Effect of time of exposure to environmental risk on the lung function of foundry workers: a cross-sectional study

[Purpose] This cross-sectional study aimed to compare foundry workers of the metallurgical industry with high and low exposure time and with a control group. [Subject and Methods] The workers were evaluated for pulmonary function and peak expiratory flow (PEF), respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and physical activity level. Descriptive statistical analysis and ANOVA one-way test were used. [Results] The mean age was 33.9 +/- 8.25 years (18-59), pulmonary function: FVC: 95 +/- 18% of predicted, FEV1: 95.0 +/- 15.8% of predicted, FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.82 +/- 0.09, and PEF = 499.7 +/- 118.5 l/min. Overall, 85.1% of workers were classified that physically active, 7.93% of workers reported respiratory symptoms, and 14.28% reported being smokers. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for the variables of lung function. [Conclusion] The pulmonary function is preserved in foundry workers independently of exposure time.Univ Cidade Sao Paulo UNICID, Masters & Doctoral Program Phys Therapy, Cesario Galeno,447 Sao Paulo, BR-03071000 Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Paulista UNIP, Dept Phys Therapy, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Pulmonol Div, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Pulmonol Div, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc