Effect of Grain Dust on Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function

An epidemiologic health survey was carried out among 314 workers in one of grain elevators in Shenyang.A medical and occupational questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers. Spirometry was performed on site. 61.47% of the grain workers complained of one or more respiratory symptoms during or after exposure to airborne grain dust.The prevalence of various symptoms was significantly higher among grain workers than control subjects. 15.6% of the grain workers had episodes of grain fever. The mean values of V, V, and Vwas significantly lower for grain workers than control subjects, suggesting that the group of grain workers had evidence of small airway dysfunction. Pulmonary function abnormalities were associated with increased duration of employment in the grain elevator,smoking was also associated with deterioration of respiratory function.