Respiratory Symptoms and Spirometry Profile of Plastic Factory Workers in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria

Background: Exposure to plastic fumes can lead to severe occupational hazards due to inhalation, ingestion or direct contact wide variety of potentially harmful by-products during the manufacturing and burning of plastics. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in plastic factory workers, evaluate the respiratory function of plastic factory workers and the association between respiratory symptoms and the duration of employment. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done among plastic factory workers. Using a random sampling technique, 190 individuals (95 subjects and 95 control) above 18 years of age were recruited. Data were obtained with a validated questionnaire and Spirometry was done. Result: The mean age of the study group and control were 30.27 ± 7.38 and 25.92 ± 4.63 respectively (t = 4.877; p < 0.001). There were 27 males and 68 females in the study group and 28 males and 67 females as control. Cough was the most prevalent symptom among study subjects and control with no statistical significance. There was statistically significant difference between mean pre bronchodilator volumes and PEFR between study group and control (p < 0.05). Restrictive pathology was seen more in study group than controls (p < 0.04). Conclusion: Workplace exposure to plastic fumes can lead to development of respiratory symptoms and impaired pulmonary function.