RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Work-related respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests in Iranian printers
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 1170
OP 1175
VO 30
IS 9
A1 Mohammad H. Boskabady
A1 Majid K. Rezaiyan
A1 Iman Navabi
A1 Sara Shafiei
A1 Shahideh Shafiei
YR 2009
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/30/9/1170.abstract
AB OBJECTIVE: To assess lung function tests and self-reported frequency of work related respiratory and allergic symptoms among subjects working as printers.METHODS: This study was carried out from June to October 2007 in Mashhad city, Iran. The frequency of work-related respiratory and allergy symptoms was studied in a sample of 73 printers (group I), and 73 matched controls (group II) using a questionnaire in the past year. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were also measured in group I and group II.RESULTS: A total of 30 (41%) subjects from group I reported work-related respiratory symptoms. Breathlessness (30%) and cough (27%) was the most common symptoms, and 16.5% in group I reported wheezing during work. All respiratory symptoms in group I were significantly greater than those in group II (p=0.04 to p=0.002). Allergic symptoms (except urticaria) were also significantly greater in group I than those in group II (p=0.048 to p=0.009). In addition, respiratory and allergic symptoms were greater during work compared with the rest period, which was significant for cough, breathlessness, and runny nose (p<0.21 to p<0.049 for all cases). All PFT values were also significantly lower in group I compared to group II (p=0.006 to p<0.0001).CONCLUSION: Printing work is associated with a high frequency of work related respiratory and allergic symptoms particularly during work period. The PFT values were also significantly reduced among subjects in group I.