Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in automobile spray painters of Mumbai: A cross-sectional study

Background: Spray painting poses health hazards that affect the respiratory system. During spray painting, workers are exposed to different paint components. Toluene diisocyanates, methylene diisocyanates, and hexamethylene diisocyanates are commonly used isocyanates in the spray painting. The major route of occupational exposure to isocyanates is the inhalation of the vapor or aerosol that can sensitize workers. The short- and long-term consequences of the respiratory system can be raised from these occupations. Hence, the aim and objective of this study were to find the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in automobile spray painters of Mumbai and to study the use of safety measures in automobile spray painters. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 50 automobile spray painters were selected based on inclusion criteria. The self-made validated questionnaire was used as an outcome measure. Results: About 90% of the automobile spray painters have reported respiratory symptoms in their occupation among which 88% had the most prevalent symptom of breathlessness followed by 84% workers had the symptom of coughing. Nearly 60% of workers were aware about the safety measures, but only 33% were using the safety measures during work. Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms. The lack of awareness and the use of safety measures had increased the severity of the symptoms.