Association between respirable dust exposure and lung function deterioration among construction site workers

Construction workers are at risk of developing respiratory health problems because they are exposed to various forms of dust at the construction site. This study aimed to evaluate the exposure to respirable dust level and respiratory health of construction site workers. Personal Air Sampling Pump was used to determine the exposure to respirable dust. Meanwhile, the spirometry test was performed to assess the efficiency of the lung function. Based on independent T-test, the exposed workers showed significantly higher exposure to respirable dust level than non-exposed workers. The lung function parameters (FVC%, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC%) were lowered significantly among the exposed workers compared to the non-exposed workers. Cough and phlegm have been reported to be the most probable symptoms determined among the construction workers. In conclusion, personal exposure to high level of respirable dust increased the risk of lung function deterioration.