Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health Effects Among Stones Crushers in Haut-Katanga Province, D.R. Congo

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms and respiratory diseases and to assess respiratory function in stones crushers stones in the province of Haut Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This cross-sectional analytical study included 293 stones crushers and 295 office workers from public administrative services. A standardized respiratory health questionnaire was used, and lung function test performed with the use of peak flow-meters. PM 2.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in different places of work have also been measured. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was markedly higher in dust-exposed cement carriers than in controls. Air dust measurements showed higher mean PM 2.5 [197.5 μg/m (range: 185-210 μg/m ) vs 33.5 μg/m (range: 22-45 μg/m )] and VOC [1.95 mg/m (1.5-2.4 mg/m ) vs 0.75 mg/m (0.6-0.9 mg/m )] levels at stones crushers' worksites as compared with the control sites. On the other hand, peak flow rate (PEFR) was significantly lower in the exposed group as compared with the control group (421.84± 88.18 l/mn vs 450.37 ± 70.90 l/mn; p< 0.05). It is necessary to improve the environment and occupational conditions of stones crushers.