Abstract:
Objective To analyze the relationship between jute dust exposure level and pulmonary function injury.
Methods Pulmonary function tests were carried out and analyzed on 488 jute-exposed workers in a jute mill and 332 control workers.
Results Percentage predicted values of pulmonary function tests were significantly reduced with the increase of dose of dust exposure(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).Abnormal rate of pulmonary function tests was significantly increased as the cumulative dose of dust exposure increased(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).The degree of pulmonary function injury trended increase with the increase of dose of dust exposure. According to dose-response relationship, a linear regression equiation for the cumulative abnormal prevalence of pulmonary function and the cumulative dose of dust exposure was estabilished by the lifetable method.
Conclusion There was a dose-response relationship between jute dust exposure level and pulmonary function injury. The feasible exposure limit of jute dust was 4 mg/m3.