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. 2020:42:e2020041.
doi: 10.4178/epih.e2020041. Epub 2020 Jun 6.

Changes in spirometric parameters after protective interventions among workers at a chlorine production plant in Iran

Daryoush Pahlevan  1 , Amir Shomali  2 , Sara Pooryahya  2 , Kamyar Mansori  3 , Majid Mirmohammadkhani  1 , Farhad Malek  2
Affiliations

Changes in spirometric parameters after protective interventions among workers at a chlorine production plant in Iran

Daryoush Pahlevan et al. Epidemiol Health. 2020.

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess changes in spirometric parameters after protective interventions among workers at a chlorine production plant in Semnan, Iran during 2012-2016.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 100 workers at a chlorine production plant in Semnan during 2012-2016. Spirometric parameters (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow [PEF], and PEF occurring in the middle 50% of the patient's exhaled volume [PEF 25-75%]) were measured in all workers before the initial intervention in 2012. Protective interventions were then implemented for 4 consecutive years and the parameters were measured annually. A multivariable linear regression model was used to assess the factors affecting spirometric parameters before and after the protective interventions in SPSS version 24.

Results: The mean values of all spirometric parameters significantly increased after the protective interventions (p<0.05). Multivariable linear regression showed that age (β=-0.40), body mass index (BMI) (β=0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11 to 1.31), and type of mask (β=-7.88; 95% CI, -15.96 to -0.46) had significant effects on the mean difference in FVC. Similarly, age (β=-0.35; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.01), BMI (β=0.80; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.41) and type of mask (β=-8.88; 95% CI, -16.98 to -0.79) had significant associations with the mean difference in FEV1. The type of mask (β=-12.81; 95% CI, -25.01 to -0.60) had a significant effect on the mean difference in PEF.

Conclusions: All spirometric parameters significantly increased in workers after protective interventions were implemented. Therefore, protective interventions to prevent respiratory disorders in workers exposed to chlorine gas are suggested.

Keywords: Chlorine gas; Iran; Protective interventions; Quasi-experimental study; Spirometric parameters.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare for this study.

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