Effect of Exposure to Grain Dust on Pulmonary Function of Selected Animal Feed Mill Workers in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Steady growth in the animal feed production in Kenya accompanied by the rise of the unregulated animal feed mills raised the levels of grain dust hazards to the workers. These hazards and the health outcomes have not been well studied and documented in Kenya. The overall objective of the study was to assess the effects of exposure to grain dust on the pulmonary function of selected animal feed mill workers in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study adopted a case-control study design. 81 animal feed mill workers participated in the assessment of their lung function and respiratory symptoms using spirometry and a questionnaire. Another 81 workers from the milk processing companies formed the matched control group. Data collected was processed and analysed in SPSS. The mean predicted lung function values were significantly lower for the animal feed mill workers compared to the control workers for all the parameters (p<.05). Obstructive lung abnormality was recorded among the target group and none in the control group. The most prevalent symptom among the respondents was the stuffy, itchy, and running nose (53.77%), followed by watery and itchy eyes (30.48%), phlegm first thing in the morning during cold periods (13.70%), and cough first thing in the morning during cold periods (12.33%). This study concludes that declined lung function among the animal feed mill workers is associated with exposure to grain dust. The study recommends medical examinations for the workers and adherence to the set safety and health guidelines by the workers. Keywords—spirometry, respiratory symptoms, FVC, FEV