Breathing at Work: Assessing Occupational Airborne Exposure and Respiratory Health Risks in Manufacturing Workers

Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure to airborne dust and particulate matter may adversely affect respiratory health among manufacturing workers. This study assessed the relationship between occupational airborne exposure, respiratory symptoms, and pulmonary function among manufacturing workers in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 manufacturing workers. Occupational exposure was assessed using PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, total dust, and respirable dust measurements. Participants were categorized into low-, moderate-, and high-exposure groups. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using a structured questionnaire, while pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using Pearson's chi-square test. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc testing was used to compare spirometric parameters across exposure groups. Pearson correlation was used to examine relationships between continuous exposure measurements and lung-function parameters. Results: Respiratory health impairment was significantly more prevalent among workers with higher exposure, increasing from 49.3% in the low-exposure group to 80.3% in the high-exposure group (p=0.001). Cough, phlegm, and wheezing were significantly associated with exposure category (p=0.003, p=0.026, and p=0.011, respectively). Mean FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC were significantly lower among highly exposed workers (p=0.002 and p=0.021, respectively), whereas FVC did not differ significantly. PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, total dust, and respirable dust were significantly and negatively correlated with FEV₁. Conclusion: Higher occupational airborne exposure was associated with increased respiratory symptoms, respiratory health impairment, and poorer pulmonary function. Strengthening workplace exposure controls, respiratory protection, and periodic respiratory health surveillance is warranted among manufacturing workers.