Lung functions in workers exposed to tobacco dust

Abstract

Workers in the tobacco industry are exposed to tobacco dust, which has allergenic and irritative effects on airways. In this study, our aim was to determine whether tobacco dust has any effect on lung functions and volumes. A questionnaire about working conditions was applied to 448 workers, some of which had been exposed to tobacco dust while others had not, and all workers underwent measurements of spirometric flow and volume. Of the study group, 126 workers were exposed to tobacco dust for more than 10 years and 55 were not. All of these 181 workers were also nonsmokers. There were statistically significant differences between exposed and unexposed workers in FEV1 (p<0.05), PEFR (p<0.01) and MMEF (p<0.01) percentages. In conclusion, it is thought that exposure to tobacco dust for long periods affects the lung functions and some measurements should be taken in the working area to reduce the amount of tobacco dust and prevent its inhalation.