Risk assessment for pulmonary disease, COPD mainly to iron and steel production workers

Workers of iron steel industry area exposed to variety of pollutants, like inhaled dust, toxic gases and fumes, as well as to irritant gases. All these pollutants affect the workers lung, so the workers are in risk of developing lung disease, especially COPD. The purpose of this study is to put into evidence the relationship of risk factors (air pollution of occupational area, smoking habits and socio-economic status) to the possible development of COPD in exposed workers. We have identified and assessed risk factors in all units of iron steel industry. The results of assessment have shown, that concentrations of sulfur dioxide and inhaled dust exceed the TLV value. Smoking habits were present in about half of the working staff, and socio-economic was low in 7-10% of the staff. Pulmonary function was measured in 300 workers and relative risk (RR) for developing COPD varied from 2.00-2.79 (CI 95% 1.71-3.28), after stratifying according to the exposure levels, RR 1.47-5.51 (C. I 1.47-5.51), exists a significant risk for developing COPD.