Risk study of obstructive pulmonary dysfunction caused by silica dust exposure: A multi-center cross-sectional survey

Objective: Occupational dust exposure is an under-appreciated risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aims to investigate the prevalence of obstructive pulmonary dysfunction in workers exposed to silica dust and analyze their risk by collecting multi-center health monitoring data, so as to provide reference for the diagnosis of occupational dust-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: : From January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, data of 2064 workers exposed to silica dust in Hunan Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital and the Second People's Hospital of Yuanling County were collected, and the incidence of obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction was analyzed. Results: : The prevalence rate of obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction (FEV1/FVC<70%) was 2.3% in 2064 silica dust exposed workers. The prevalence of restrictive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction (FVC/Pre<80%) was 8.1%. The prevalence of obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in the high exposure group was higher than that in the low exposure group (8.2 vs 0.9%p =0.00). High levels of silica dust exposure increased the risk of obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction OR: 13.80 . Conclusion: Silica dust exposure can cause obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction and lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Early diagnosis of silica dust induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and timely intervention measures are very important to delay the decline of lung function and protect the health of workers.