BHATTACHARJEE , M and UNNI , B G and DAS , S and DEKA, M and WANN , S B
(2011)
Lung function decline: a cohot study in a population exposed to coal dust.
International Journal of Environmental Science, 2 (2).
pp. 957-964.
Abstract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is characterized by coughing, shortness of
breath, sputum production, rapid breathing, wheezing, and weight loss due to the energy
required for labored breathing. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema chronic
bronchitis inflammation
of the lining of the bronchial tubes emphysema permanent
destruction of the alveoli. Chronic respiratory diseases have a preeminent
role in the health
conditions of people residing near coalmine areas with implications for morbidity and excess
mortality from specific causes. Atmospheric pollution from anthropogenic sources such as
coal mining, industrial sources is a serious worldwide concern as it is associated with adverse
health effects.The aim of this study was to find a correlation between coal dust and reductions
in lung function. An environmental health survey was conducted in and around the
surrounding areas of opencast coal mine, Tirap to determine the prevalence of various
respiratory symptoms and to assess pulmonary function among the villagers. Although
cigarette smoking is the main environmental risk factor, only about 15% of smokers develop
clinically significant disease suggesting other influences on disease expression. We screened
412 individuals during surveys at the coal mine site, Assam to find out possible occurrences
of COPD and associated environmental risk factors, mainly coal dust exposure. Lung
function test was done with a portable spirometer. COPD was diagnosed on the basis ATS
guidelines. The subjects were categorized into COPD (Smokers and NonSmokers)
and NonCOPD
(Smokers and NonSmokers).
Air quality was monitored using Respirable Dust
Sampler and analyzed for Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), SO2 and
NO2.Coal dust exposure was a potential factor in development of COPD
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