Spirometric evaluation of respiratory functions of carpentery workers

Wood powders contain a large number of toxins, microorganisms, fungi and chemicals, and have significant effects to human health. Organic dusts and substances which are exposed by workers and substances that are exposed by inhalation are factors affecting the lungs.The aim of this study to determine how the respiratory functions of workers are affected from the wood dust and volatile chemical substances in carpentries. A number of 60 workers in the cutting line, wood-working, varnishing and painting sections of carpentry was selected for the experimental group, and 60 individuals with similar demographics, who have not been exposed to wood dust ad volatile chemicals, were selected to the control group. Sociodemographic information evaluated by a survey and the data of respiratory functions measured by spirometer were compared among the participants. Unlike the situation before working, the story of wet cough increased the most in carpentry workers. In addition, the rate of dyspnea elevated and there was no significant difference comparing the other disease. VC, FVC, FEV1 ,FEV1/FVC and MVV parameters of the control group were 3,05, 4,16, 3.24, %77,93 and 79,76 while that of the carpentry group were 3,11, 4,32, 3,4, %80.5 and 49,26, respectively. It was observed that no significant difference in term of VC, FVC, FEV1 ve FEV1/FVC among roups while the mean level of MVV was reduced significantly in carpentry workers. Although most of the workers stated to use an occupational safety material, the decrease in deep and rapid respiration capacities may be related to the exposure to the wood dust, as well as the chemical substances such as melamine or phenol-urea-formaldehyde resins and paints. There were no significant differences in FVC and MVV among non-smokers, ex-smokers and active smokers. However, VC level of ex-smokers was the higher than other groups. Thus, it is thought that the smoking status may affect the respiratory function tests. As a result, our study demonstrates that the respiratory system functions of workers exposed to wood dust and volatile chemicals were affected negatively in carpentries. This study is the first study showing that the pulmonary function tests of the carpentry workers in Turkey are affected by the exposure to the wood dust and volatile chemicals containing materials. Our findings display that the carpentry workers should frequently be tested for their respiratory function.