Health Status and Safety Practices of Workers of Asbestos Sheet Manufacturing Factories in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Exposure to asbestos causes health hazards including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos industry workers are at a higher risk of exposure. Objective of this research is to assess the health status and the safety practices of asbestos industry workers. Four hundred seventy-five workers from three asbestos sheet manufacturing factories were recruited into the study. One hundred sixty-two subjects who were not exposed to asbestos were recruited as controls. Study design was a comparative cross-sectional study. Information related to safety practices of workers were collected using an investigator-administered questionnaire. A doctor in the research team examined their respiratory system. They underwent lung function test (Cosmed Pony-FX spirometer). Mean duration of exposure to asbestos was 12.8±10.2 years. Results showed that protective gear for protection of hand, body, eyes and respiratory system from asbestos fibre were worn by 260 (54.74%), 63 (13.26%), 90 (18.95%) and 402 (84.63%), respectively. Regular use of respiratory protection was practiced only by 120 (25.26%). 458 (96.42%) had normal respiratory system examination findings while three (0.63%) had crackles at lung bases and 14 (2.95%) had wheezing. FVC was below predicted in 178 asbestos workers and 58 controls (Odds ratio (OR) 1.075 (95% CI 0.742-1.557), P=0.775). FEV1 was below predicted in 183 asbestos workers and 51 controls (OR 1.364 (95% CI 0.933-1.994), P=0.131). FEV1/FVC ratio was below predicted in 11 asbestos workers and seven controls (OR 0.525 (95% CI 0.200-1.378), P=0.291). FEF 25-75 below predicted in 41 asbestos workers and 21 controls (OR 0.634 (95% CI 0.363-1.110), P=0.146). It is concluded that safety practices of workers can be further improved. Lung function parameters of asbestos industry workers are not significantly different from those of controls.