RESPIRATORY FUNCTION OF SAWMILL WORKERS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO EXPOSURE TIME TO WOOD DUST SEEN IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Background and Objective: Sawmill workers are exposed to considerable amounts of wood dust which may compromise their respiratory function. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of wood dust by comparing pulmonary parameters between workers in the sawmill industries and their aged-matched controls. In addition, to determine the relationship between the respiratory function of sawmill workers and their exposure time. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in the south western part of Nigeria. A hundred and two non-smoking male workers were recruited from the sawmill industries while the same number made up the control group (non-smoking). The controls were comprised of members of staff and student of the University of Ibadan who had no history of wood dust exposure. All participants had no chest deformities. Selected lung function tests were performed using a spirometer. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests with alpha set at p