 6 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

<bold>Aim:</bold> In this study, we aimed to evaluate the respiratory symptoms and pulmonary functions of the search and rescue team that went to the region after the earthquake in our country on February 6, 2023. Method:After the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, 287 individuals (95% male) who went to the earthquake zone from Düzce as volunteers and/or on duty were evaluated within 45 days after their return from the earthquake zone with a questionnaire inquiring about their respiratory complaints, use of protective equipment, duties, and length of stay, and pulmonary function tests including diffusion capacity. Pulmonary functions were re-evaluated an average of 3 months after the first evaluation. <bold>Results:</bold> The majority of those who went to the earthquake zone (73.2%) reached the region in the first 6 days. More than half (54.7%) of those who went to the earthquake zone stayed in the region for 10-19 days. The most common symptom observed in those who traveled to the earthquake zone were runny nose, burning in the throat (35.5%). The mean DLCO (10.22 L/mmHg/min vs 10.55, p=0.005) and % expected DLCO (90.18 vs 91.72, p=0.043) values of the participants in the group who reached the earthquake zone in the first 6 days were significantly lower than the other groups. Only the DLCO values of 113 subjects who participated in the second measurement were significantly different. The final DLCO (10.10 L/min/mmHg vs 10.47, p<0.001) and % expected DLCO values (89.25 L/min/mmHg vs 92.41, p<0.001) were significantly lower than the first measurement. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> We think that measures should be taken to protect search and rescue workers from dust.