Lipopolysaccharides Endotoxin-containing Paddy Dust Leads to Cross-shift Lung Function Decline and Respiratory Complaints in Paddy Milling Machine Operators

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) LPS endotoxin-containing paddy dust leads to airway inflammation, lung function decline, and pneumonitis. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effect of LPS endotoxin-containing paddy dust on the cross-shift lung function decline and respiratory complaints of paddy milling machine operators. This environmental epidemiology study has an analytic observational design and used a cross-sectional approach. The study was conducted in the Bulubrangsi and Godog Villages in the Laren Sub-district of the Lamongan District. The study population was entirely made up of paddy milling machine operators from the Bulubrangsi and Godog Villages with certain inclusive criteria. This study used 18 samples, and results showedthat the average personal paddy dust inhalation level was 5.68 ± 1.28 mg/m3with the LPS endotoxin level at 232.22 ± 18.41 EU/m3. Interestingly, there was a very significant positive correlation between the personal paddy dust levels, the LPS endotoxin levels, and the cross-shift Forced vital capacity (FVC) and Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) declines (Spearman correlation test, all p < 0.01). There was also a positive correlation between the personal paddy dust levels, the cross-shift FVC% decline, and the respiratory complaints (Spearman correlation test, all p < 0.05). In conclusion, LPS endotoxin-containing paddy dust leads to cross-shift lung function decline in paddy milling machine operators. Smoking habits also correlated to a cross-shift decline inFVC. It is recommended to reduce exposure to indoor endotoxin-containing paddy dust levels through measures of engineering, administrative, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment at the workplace. Keywords: LPS Endotoxin containing paddy dust, Lung function decline, Operator respiratory complaint