PULMONARY FUNCTIONS IN THE RESIDENTS OF A GOLD TAILING TOWN AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO MINING DUST

Abstract

Gold mining is recognized as a major environmental polluter and here we investigated the pollution status of the ambient air in the mine tailing area and the state of the respiratory health of the population living. Method: Air samples proximal to mine tailing and non-mine tailing areas were collected between June-August 2017 and analyzed using gravimetric method. ATS questionnaire was used to record the demographic details, duration of stay and the respiratory symptoms. Lung function parameters of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEFR were determined using computerized spirometer. The SpO2 and pulse rate were recorded using pulse oximeter. All the tests were performed on 400 exposed and 400 unexposed inhabitants of both genders between 18 and 60years, and lived in their respective areas for 3 years or more. Results: Atmospheric air RSPM in the mining town were significantly higher with 1.491 + 0.737 mg/m3 to 0.4800 + 0.278 mg/m3 when compared to non-mine tailing area. The lung function parameters of FEV1, FVC, and PEFR and Spo2 showed a significant decrease (P<0.01) in the exposed population when compared with the unexposed population with a significant increase in FEV1/FVC and pulse rate in exposed population. (P<0.01) The prevalence of lung dysfunction was 63% in the exposed population with the majority showing restrictive type of lung disorder. Place of stay increased the odds risk by 1.45 times of developing lung dysfunction with smoking, gender or type of fuel not confounding the effect. IX Conclusion: The PM concentration recorded in the mine tailing town was above “National air quality standard permissible limit” and three times higher than that of the non -mine tailing area. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and abnormal lung function were higher with decrease in percentage saturation of oxygen and increase in pulse rate. Staying in the mine tailing carries the greatest risk of developing lung dysfunction.