Work-related respiratory disorders among street sweepers in Cairo, Egypt, a comparative study

Respiratory diseases are one of the main morbidities to which street sweepers are exposed due to inhalation of road dust. The problem is rising in developing countries due to lack of occupational safety and health measures. Cumulative and long exposure to dust negatively affects lung function parameters. Objectives: This study aims to measure and compare the lung functions and respiratory morbidity among a group of street sweepers and a comparison group of office workers in Abbasia district, Cairo, Egypt. Methods: This study was a cross sectional study which included 107 street sweepers and 104 office workers. The study participants were asked about their socio-demographic, occupational and medical data. Their lung functions were measured. Results: The percentage of participants with reduced FEV1, reduced FVC and reduced FEV1/FVC were significantly higher in the sweepers than in the control group (62.1% versus 34.6%, 58.3% versus 44.2%, and 32% versus 18.3% respectively). Chronic cough was also significantly higher in the sweepers than in the control group (17.5% versus 5.8%). Reduced FVC% was significantly associated to older age and longer duration of employment. Reduced FEV1/FVC was positively associated to smoking among sweepers. Conclusions: Hazardous exposure to dust during street sweeping can cause respiratory symptoms such as cough and a significant reduction in pulmonary function.