Respiratory symptoms and use of dust-control measures in New Zealand construction workers - A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: Dust-exposed construction workers have an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, but the efficacy of dust-control measures remains unclear. This study compared respiratory symptoms, using a modified European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire, between construction workers (n = 208) and a reference group of bus drivers and retail workers (n = 142). Within the construction workers, we assessed the effect of collective (on-tool vacuum/'wet-cut' systems) and personal (respirators) exposure controls on symptom prevalence. Logistic regression assessed differences between groups, adjusted for age, ethnicity, and smoking status. Construction workers were more likely to cough with phlegm at least once a week (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.7) and cough with phlegm ≥3 months/year for ≥2 years

SUBMITTER: Keer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8989237 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature