Follow-up of ventilatory lung function in a group of cement workers.

In a group of 160 active cement workers and 80 control workers selected on the basis of having or not having symptoms of chronic bronchitis, forced vital capacity (FVC) and one second expiratory volume (FEV 1-0), both corrected for age and height, and ratio of one second forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity (FEV 1-0/FVC (%)) were measured on two occasions with an interval of four and eight years respectively.     

Follow-up of ventilatory lung function in a group of cement workers.

In a group of 160 active cement workers and 80 control workers selected on the basis of having or not having symptoms of chronic bronchitis, forced vital capacity (FVC) and one second expiratory volume (FEV 1-0), both corrected for age and height, and ratio of one second forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity (FEV 1-0/FVC (%)) were measured on two occasions with an interval of four and eight years respectively.     

An 11-year longitudinal study of the occupational dust exposure and lung function of polyvinyl chloride, cement and asbestos cement factory workers

Standardized questionnaires and lung function tests were administered in 1973, 1980, and 1984 to 126 workers occupationally exposed to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dust, to cement dust, or to asbestos cement dust until 1974-1978 and to PVC thereafter. The workers in the last group were assigned to two asbestos exposure categories (heavy and slight). The decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0) was analyzed with regard to the length of time since the data of first employment. After adjustment for age, height, and smoking status at the date of first employment, the decline in FVC and FEV1.0 among the nonsmokers-light smokers was slightly accelerated with length of employment in the PVC and slight asbestos exposure groups and markedly accelerated with time since first employment in the heavy asbestos exposure group. The heavy smokers in all the exposure groups had FVC and FEV1.0 predicted values that were lower than those of the nonsmokers-light smokers; these differences remained constant with length of employment. Cessation of asbestos exposure for about 10 years did not seem to change lung function decline.     

Obstructive pulmonary function defects among Taiwanese firebrick workers in a 2-year follow-up study.

The purpose of the study was to follow up an earlier observation of pulmonary function among workers employed in firebrick-manufacturing factories. A 2-year follow-up study of pulmonary function among 442 workers in 30 firebrick-manufacturing factories was designed. Excluding 79 workers with a history of other occupational dust exposure, changes in pulmonary function of 291 firebrick workers were compared with pulmonary function in 72 control subjects over a period of 2 years. Baseline pulmonary function values (i.e., forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]/forced vital capacity [FVC] and forced expiratory flow after 50% of vital capacity has been expelled [FEF50%] in smoking firebrick workers, and FEV1/FVC and FEF75% in nonsmoking firebrick workers) were significantly lower than those in the comparison group. The statistical method for repeated measurements was used for comparison of the difference between follow-up and baseline lung function. There was no significant difference in FVC and FEV1 changes between firebrick workers and those in the comparison group during the 2-year follow-up period. The decreases in FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate, maximal midexpiratory flow, and FEF50% in the firebrick workers were significantly greater than in the comparison group, after adjustment for smoking status. The FEV1, maximal midexpiratory flow, FEF50%, and FEF75% also showed a dose-response relationship with job titles. The decrement of pulmonary function in the 2-year follow-up period was the worst in burning work, followed by crushing and molding. The results show that workers in firebrick-manufacturing factories with exposure to silica-containing dusts may contract obstructive pulmonary function defects.     

Pulmonary function in fur-processing workers: a dose-response relationship

Pulmonary function tests were conducted in 212 male workers exposed to fur dust in a fur-processing factory, and in 148 unexposed male workers. The authors used the cumulative dose of dust exposure (mg-yr) as an exposure index to relate to pulmonary function injury, as measured by pulmonary function tests, in exposed workers. The results showed that fur workers had lower percentages of predicted pulmonary function, as measured by forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1.0), and maximal flow rate of expiration at 50% and 25% of forced vital capacity (V50 and V25, respectively), compared with controls (p < 0.01). As the cumulative dose of fur dust exposure increased, average levels of pulmonary function declined significantly (p < 0.01), and pulmonary function abnormalities (i.e., < 80% of predicted FVC and FEV1.0, or < 70% of predicted V50 and V25) increased significantly (p < 0.05). Multiple-regression results identified fur dust exposure as the leading risk factor associated with the decline in pulmonary function in the exposed group. The results demonstrated a dose-response relationship between fur dust exposure and respiratory system injury, as measured by pulmonary function tests in fur-processing workers. On the basis of this dose-response relationship and the use of lifetables, the authors proposed an exposure limit of 4 mg/m3 for fur dust.     

