Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

Background: Rice mill workers are exposed to airborne paddy dust, which can adversely affect pulmonary function. Protective devices are recommended to reduce dust inhalation; however, their effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of paddy dust on forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio in rice mill workers, comparing those who used protective devices with those who did not.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 rice mill workers, including 60 males divided into two experimental groups (30 without protector, 30 with protector) and 30 controls. Pulmonary function tests were performed using spirometry to measure FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio. Demographic parameters including age, height, weight, and BMI were recorded. Data were analyzed statistically, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results: Demographic characteristics were comparable among groups (P > 0.05). In male workers, the mean measured FVC was 4.35±0.45 L in controls, 3.23±0.44 L in exposed workers without protector, and 3.52±0.27 L in those with protector. Similarly, FEV1 was reduced in exposed workers (2.69±0.50 L without protector; 2.95±0.40 L with protector) compared to controls (3.74±0.40 L), with both differences statistically significant (P < 0.001). The FEV1/FVC ratio remained within normal limits across all groups (controls: 86.32±5.15%; exposed without protector: 84.70±2.58%; exposed with protector: 85.30±7.90%; P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Paddy dust exposure in rice mill workers significantly reduces FVC and FEV1, indicative of a restrictive ventilatory pattern, while the FEV1/FVC ratio remains normal. Use of protective devices did not confer significant improvements in pulmonary function, highlighting the need for enhanced occupational health interventions, including proper respiratory protection, training, and dust control measures.