Evaluation of Lung Function Indices and Respiratory Symptoms among Commercial Fertilizer Chemical Factory Workers

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 15, No. 4, April 2025 | pp. 25–32

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150025

Original Research Article

Evaluation of Lung Function Indices and Respiratory Symptoms among Commercial Fertilizer Chemical Factory Workers

Festus M. Tetteh¹, Kingsley C. Amadi², Arthur J. Bond¹*

¹Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

²Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Chronic occupational exposure to chemical fertilizer dust and volatile ammonia vapors causes progressive airway hyper-responsiveness and chronic pulmonary tissue inflammation. This cross-sectional analytical study evaluated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and chronic lung function alterations among commercial fertilizer factory workers. We matched 150 male factory workers exposed to chemical dust for at least 2 years with 150 unexposed healthy male control subjects based on age, height, and body mass index. Symptom profiles were captured using a standardized respiratory questionnaire, and pulmonary functional metrics were measured via computerized spirometry. Fertilizer workers demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of chronic dry cough (41.3% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.01), morning chest tightness (31.3% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.01), and exertional dyspnea (33.3% vs. 8.0%, p < 0.01) compared to the unexposed control group. Spirometric evaluation showed significant reductions in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (3.18 ± 0.42 L vs. 3.88 ± 0.38 L, p < 0.01) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) (2.24 ± 0.35 L vs. 3.21 ± 0.28 L, p < 0.01) in the exposed cohort. The FEV1/FVC ratio was also significantly lower in fertilizer workers (70.44 ± 5.1% vs. 82.73 ± 3.2%, p < 0.05), indicating a mixed pattern of ventilatory obstruction and restriction. Occupational exposure to chemical fertilizer dust impairs pulmonary indices and increases respiratory symptoms, emphasizing the need for dust extraction systems, regular medical screenings, and the mandatory use of protective respiratory masks.

Keywords: Chemical Fertilizer Dust, Occupational Health, Spirometry, Forced Vital Capacity, Airway Obstruction, Respiratory Symptoms

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 10, 2025; Revised: February 18, 2025; Accepted: March 12, 2025; Published: April 15, 2025.

Citation: Tetteh FM, Amadi KC, Bond AJ. Evaluation of Lung Function Indices and Respiratory Symptoms among Commercial Fertilizer Chemical Factory Workers. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2025, 15(4): 25–32. DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150025

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