The Effect of Wood Dust on Lung Function of Woodworkers in Na’ibawa Wood Market Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background The wood industry is one of the occupations where exposure to wood dust has been shown to lead to chronic lung diseases long after such exposure has ceased. This study assessed the effect of wood dust and other irritants on lung function of wood workers in Na’ibawa market, Kano. Method Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 370 wood workers and 150 controls were studied. The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of the subjects were measured using Compact II Computerized Electronic Spirometer. Data collected were analyzed using Minitab 12.21 and Epi info 3.2.02 Computer Statistical Softwares. Results The percentage predicted mean FEV1 for majority of the wood workers were lower than the 75% limit for normal subjects. The percentage predicted mean FEV1/FVC for the wood workers across most of the age groups was normal except for age groups 25-29 and 30-34 years. The percentage predicted mean FVC for both study and control groups were within normal limit. This study observed significant differences in lung function parameters between subjects in the study and control groups. Recommendations The government, development partners and professional groups should strengthen activities for improving awareness of the wood workers on the hazards associated with wood work and the available methods of preventing and/ or mitigating exposures.

Key words: Wood dust; Exposure; Lung function; Impairment; Kano