title: Respiratory symptoms and peak expiratory flow rates in workers of a Nigerian soap and detergent industry.
abstract: This comparative cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the respiratory symptoms and peak expiratory flow rates of the factory(study group) and office(control group) workers in a soap and detergent industry in Ilorin in relation to the occupational hazards of chemical fumes and detergent dust in the industry. Upper respiratory tract infections were found in 67.5% and 10.6% of the study group and control group respectively. The study shows that the factory workers experienced hazards (e.g. chemical fumes and detergent dust) at work more than the office workers. Personal protective devices such as boots, face masks, gloves, earmuffs and goggles were not consistently used since they were inadequate in supply, worn out and of substandard qualities. The general reduction in the mean values of peak expiratory flow rate in the factory workers than in the office workers as observed in this study may possibly, be a pointer to the effect of industrial exposure to chemical fumes and detergent dust over the years. There is the need to follow up these workers in order to detect early any possible disease and complications that may arise.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State.
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Bamidele
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003902:Detergents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000502:physiology; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012915:Soaps / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000138:chemical synthesis*
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D012915:Soaps