Abstract
Introduction: An estimated 1.2 million people in India are employed in sanitation departments as street sweepers, garbage collectors, garbage transporters and sewer cleaners who are exposed to several organic and inorganic air pollutants. There is little knowledge about the lung health of this population.Aim: To study the respiratory health of employees of the 'Sanitation Department' from Pune city in India.Methods: All employees who came for the health check-up were administered a respiratory health questionnaire, examined by a medical doctor and underwent Spirometry according to ATS/ERS 2005 guidelines.Results: Of the 166 (M=72, F=94) employees examined, 127 were street sweepers and 39 were others (garbage, sewers and administration). 38.6% of employees had some respiratory symptom (Runny/blocked nose=17.5%, cough 15%, Chest pain/tightness=15%, shortness of breath=14.5%, Headache=14.5%, wheezing/whistling from chest=13.85%, Sinusitis=2.4%). Compared to street sweepers, employees in other occupations had a significantly higher prevalence of cough [11.02% Vs 28.21% (p= 0.02)] and wheeze [7.9% Vs 23.08% (p= 0.02)]. Prevalence of obstructive airways diseases (OADs) (FEV1/FVC< 70%) was 8.3% and small airways obstruction (SAOs) (FEF25-75%<65%) was 53.9%. Prevalence of SAOs was significantly higher in street sweepers as compared to those in other occupations (Adj OR 2.4, CI: 1.02 -5.6; p=0.04)Conclusion: Employees of the sanitation department had a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms, OADs and SAOs. Although prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher in other occupations; street sweepers were at a higher risk of having SAOs.
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