ASSESSMENT OF PULMONARY FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH IN SAW MILL WORKERS EXPOSED TO INDOOR AIR POLLUTION FROM WOOD DUST

Indoor air pollution, exacerbated by rapid industrialization and modern lifestyles, poses significant health risks, particularly in developing countries. This study explores the impact of chronic sawdust exposure on the respiratory health of sawmill workers, focusing on pulmonary function impairment and related respiratory symptoms. A total of 120 workers were studied, including 90 workers in the exposed group, who were subjected to inhaled dust particles exceeding safe limits. Spirometry was employed to assess lung function parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of FVC (FEF25-75%), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Demographic factors including age, gender, height, employment duration, and smoking habits were considered. The results, analyzed using a t-test, revealed statistically significant declines in FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%, PEFR, and the FEV1/FVC ratio among the exposed workers, indicating the presence of obstructive pulmonary disorders. Additionally, symptoms of respiratory diseases such as cough and phlegm were prevalent. This study uniquely focuses on the impact of chronic wood dust exposure on sawmill workers' respiratory health, an area often overlooked in occupational health research. It highlights the need for early detection and preventive measures to reduce pulmonary function impairment.