Byssinosis in Guangzhou, China.

OBJECTIVES--To study the prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory abnormalities in workers exposed to cotton dust in Guangzhou in two factories that processed purely cotton. METHODS--All the 1320 workers exposed were included. The controls were 1306 workers with no history of occupational dust exposure. Total dust and inhalable dust were measured by Chinese total dust sampler and American vertical elutriator respectively. A World Health Organisation questionnaire was used. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured by a Vitalograph spirometer. RESULTS--The median inhalable dust concentrations ranged from 0.41 to 1.51 mg/m3 and median total dust concentrations from 3.04 to 12.32 mg/m3. The prevalence of respiratory abnormalities in the cotton workers were (a) typical Monday symptoms 9.0%; (b) FEV1 fall by > or = 5% after a shift 16.8%; (c) FEV1 fall by > or = 10% after a shift 4.2%; (d) FEV1 < 80% predicted 6.1%; (e) FEV1/FVC < 75% 4.0%; (f) cough or phlegm 18.2%; (g) chronic bronchitis 10.9%; and (h) byssinosis, defined by (a) plus (b) 1.7%. With the exception of (d), most of the prevalences increased with increasing age, duration of exposure, and cumulative inhalable dust exposure. No increasing trends of respiratory abnormalities were found for current total dust, inhalable dust, and cumulative total dust concentrations. Compared with controls, after adjustment for sex and smoking, with the exception of (d), all the pooled relative risks of respiratory abnormalities were raised for cotton exposure. CONCLUSION--It is concluded that cumulative inhalable cotton is likely to be the cause of byssinotic symptoms, acute lung function decrements, cough, or phlegm, and chronic bronchitis.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in jute processing workers: a primary investigation

This paper presents the results of an investigation of respiratory symptoms and lung function of 404 workers who had been exposed to jute dust in a jute mill. Measurement of total dust concentration and analysis of dust composition were also conducted. Most workers in the jute mill were exposed to jute dusts containing less than 5% silica, whereas a few workers were exposed to dusts containing approximately 10-15% silica. Male smokers and nonsmokers in the dust-exposed group had a higher prevalence of cough and chest tightness compared with those in the control group. Among dust-exposed workers, female nonsmokers had a significantly higher prevalence of cough, chronic bronchitis, chest tightness, and dyspnea than those in the control group. Lung function tests showed that dust-exposed workers had a greater incidence of abnormal lung function than did control workers, as measured by percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0), and FEV1.0/FVC. Dust exposure was the main cause of respiratory symptoms and abnormal values of FEV1.0, but both cigarette smoking and dust exposure contributed to the abnormal values reported for FEV1.0.     

