Evaluation of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms among workers exposed to 1,3-Butadiene in a petrochemical industry in Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate pulmonary function among workers exposed to 1,3-butadiene and was carried out in a petrochemical industry in Iran. The study participants consisted of fifty male workers with current respiratory exposure to 1,3-butadiene and fifty non-exposed workers as the control group. Exposure to 1,3-butadiene was measured according to the NIOSH 1024 method. Respiratory symptom histories were collected through the American Thoracic Society respiratory symptom questionnaire. Lung functions were evaluated using spirometry method. The results showed that exposed participants had significantly higher prevalence rates of all respiratory symptoms compared to the control group. Statistical tests demonstrated a significant difference between pulmonary function tests of exposed and non-exposed personnel. Ultimately, the results of the present study indicate that respiratory exposure to 1,3-butadiene can lead to negative effects on pulmonary functions.

Keywords:

• 13-Butadiene
• Petrochemical industry
• Pulmonary function
• Respiratory symptoms

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express special thanks to Tehran University of Medical Sciences for funding and supporting this research project.

Disclosure statemant

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) under grant number 9611139006.