Lung Function Impairment in Construction Workers – Influence of Smoking and Exposure Duration

AIM: The objective of the study was to assess influence exposure duration and smoking on ventilatory impairment among construction workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional performed, including 83 workers aged 18–64 years, compared equivalent number office controls matched by age, workplace duration, status. Data chronic respiratory symptoms, work history, status were collected standardized questionnaire, while lung functional testing examined subjects performed spirometry. RESULTS: Mean values spirometric parameters lower in with statistical significance registered for maximal expiratory flow (MEF25), MEF50, MEF75. Lung functions have been found decrease relation but reached only small airways changes. There a significant difference detected between exposed any type impairment, as well obstructive combined pattern airways. Obstructive significantly associated life-time workers, smoking. effect daily smoking, cigarettes smoked shown their development. risk about 4 fold higher those more than 20 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.68 [1.01–14.59] confidence interval [CI] 95%), 2.5 smokers (OR 2.57 [0.92-7.25] CI 95%). Exposure age had independent changes force volume 1st s/force vital capacity %. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest importance joint job development function airflow limitation, being dominant, especially