Effect of time of exposure to environmental risk on the lung function of foundry workers: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

[Purpose] This cross-sectional study aimed to compare foundry workers of the metallurgical industry with high and low exposure time and with a control group. [Subject and Methods] The workers were evaluated for pulmonary function and peak expiratory flow (PEF), respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and physical activity level. Descriptive statistical analysis and ANOVA one-way test were used. [Results] The mean age was 33.9 +/- 8.25 years (18-59), pulmonary function: FVC: 95 +/- 18% of predicted, FEV1: 95.0 +/- 15.8% of predicted, FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.82 +/- 0.09, and PEF = 499.7 +/- 118.5 l/min. Overall, 85.1% of workers were classified that physically active, 7.93% of workers reported respiratory symptoms, and 14.28% reported being smokers. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for the variables of lung function. [Conclusion] The pulmonary function is preserved in foundry workers independently of exposure time.