小气道功能测定在粉尘作业人员职业健康监护及风险评估中的应用

[目的]了解粉尘作业对员工呼吸功能的影响,探讨小气道功能测定在粉尘作业人员职业健康监护及尘肺风险评估中的应用。[方法]2009年对某机械制造企业粉尘作业车间进行生产环境调查、粉尘浓度检测,对216名粉尘作业人员进行肺功能测定等职业健康检查及问卷调查。[结果]粉尘作业人员用力呼气75％肺活量的瞬间流量（forcedexpiratoryflowat75％offorcedvitalcapacity,FEF75％）的中位数为79％,低于正常值,用力肺活量（forcedvitalcapacity,FVC）、第1秒用力呼气容积（forcedexpiratoryvolumeinonesecond,FEV1）、1秒率（FEVl／FVC）、最高呼气流量（peakexpiratoryflow,PEF）、用力呼气25％肺活量的瞬间流量（forcedexpiratoryflowat25％FVC,FEF25％）、用力呼气50％肺活量的瞬间流量（forcedexpiratoryflowat50％ofFVC,FEF50％）的均数或中位数都在正常范围内,PEF、FEF25％、FEF50％和FEF75％异常的人员比例明显增高,分别为21．30％、BO．56％、45．37％和50．00％,而且这些参数异常人员接尘工龄较短,中位数分别为3．5年、4年、5年和5年。FVC、FEV1、FEV1／FVC、PEF、FEF25％、FEF50％、FEF75％异常人员的胸片检查异常比例分别为55．56％、60％．00、0、21．74％、15．15％、23．47％、25．00％。将胸片异常组与正常组的肺功能进行比较,胸片正常组的PEF、FEF25％、FEF50％的参数值低于异常组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。工龄10年以上的粉尘作业人员FEV1、FEF25％和FEF75％异常比例高于工龄较短组（P〈0．05）。[结论]粉尘作业人员存在气流受限、小气道功能障碍。随着接尘工龄的增加,FEV1、FEF25％和FEF75％异常人员有增多的趋势。该人群肺功能检查结果与胸片表现并不同步。在职业健康监护工作中,应对粉尘作业人员的肺功能尤其是小气道功能进行重点观察和动态对比分析,并将其作为尘肺风险评估的指标之一。建议在职业健康检查中将FEF25％、FEF50％、FEF75％等反映小气道功能的参数增设为监测指标。     

A longitudinal study of lung function in jute processing workers.

A 5-y follow-up study of pulmonary function was conducted in 1982 and in 1987 for 50 current and retired jute-processing workers who had been employed for more than 10 y in a jute mill in China. Control subjects, who had no history of dust or gas exposure, were selected from a paper-packing plant in the same city. Forced expiratory maneuvers were conducted in the same manner in both 1982 and 1987. The jute workers' pulmonary functions, i.e., forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0), and forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75%), were more compromised than were pulmonary functions in the controls for the same 5-y period; however, only the increased incidence of abnormal FEV1.0s in jute workers was statistically significant. Male jute workers had significantly higher annual decrements of FVC, FEV1.0, and FEF25-75% than did control workers. Regression analysis indicated that in 1987, predicted values of FEV1.0 and FEF25-75% for the jute workers were related to years of employment. Our results suggest that long-term exposure to jute dust could produce chronic loss of lung function.     

Lung function and surface electromyography of intercostal muscles in cement mill workers

Impairment of pulmonary function in cement mill workers has been previously reported without considering a variety of parameters that can help evaluate more thoroughly the effect of cement dust on the respiratory system. In addition, an integrated approach has not been considered to assert the involvement of respiratory muscles. Therefore, in the present study spirometry and surface electromyography (SEMG) of intercostal muscles were used for indicating pulmonary impairment. In this study, a group of 50, apparently healthy volunteers, male cement mill workers aged 20-60 years with exposure of 13 years on average, were randomly selected. They were matched with another group of 50 control healthy male subjects in terms of age, height, weight and socioeconomic status. Both groups met the standard exclusion criteria. Spirometry was performed on an electronic spirometer, while SEMG of intercostal muscles was performed by using a chart recorder. The results demonstrated statistically significant reduction in lung function parameters i.e., force vital capacity (FVC) (p < 0.0005); force expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) (p < 0.0005); peak expiratory flow (PEF) (p < 0.005); and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) (p < 0.0005) in cement mill workers, when compared with controls. However, the FEV1/FVC ratio was significantly higher (p < 0.025) in cement mill workers. Similarly, the parameters obtained from SEMG of intercostal muscles, i.e. number of peaks (NOP) (p < 0.0005); maximum peak amplitude (MPA) (p < 0.0005); peak to peak amplitude (PPA) (p < 0.0005); duration of response (DOR) (p < 0.0005) and maximum peak duration (MPD) (p < 0.0005), were significantly lower in cement mill workers than in controls. It is concluded that exposure to cement dust not only impairs lung function but also affects costal muscle performance, thus possibly indicating the decreased lung and thoracic compliance.     

