Impact of the Glass Manufacturing Industry on the Respiratory Health of Workers

Abstract

This present study investigated the respiratory health of the workers in the glass manufacturing industry. Workers exposed to silica dust, fumes, and other particulate matter in the glass manufacturing industry, face substantial health concerns. These chemicals can cause major respiratory problems if exposed. For this purpose, both the environmental (PM 10 and 2.5) and workers data samples were collected from a glass manufacturing Industry situated in Lahore. For the environmental sampling air samplers were installed at different locations of the industry to collect the particulate matter, and the particulate matter collected on the filter papers was further analyzed using analytical techniques for determining the composition and morphology of the PM (PM2.5 and PM10) i.e., FTIR, SEM-EDX and ICP-MS. Workers data such as i.e., age, height, weight, working years, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and lung function test using a digital spirometer were collected and a structured questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to determine the respiratory health status of the workers. The data was analyzed using different statistical tests. SEM-EDX results revealed varying particle shapes, including agglomerates, and a presence of elements like C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Fe, and Si influenced by raw materials, processes, and machinery. The packaging area had more PM2.5 than PM10. Aluminosilicates, O, Fe, and Al PM2.5 particles were abundant in the production hall. In magnetic separation, triangular aluminosilicate particles with low PM2.5 values were found. Additionally, ICP-MS analysis revealed the detection of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr with some (Fe and Cu) exceeding the threshold limits particularly on the first and last day of sampling. FTIR analysis identified functional groups and metal oxides present in the collected PM. The key compounds included metal oxides (AI-O, Fe-O), quartz, and lead carbonate (PbCO3) revealing the complexity of the dust collected from different manufacturing processes. Worker’s data analysis revealed aggravated respiratory symptoms. The subjects' mean age and working years were 38.41 and 9.93 years. BMI averaged 24.42, and SPO2 96.54. The lung function data showed lower mean values for FEV1, FVC, and PEF which indicated the likelihood of both obstructive and restrictive diseases. 44 of 80 workers (55%) had cough, 10% had shortness of breath, 20% wheezed, 7.5% had chest tightness, and 5% had no symptoms. Among the 80 participants, 47 subjects had the likelihood of OLD while 33 subjects had possibility of RLD. Lastly, the correlation analysis of the metals with the lung function of the workers revealed that metals like Fe, Si, and Zn released during glass making were recognized to negatively impact theviii respiratory health of the workers. This increase over time was linked to industrial, vehicular, and natural sources. To reduce the risk of various diseases it is important to restrict workers’ exposure to these harmful pollutants. Additionally, interventions such as the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce occupational exposure to hazardous substances and provision of early medical support are critical in managing respiratory health.