A study of total dust and pulmonary function among workers at a concrete road construction in Surat Thani Province
Keywords:
Concrete road construction, Total dust, Worker, Pulmonary functionAbstract
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the concentration of total dust in the workplace, evaluate pulmonary function among workers, and determine factors related to pulmonary function of employees of a concrete road construction contracting company in Surat Thani Province. The sample consisted of 30 employees working in 3 departments: ready-mix concrete production, asphalt concrete, and vehicle maintenance. Total dust volume data was collected in the work area according to the NIOSH Method No. 0500 standards throughout the 8-hour work period. Pulmonary function was measured using a spirometer. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Factors related to pulmonary function were analyzed using Chi-square statistics and Fisher's exact test.
The study results found that the department with the highest total dust concentration in the work area was vehicle maintenance, with an average value of 2.41 ± 0.92 mg/m3, but not exceeding the OSHA and ACGIH standards. The pulmonary function assessment results found that 12 employees, or 40.0 percent, had abnormal pulmonary function with limited expansion. No factors were found to be related to pulmonary function. However, the amount of respirable dust particles that can accumulate in the alveoli should be studied, along with pulmonary function tests, at least once a year. It is recommended that employees wear respiratory protection equipment that can filter sand dust while working, such as KN95 and N95 dust masks.
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