Impact of bioaerosol exposure on respiratory health of saw-mill workers

Abstract

Background: Occupational environments with organic dust and bioaerosols pose danger to the respiratory health of the personnel of such environments. Respiratory health of the workers of saw-mills in relation to airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations has rarely been studied in India. Aims and Objectives: This study was, therefore, designed to assess and compare the pulmonary functions (PFs) of saw-mill workers with those of matching controls. The study also aimed at assessment of bioaerosol exposure in saw-mills as compared to indoor air in a residential area as a control. Materials and Methods: The study design was cross-sectional case-control. PFs (percent predicted of forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume 1 s/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate, forced mid expiratory flow 25-75%, and maximum ventilatory volume) were assessed by computerized spirometer (Helios, Recorders and Medicare System, India) in 30 saw-mill workers with minimum exposure of more than 5 years. 30 age and sex matched controls were also evaluated for the same parameters. Bacterial and fungal concentration (CFU/m3) in the air of saw-mills with residential indoor air as a control was evaluated by volumetric air sampler (Hi-Air, Hi-Media, India). Appropriate statistical tests were used to compare respiratory symptoms, PFs, and bioaerosol levels. Results: Statistically significant lower values of PF parameters were observed in cases as compared to controls. Bacterial and Fungal concentrations in saw-mill air were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than control indoor air. Conclusion: The output of this study suggests a compromised respiratory status in workers of saw-mills with more exposure to bacteria and fungal spores. The results call for urgent measures to reduce environmental bioaerosol exposure in organic dust environments like saw-mills.