Occupational Health Surveillance: Lung Function Testing in Seafood Workers

Abstract

In this study the lung function status of women workers in seafood industry in India (especially in Tuticorin district) were examined. One hundred and five women workers were randomly selected from five seafood-processing units were from peeling, grading and setting sections. Lung function was measured by recording the flow/volume, Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) curves on which different static and dynamic parameters were read. The work timings were greatly dependent on the demand for the seafood during the peak season from June to March. Both the static and dynamic values were found to be lower for those with longer period of work experience. Section wise analysis indicated that workers in fish grading section had lower level of static and dynamic parameters. Seventy three percent of women workers had moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Total Immunoglobulin E (total IgE) and static and dynamic parameters indicated that the dynamic parameters such as FEV1 and PEF were significantly associated with different levels of total IgE (total immunoglobulin E) and the same trend was observed in static parameters of FVC.