Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among male quarry workers in Kelantan, Malaysia.

The relationshur between dust exposure and lung function were investigated in a cross sectional study of 70 male quarry workers. The investigation included spirometric testing and detailed personal interviews using a structured questionnaire adapted jrom British Medical Research Council questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Respiratory symptoms commonlv reported by the male workers were shortness of breath (42.9%), chest tightness (3 7.l %}, morning phlegm (20.0%) and morning cough (0.8%}. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was greater in current smokers. Age and duration of employment also had signyicant relationship with chest tightness. Both FEV, and F VC of these workers were sign#ieantLv reduced when compared to healthy population. Smoking status, age, and duration of employment were also associated with reduced pulmonary function Qtr