Abstract

DELLAMEA, Maria de Fátima F et al. Occurrence of respiratory symptoms in automotive shop workers from Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Acta toxicol. argent. [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.2, pp.51-56. ISSN 1851-3743.

Painters in general are exposed to a wide variety of hazardous substances and several of these chemicals may induce respiratory disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and lung function in automotive shop workers in the Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A cross sectional study was performed with 20 male workers, in which data were collected through interviews and spirometry. It was foundt hat 90% of workers had respiratory symptoms of upper airway and 35% had lower airway manifestations. Occupational asthma was observed in 15% of workers and occupational rhinitis and allergic rhinitis in 10%. The presence of respiratory problems may be associated with reduced use of personal protective equipment.

Keywords : Respiratory symptoms; Lung function; Automotive painters; Occupational exposure.

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