Stephen Monday,
Atul Khajuria,
Eric Kwasi Elliason,
Gagan,
J. Samuel Kamanda,
Abstract
In Haryana, India, brick kiln workers are subjected to high levels of Particulate Matter (PM) which has been shown to deteriorate respiratory health. This study looks into the effect sustained exposure to particulate pollution has on lung function among workers in the brick kilns. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of chronic exposure to particulate matter on lung function among brick kiln workers in Haryana. A cross-sectional study was performed on 833 brick kiln workers. Functional capacity of the lungs was evaluated by spirometry tests. Additionally, PM 10 and PM 2.5 exposure levels were monitored along with demographic and occupational variables for further analysis. Increased exposure duration to PM resulted in lung function decline (FEV1, FVC) greater than expected. Smokers showed greater lung function reduction than non-smokers. Significant changes in lung function were noted among those exposed for over 5 years. The data indicates that workers who are chronically exposed to high levels of PM in brick kiln environments suffer greater PM related decrements of lung function. There is an emerging need for air quality improvement, along with protective actions for the workers.
Keywords: Lung function, brick kiln workers, particulate matter, chronic exposure, Haryana, spirometry, occupational health, air pollution, PM10, PM2.5, respiratory health, occupational lung disease
[This article belongs to Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering ]
Stephen Monday, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Gagan, J. Samuel Kamanda. Lung Function Decline Among Brick Kiln Workers in Haryana Due to Chronic Particulate Matter Exposure. Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering. 2025; 12(02):11-16.
Stephen Monday, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Gagan, J. Samuel Kamanda. Lung Function Decline Among Brick Kiln Workers in Haryana Due to Chronic Particulate Matter Exposure. Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering. 2025; 12(02):11-16. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joise/article=2025/view=232951
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Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 02 |
| Received | 15/04/2025 |
| Accepted | 30/04/2025 |
| Published | 04/05/2025 |
| Publication Time | 19 Days |
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