The effect of fine particles (PM₂.₅) on lung function performance of steel factory workers / Siti Syahirah Rosdin

Studies have linked exposure to fine particles (PM₂.₅) with a variety of respiratory health effects such as deterioration of lung performance, breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and phlegm. Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of PM2.5 and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) of participants in steel factory. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 59 participants. Air sampling pump was used to measure the personal fine particles concentration exposed to participants while Peak Flow Meter used to measure the PEFR. Participants were interviewed using structured questionnaire from British Medical Research Council Respiratory (BMRC) regarding their respiratory symptoms. Results: The mean concentration of PM₂.₅ was 2.73 mg/m³ with minimum value of 0.15 mg/m³ and maximum value of 14.22 mg/m³. Meanwhile, the minimum value of PEFR obtained was 200 L/min. The most prevalence of respiratory symptoms was phlegm for most days in 3 months (47.1%) followed by breathlessness when hurrying on level ground and walk up slight hill (33.9%), morning cough (28.8%) and morning phlegm (28.8%). There was no
significant relationship between fine particles concentration and PEFR among the steel workers (r=0.106, (p=0.426). Conclusion: Findings indicated that the fine particles
concentration was complying with the permissible exposure limit value for PM₂.₅ for 24hour mean which is 25
mg/m³. However, preventive measures must be implemented to reduce and maintained the level of exposure by installing a general exhaust system in the
factory, conduct an annual examination and providing an appropriate N95 respirator to all the steel factory workers.