某煤矿掘砌工人肺通气功能分析

[目的]了解煤矿掘砌工人肺通气功能损伤情况,探讨接尘工龄对肺功能的影响。[方法]。选取某煤矿纯掘砌工（纯掘砌作业工人）221名作为接尘组,选取该矿83名非接尘工人作为对照。行统一的体检和肺功能测定。测定结果均采用相对值,运用卡方检验、协方差分析进行统计学处理。[结果]接尘组非吸烟工人肺通气功能异常率与对照组差异不具有统计学意义（P〉0．05）,而接尘组吸烟工人肺通气功能异常率高于对照组（P〈0．05）。Mantel—Haenszel妒分析显示接尘组肺通气功能异常率高与对照组（P〈0．05）。以吸烟作为协变量,协方差分析结果显示,接尘组的用力肺活量、第一秒用力呼出量、呼气高峰流量、用力肺活量最大值、第一秒用力呼出量最大值明显低于对照组（尸〈0．05）。以吸烟为协变量,协方差分析结果显示,接尘组30年一工龄组呼气高峰流量和25％肺活量最大呼气流量明显低于10年～工龄组和20年～工龄组。以吸烟为分层因素,接尘组与对照组以及接尘组不同工龄间慢性阻塞性肺疾患患者分布差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。[结论]掘砌作业工人肺通气功能明显低于对照组并随接尘工龄延长而降低。肺通气功能检测可以作为监测接尘作业工人肺部损失的指标。     

Development of an aerosol dispersion test to detect early changes in lung function

The dispersion of a 0.5 micron aerosol bolus during tidal breathing differs significantly (p less than 0.0001) between a group of smokers (with approximately 20 pack-years average exposure) and a comparable group of nonsmokers. Their mean differences in standard respiratory function indexes from spirometry [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), mean forced expiratory flow during the middle half of the FVC (FEF25-75)] were smaller and not statistically significant. The test is simple to perform and may be done as quickly as spirometry but without using a forced exhalation. Comparison of the coefficients of variation for the dispersion test and FEV1 indicate that the aerosol dispersion test may be useful in epidemiologic investigations either by reducing the required population size or increasing the level of confidence.     

Lung function in Lancashire cotton and man made fibre spinning mill operatives.

OBJECTIVES--This survey was conducted to investigate current lung function levels in operatives working with cotton and man made fibres. Dust concentrations, smoking history, and occupational details were recorded so that factors influencing lung function could be identified. METHODS--A cross sectional study of respiratory symptoms and lung function was made in 1057 textile spinning operatives of white caucasian extraction. This represented 96.9% of the total available working population to be studied. Most (713) worked currently with cotton. The remainder worked with man made fibre. Lung function was assessed by measuring forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Exposure to cotton dust was measured in the work area and personal breathing zones, and retrospective exposure to cotton dust over a working life was estimated with accurate work history and best available hygiene data. RESULTS--3.5% of all operatives had byssinosis, 55 (5.3%) chronic bronchitis, 36 (3.5%) work related persistent cough, 55 (5.3%) non-byssinotic work related chest tightness, and 56 (5.3%) work related wheeze. A total of 212 static work area dust samples (range 0.04-3.23 mg/m3) and 213 personal breathing zone samples (range 0.14-24.95 mg/m3) were collected. Percentage of predicted FEV1 was reduced in current smokers (mean 89.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 88-91) in comparison with non-smokers (93.1, 90.5-94.1) and FVC was reduced in operatives currently working with man made fibre (95.3, 93.8-96.9) in comparison with cotton (97.8, 96.6-99.0). Regression analysis identified smoking (P < 0.01), increasing age (P < 0.01), increasing time worked in the waste room (P < 0.01), and male sex (P < 0.05) as being associated with a lower FEV1 and FVC. Current and retrospective cotton dust exposures did not appear as predictor variables in the regression analysis although in a univariate analysis, FEV1 was reduced in those operatives exposed to high dust concentrations assessed by personal and work area sampling. DISCUSSION--This study has documented loss of lung function in association with exposure to cotton dust. Those operatives with work related symptoms had significantly lower FEV1 and FVC than asymptomatic workers. Although lung function seemed to be affected by high dust exposures when operatives were stratified into high and low exposure groups, regression analysis did not identify current dust concentrations as an independent factor influencing loss. Smoking habit was found to explain most of the measured change in FEV1 and FVC. It is likely that smoking and dust exposure interact to cause loss of lung function in cotton textile workers.     

