PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Exposure to spice dust has long been associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function in man. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of such exposure on the workersi lung function and respiratory symptoms in three spice-processing factories in Selangor. Spirometry measurements (VC,vital capacity; FVC, forced vital capacity; FEV, forced expiratory volume in 1 second) were performed on 56 workers (39 males, 17 females) who were occupationally exposed to 2496µg/m3 respirable fine dust, PM10. The subjects also completed a set of standard respiratory questionnaires (modified ATS questionnaires). 61 persons from Universiti Putra Malaysia (36 males, 25 females) served as controls. The PM10 measurement in UPM was only 101µg/m3 Significant differences in VC, FVC and FEV1 were observed between the two groups for both the male and the female. In addition to the decrease in spirometric values, the workers also reported higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms compared to controls. Therefore, the study suggests that exposure to spice dust in the spice factories leads to an increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function.