DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i05.039

Pages: 1989-1991

Stone crushing in India is a small scale industry where a large number of laborers work. Workers at stone crushing site are exposed to silica dust which leads to pulmonary function deterioration. The objective of this study was to study the pulmonary function test in stone crusher workers. This study was conducted at Stone crusher plant located at Nagaur district (Ajmer region) of Western Rajasthan. Male workers working at site were included in this study, this study was conducted on 100 subjects out of which 50 non-controls and 50 were controls. The pulmonary function was performed in quarry workers and controls. Pulmonary functions were assessed by using computerised spirometer. On statistical analysis of pulmonary function test of controls and non-controls the result showed a highly significant decrease in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEFR parameters. On comparing pulmonary function test between quarry workers and controls it was concluded that due to exposure of silica containing dust it leads to deterioration of pulmonary functions in quarry workers. We recommended that wet working, suitable ventilation and information about preventive measures can be provided as protection to the workers.