Tungu A.M., Bråtveit M., Mamuya S.H., Moen B.E.
Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018, Bergen, Norway; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of OccupationalMedicine, Haukel and University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
Tungu, A.M., Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018, Bergen, Norway; Bråtveit, M., Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018, Bergen, Norway; Mamuya, S.H., Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Moen, B.E., Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018, Bergen, Norway, Department of OccupationalMedicine, Haukel and University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
OBJECTIVES:: To compare total dust exposure, prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Tanzanian cement workers before (2002) and after (2010-2011) establishment of dust-control measures. METHODS:: Personal total dust-exposure measurements, questionnaire assessment for chronic respiratory symptoms, and spirometry were conducted in both examination periods. RESULTS:: Total dust exposure was lower in 2010-2011 than in 2002. The prevalence of most chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD was lower in 2010 than in 2002. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), percentage predicted FEV1, and percentage predicted forced vital capacity were higher among cement workers in 2010 than in 2002. CONCLUSIONS:: There was reduced total dust exposure level, lower prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD, and higher lung function among cement workers in 2010 than in 2002. © 2013 by American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Adult; Bronchitis, Chronic; Chronic Disease; Construction Materials; Cough; Dust; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Prevalence; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Questionnaires; Spirometry; Sputum; Tanzania; Vital Capacity; Young Adult