title: Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests in security and safety products plant workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Lock and key factory workers are under the risk of metal pneumoconiosis and occupational asthma. In this cross-sectional study, it's aimed to evaluate the relationship between metal dust exposure and respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests of workers in different section of lock and key factory.
  
  
  METHODS
  54 male workers (mean age, 32.8 ± 5.4) in a security and safety products plant were evaluated for respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests and smoking habits. Results have been interpreted by comparison of the painting (28/54) and grinding group workers (26/54).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference between painting (32.1 ± 4.8) and grinding (33.6 ± 6.1) groups regarding mean age (P > 0.05). Smokers were in significantly higher in grinding group (18/26). Cough and sputum were reported 14.3% (4/28) in painting and 3.8% (1/26) in grinding workers (P > 0.05). Chest tightness was seen in 7.1% and 7.7% of painting and grinding workers, respectively (P > 0.05). But no chest tightness was reported in both groups when they were away work. Breathlessness was seen in 10.7% and 7.7% of painting and grinding workers, respectively (P > 0.05). Breathlessness was similar in both groups (7.1% vs. 3.8%) when they were away work. When comparing painting and grinding workers respiratory functions no significant difference observed. Chest radiography in painting and grinding workers showed hyperlucency (3.6% vs.11.4%), respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Painting groups in lock and key factory workers had more but statistically insignificantrespiratory complaints. Interestingly, chest tightness was only observed when both groups were at work. It was thought that ventilation and using personal protective equipment in factory could provide significant benefits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medical, University of Duzce Turkey.
authors.forename: Ege Gulec
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Balbay
authors.affiliation: Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medical, University of Dumlupınar Turkey.
authors.forename: Umran
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Toru
authors.affiliation: Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medical, University of Duzce Turkey.
authors.forename: Peri
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Arbak
authors.affiliation: Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medical, University of Duzce Turkey.
authors.forename: Oner
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Balbay
authors.affiliation: Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical, University of Hacettepe Turkey.
authors.forename: Kezban Ozmen
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Suner
authors.affiliation: Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medical, University of Duzce Turkey.
authors.forename: Ali Nihat
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Annakkaya
keywords: Lock and key factory workers; respiratory functions; respiratory symptoms