陶瓷作业工人肺功能测试结果分析

目的了解陶瓷作业工人肺功能损害的情况,为预防尘肺病发生提供依据。方法选择某陶瓷厂200名接尘工人,平均年龄为（32.31±8.25）岁,另选取非接尘工人50名为对照组,平均年龄为（34.88±9.75）岁,采用意大利的spirolabII型的肺功能仪,测试的项目包括肺活量（VC）、用力呼吸肺活量（FVC）、第1s用力呼气量（FEV1）、一秒率（FEV1%）、最大呼气中段流速（FEF25-75）、最大呼气25%、50%、75%肺活量时流量（FEF25%、FEF50%、FEF75%）;应用SPSS13.0统计软件统计分析。结果接尘组的肺功能指标FEV1、FEV1%、FEF25-75、FEF50%、FEF75%明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;接尘工龄在10年～、15年～、20年～组的工人肺功能指标中VC、FVC、FEF25-75、FEF50%、FEF75%的测试均值明显低于接尘工龄〈5年组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论陶瓷粉尘对作业工人的肺功能有损害作用,且随着接尘工龄的增加肺功能受损害程度增加。     

An epidemiological study of talc-related respiratory morbidity among employees of a rubber industry in Shiraz-Iran

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study was to assess and characterize the pulmonary reactions associated with occupational exposure to talc dust. METHODS: Ninety-seven talc workers and 110 unexposed employees as the reference group were randomly selected from a local rubber industry. Standardized respiratory questionnaires were administered to the subjects, they underwent chest X-ray and were examined by a specialist for any possible respiratory abnormality to be diagnosed. Furthermore, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were measured just before and after the work shift. Moreover, to assess the extent to which workers had been exposed to talc dust, using standard methods, inhalable and respirable dust concentrations were measured in different dusty worksites. RESULTS: The average (mean +/- SD) age (years), weight (kg), height (cm) and duration of exposure to talc dust (years) for the exposed group were 35.8 +/- 6.75, 73.1 +/- 9.2, 172.3 +/- 5.9 and 11.79 +/- 5.3, respectively. The corresponding values for the non-exposed group were 36.1 +/- 6.87, 73.36 +/- 8.1, 173.2 +/- 5.7 and 0 +/- 0, respectively. Atmospheric concentrations of inhalable and respirable talc dust were estimated to be 41.8 +/- 23.52 and 19.8 +/- 8.04 mg/m(3) (mean +/- SD), respectively. Talc exposed subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Similarly, PFTs revealed that exposure to this lubricating agent was associated with significant decreases in the mean percentage predicted of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV(1)). Likewise, there was a general tendency for VC, FVC and FEV(1) to decrease as estimated cumulative exposure (years worked) increased. Moreover, there was an acute reduction in some parameters of pulmonary function such as VC, FVC and FEV(1), over the work shift. Chest radiographs of exposed workers showed that pneumoconiosis profusions were between p 0/0 and p 2/1 according to the ILO 1980 chest X-ray classification. CONCLUSIONS: These results that are in full agreement with our preliminary observations, support the notion that occupational inhalation exposure to talc is associated with both acute and chronic respiratory disorders and induces bronchitis and interstitial lung disease.     

Ventilatory function after exposure to various respirable hazards in a population of former coal miners

The ventilatory function of 406 male former coal miners who had presented at the Cook County Hospital occupational medicine clinic between January 1976 and April 1987 was studied to determine whether subsequent exposure to respiratory hazards after leaving the coal mines adversely affected lung function. The miners were divided into five exposure groups based on their exposure to respirable hazards. These were coal dust only, coal dust plus asbestos dust, coal dust plus silica dust, coal dust plus another respirable hazard and coal dust plus two other respirable dust exposures. Duration of employment in coal mines, race, smoking history, and mean age were not significantly different between the various exposure groups. No significant difference was found in the per cent of predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), per cent of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC when the coal dust only group was compared with each of the other four exposure groups using ANOVA. Among former coal miners who present for a respiratory disability determination, therefore, exposure to respirable hazards subsequent to employment in coal mines is not associated with a statistically significant deterioration in ventilatory function.     

