This is a cross-sectional study among sugar cane workers in Ques Sugar Production Factory in Quena governorate. It is designed to investigate changes in ventilator pulmonary functions and chest X-ray of sugar cane workers and their interaction with smoking. All blue-collar male workers were classified into high exposure group [production workers, n=27] and low exposure group [maintenance workers, n=43], and were included in the study. All participants were subjected to a pre-designed questionnaire, clinical examination, computerized pulmonary functions testing [FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, MMEF, PEF, MEF_25%, MEF_50% and MEF_75%] and chest X-ray examination.
Results showed significantly higher rates of chronic bronchitis and chronic asthmatic bronchitis among the high exposure group. Ventilator pulmonary function demonstrated significant reductions in FVC in relation to exposure to airborne bagasse [p=0.006]. Also, reductions in MEF_50% and MEF_75% were significantly related to occupational exposure and smoking [p < 0.05]. Obstructive and restrictive impairments in ventilator pulmonary functions were significantly more common among high exposure group currently smokers [P<0.05]. Small lung opacities were reported more significant among high exposure workers versus low exposure group [p=0.003].
In conclusion, FVC, MEF_50% and MEF_75% seem to be early sensitive parameters; meanwhile, chest X-ray examination is a specific parameter in periodic medical examination of sugar cane workers. Anti-smoking measures and other control strategies are important issues.