Impact of the working environment upon the state of health of the dockers handling dusty materials (with a special regard to respiratory and circulatory system)

Abstract

The present report addresses the question of whether, and if so then in what extent the dust present at the loading works of bulk cargo affect the respiratory system of dockers. The values of the air dustiness change within a wide range according to the worksite, type of the dust material, dust dispersion degree, loading techniques employed, climatic conditions and others. 766 dockers exposed to dusty materials were examined. A subjective examination was conducted--by means of the questionaire aimed at chronic bronchitis and physical, laryngological, RTG, spirometric, gasometric and ECG examinations. The increase in the incidence of chronic bronchitis correlated with age, period of employment, type of dusty material and smoking habit was observed. The main reason for the high morbidity rate for chronic bronchitis in the workers handling dusty cargo in ports is combined effect of smoking and occupational factors.