Ventilatory function after exposure to various respirable hazards in a population of former coal miners.

The ventilatory function of 406 male former coal miners who had presented at the Cook County Hospital occupational medicine clinic between January 1976 and April 1987 was studied to determine whether subsequent exposure to respiratory hazards after leaving the coal mines adversely affected lung function. The miners were divided into five exposure groups based on their exposure to respirable hazards. These were coal dust only, coal dust plus asbestos dust, coal dust plus silica dust, coal dust plus another respirable hazard and coal dust plus two other respirable dust exposures. Duration of employment in coal mines, race, smoking history, and mean age were not significantly different between the various exposure groups. No significant difference was found in the per cent of predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), per cent of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC when the coal dust only group was compared with each of the other four exposure groups using ANOVA. Among former coal miners who present for a respiratory disability determination, therefore, exposure to respirable hazards subsequent to employment in coal mines is not associated with a statistically significant deterioration in ventilatory function.     

Decline in annual lung function in workers exposed to asbestos with and without pre-existing fibrotic changes on chest radiography.

OBJECTIVES--To examine whether or not workers with pre-existing mild pulmonary fibrosis have accelerated decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) or forced vital capacity (FVC), under low level exposure to chrysotile asbestos. METHODS--All male workers in two asbestos manufacturing factories were followed up annually for six years to compare their declines in FEV1 and FVC. The values of FEV1 and FVC were divided by the square of the person's height to adjust for body size differences (FEV1/Ht2 and FVC/Ht2, respectively). Annual change was calculated for each subject as a slope of the simple linear regression with FEV1/Ht2 or FVC/Ht2 regressed according to age. Analysis was conducted on 242 middle aged workers who had normal routine spirometry values, normal chest radiographs or mild pneumoconiosis up to 1/2 grade, without changes either in smoking habit or severity of pneumoconiosis during the study period, and with acceptable spirograms in three or more surveys. The occupational environment, in terms of chrysotile asbestos, had been well controlled below the threshold limit value of Japan at that time--namely, 2 fibres/micromilligrams. RESULTS-There was no significant effect from the interaction between pre-existing mild pulmonary fibrosis and low level of exposure to chrysotile asbestos on the accelerated annual decline of FEV1/Ht2, or FVC/Ht2. Fibrosis significantly contributed to annual changes in FEV1/Ht2, even after adjustment for mean FEV1 and smoking. The point estimate of the contribution was - 4.9 ml/m2/y. No significant independent contribution of exposure was found in decline of either FEV1/Ht2 or FVC/Ht2. CONCLUSIONS--Pre-existing pulmonary fibrosis is an independent risk factor for accelerated annual decline of FEV1, even when mild and stable. Additional decline due to exposure to chrysotile asbestos is less probable if it is well controlled under the current threshold limit value.     

The influence of workplace environment on lung function of flour mill workers in Jalgaon urban center

The workplace environment affects the health of workers. Unhygienic conditions are observed in the workplace environment of flour mills as fine organic flour dust gets airborne in the indoor environment of the flour mills. The present work was undertaken to study the health problems related to the workplace environment of flour mill workers. The results show that flour mill workers are receiving a heavy dose (average exposure concentration, 624 microg/m3) of flour dust. To determine the impact of flour dust on the lung function of the workers spirometric analysis was conducted. Significant declines in forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were observed in the flour mill workers as compared to expected values. This study reveals reduced lung efficiency of flour mill workers due to excessive exposure to fine organic dust prevalent in the workplace environment. The impairment in lung efficiency was increased with duration of exposure in the flour mill workers. The analysis of questionnaires used to generate information on self-reported problems reveals that most of the workers were suffering from asthma and respiratory problems. Furthermore, the data shows that 42% of the flour mill workers were having shortness of breath problems, 34% of workers were having frequent coughing, and 19% workers were having respiratory tract irritation. We recommend the compulsory use of personal protective equipment (nose mask) by flour mill workers during working hours. This would help to protect the workers health from the flour dust prevalent in the workplace environment. A regular periodic examination is necessary to measure the impact of particulate matter on the health of the flour mill workers.