Comparative Analysis of Pulmonary Function in Rice Mill Workers Versus Unexposed Controls: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Rice milling is a major agro-based industry in India and employs a large number of workers who are chronically exposed to organic and inorganic dust generated during milling operations. Inhalation of rice husk dust, silica residues, fungal spores, and other airborne contaminants may contribute to airway inflammation, fibrosis, and ventilatory impairment. However, standardized spirometric data from Indian rice mill workers remain limited. This study aimed to compare pulmonary function parameters between rice mill workers and unexposed controls. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences, Madhuranthagam. A total of 100 male participants aged 30-60 years were included; of these, 50 were exposed, and 50 were unexposed. Exclusion criteria included smoking, pre-existing respiratory or cardiac disease, inability to perform spirometry adequately, prior exposure to other occupational dust, and recent or active acute respiratory infection. Spirometry was performed using a Medicaid Smart Soft USB software spirometer (Medicaid Systems, Jalandhar, Punjab, India), measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) for both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 31 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). Results The PFT of the Rice mill workers showed a significant decrease in FVC (1.96 ± 0.22 L), FEV₁ (1.69 ± 0.21 L), and PEFR (4.47 ± 1.89 L/s) compared to controls (p < 0.05). However, FEV₁/FVC ratio is more than 70%, suggesting a restrictive pattern of lung involvement, with a restrictive spirometric pattern.