TITLE:
Respiratory Symptoms and Spirometry Profile of Plastic Factory Workers in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria
AUTHORS:
John Omotola Ogunkoya, Olumide Abiodun, Kolawole John Sodeinde, Emmanuel Fikayo Bamidele, John Sotunsa, Akindele Emmanuel Ladele, Omosivwe Oku, George Ezinwa Emeruwa, Olawale Kehinde Ogunyemi
KEYWORDS:
Plasticos, Thermoset, Thermoplastic, Styrene, 1, 3-Butadiene, Microplastics
JOURNAL NAME:
Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine,
Vol.10 No.2,
March
18,
2022
ABSTRACT: Background: Exposure to plastic fumes can lead to severe occupational hazards due to inhalation, ingestion or direct contact wide variety of potentially harmful by-products during the manufacturing and burning of plastics. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in plastic factory workers, evaluate the respiratory function of plastic factory workers and the association between respiratory symptoms and the duration of employment. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done among plastic factory workers. Using a random sampling technique, 190 individuals (95 subjects and 95 control) above 18 years of age were recruited. Data were obtained with a validated questionnaire and Spirometry was done. Result: The mean age of the study group and control were 30.27 ± 7.38 and 25.92 ± 4.63 respectively (t = 4.877; p Conclusion: Workplace exposure to plastic fumes can lead to development of respiratory symptoms and impaired pulmonary function.