ASBESTOS EXPOSURE IN WORKERS OF BRAKE SHOE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN PAKISTAN

Résumé fourni par la source

Objectives: The study was conducted for asbestos exposure in workers of a brake shoe manufacturing industry. The study included 50 workers in age group of 15-65 from similar socio-economic status. Methods: The pulmonary function test was performed by using peak flow rate. The decrease in Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) showed an obstructive impairment. Results: Asbestos related lung diseases prevail in workers of brake shoe manufacturing industry. 85% of the workers complained to having cough. 62% reported to have their chest sound wheezy and whistling. 70% had problem of shortness of breath when hurrying on a level or walking up a slight hill. Some other asbestos related diseases were also reported. 4% had problem of cyanosis and 2% had problem of clubbing. The data obtained from questionnaire showed 70% of workers were smokers and 20% were non-smokers and 10% were ex-smokers. Discussion: The observed changes in pulmonary function tests could be due to mechanical irritation caused by asbestos dust and allergy reactions due to allergen present in dust itself and individual’s susceptibility to dust depending on duration of exposureThe outcome of the study indicated that there is lack of health and safety measures in brake shoe manufacturing industry. Precautions have to be taken to prevent the workers from exposure to asbestos dust.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.