A prospective evaluation of pulmonary function and associated factors in seasonal grape wokers

Respiratory functions and symptoms are influenced by exposure to organic and inorganic dusts. Among agricultural workers, organic dusts and pesticides constitute the primary components of respiratory exposure. In Türkiye, studies investigating the effects of occupational exposure on agricultural workers are limited, and the impact on respiratory functions has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the respiratory effects observed in seasonal grape workers, and to investigate the influence of sociodemographic characteristics, working conditions, and duration of employment on both short- and long-term pulmonary functions. Materials and Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to monitor the respiratory functions of seasonal grape workers over a six-month period. The study population consisted of male and female seasonal agricultural workers over the age of 18, with no prior diagnosis of pulmonary disease, who were employed in grape harvesting in the Alaşehir district of Manisa, Türkiye, between 1 August and 1 October 2024. Data were collected on the workers' sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, use of personal protective equipment during work, types of pesticides used in their workplaces, duration of employment during the grape harvest season, and their smoking habits both during the harvest season and in the six-month period following the end of the season. In addition, participants were monitored for employment in similar jobs during the follow-up period, presence of respiratory symptoms or exposure, any new diagnosis of lung disease, and hospital admissions related to respiratory causes. Pulmonary function tests, oxygen saturation levels, and heart rate measurements were performed at three time points: prior to the start of the grape harvest season, at the end of the season, and six months after the end of the season. The SF-12 Quality of Life Questionnaire, the mMRC, and the Borg scale were also administered at each assessment point. 15 Results Our study demonstrated that, in seasonal grape workers, both respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function continued to progressively deteriorate over a sixmonth period, despite the cessation of occupational exposure. These findings highlight the importance of registering and systematically monitoring seasonal agricultural workers. Ensuring their access to social security and conducting regular follow-up regarding their health status and potential disability are essential from both occupational and public health perspectives. Key words: Agricultural workers, pulmonary functions, respiratory exposure