title: Respiratory illnesses and ventilatory function among gem cutters in Sri Lanka.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study explores the proportion of respiratory symptoms and ventilatory functions among gem cutters in the city of gems, in Sri Lanka.
  
  
  METHODS
  All gem cutters in the Ratnapura Medical Officers of Health area were included and the control group was selected from the government officers residing in the same area. The gem cutters and the controls were matched according to their age and sex. Pulmonary function was measured with a spirometer and peak flow meter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significantly higher percentage of the exposed workers reported recurrent and prolonged cough (35%) and chest tightening (10%). FEV1 and FEV1/FVC was significantly lower in the exposed workers compared with unexposed workers. The results remained the same for the FEV1/FVC ratio (p=0.004) after adjusting for age and body mass index.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adverse respiratory health effects observed among gem cutters were probably caused by exposure to gem dust.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. drpbshamini@yahoo.com
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Prathapan
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hettiarachchi
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Wimalasekara
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004391:Dust; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D055498:Jewelry; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013188:Sri Lanka / Q000453:epidemiology; D014797:Vital Capacity; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004391:Dust