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Background Flour dust, with an inherent allergic nature, increases vulnerability to various respiratory ailments. We systemically reviewed and compared literature-reported pulmonary function parameters to quantify pulmonary dysfunction among individuals with high flour dust exposure (among flour mill workers) and relatively un-exposed groups. Methods Studies that compared pulmonary function parameters for flour dust exposed and unexposed control groups were systemically searched in PubMed, Scopus and Embase from inception to June 2024. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias among included studies. With the random effect model, we pooled (along with 95% CI) the mean difference for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), the ratio of FEV 1 & FVC, mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75%), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and other pulmonary function parameters. Cochran-Q test and I 2 statistics were applied to determine heterogeneity. Results This quantitative synthesis included twenty-two studies involving 2,482 flour dust exposed and 1,925 control participants. The pooled mean difference for FEV 1 , FVC, FEV 1 /FVC, PEFR and FEF 25 − 75% were − 0.43 L (-0.57, -0.29; I 2  = 88.7), -0.49 L (-0.64, -0.33; I 2  = 89.3), -3.5% (-6.49, -0.5; I 2  = 89.7), -1.36 L/s (-1.70, -1.03; I 2  = 90.4) and − 0.34 L/s (-0.63, -0.06; I 2  = 77.3). The pooled odds ratio for obstructive [12.9 (3.41, 49.2); I 2  = 82.4)] and restrictive changes [5.11 (0.55, 47.4); I 2  = 81.6] were significantly higher among the exposed than controls. As per the bias assessment majority of studies rated with moderate to severe risk of bias. Conclusion Study observed pulmonary function deficits associated with exposure to flour dust. However, considering the quality of primary studies and higher heterogeneity, high-quality larger studies with longitudinal design are required to affirm the effects of flour dust on lung function.

This 15-year prospective cohort study aimed to examine the impact of occupational exposure to noise and respirable flour dust on the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among 379 flour mill workers in Iran. The cohort was divided into an exposed group ( n  = 232), comprising workers with chronic exposure to noise and dust, and a non-exposed group ( n  = 147), including administrative and supervisory staff with minimal exposure. Annual measurements of noise and dust followed NIOSH guidelines, and cumulative exposures were calculated over time. MetS and its components were assessed based on ATP III criteria using clinical and biochemical markers such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglycerides (TG), HDL cholesterol, and blood pressure. The results revealed that prolonged exposure to flour dust was associated with borderline increases in the risk of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia, while noise exposure did not show significant associations with MetS or its components. Significant risk factors for MetS components included body mass index (BMI), age, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Age was a strong predictor of hyperglycemia (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.14, p  = 0.007), and baseline TG levels were significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia (HR = 1.003, 95% CI:1.001–1.004, p  = 0.001). Stratified analyses highlighted increased risks of MetS components among workers with extended working hours and rotational shifts. These findings emphasize the need for workplace interventions to reduce cumulative exposure risks. Future research should investigate potential mechanisms and synergistic effects of multiple occupational hazards.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lung function parameters among flour mill workers in Calabar, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was employed to sample 222 flour mill workers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and spirometry tests. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and inferential tests, were conducted to test: (1) the association between the level of exposure to flour dust and respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters; (2) the difference in respiratory symptoms and lung function between workers who use PPE and those who do not. From this study, 39.2% of workers reported experiencing occasional cough, 9.9% reported coughing with shortness of breath, and 5.0% experienced cough and wheezing. Most respondents, 57.7% had normal FVC values, and 24.8% experienced mild reductions. 9.9% exhibited moderate reductions, and 7.7% had severe reductions. The majority of the respondents, 60.8% had normal FEV1 values, 19.8% exhibited mild reductions, 8.6% had moderate reductions, and 10.8% had severe reductions. 85.6% of respondents had a normal FEV1/FVC ratio, 7.2% exhibited mild obstruction, 3.2% experienced moderate obstruction, and 4.1% had severe obstruction. Respiratory symptoms were significantly ( χ 2  = 68.162, p  < 0.001) higher among exposed workers. There was a significant difference in lung function parameters between directly exposed subjects and those who were indirectly exposed or unexposed ( χ 2  = 20.421, p  < 0.001). The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in non-PPE users was significantly higher ( χ 2  = 12.886, p  < 0.001)) and lung function parameters also showed a significant difference ( χ 2  = 24.857), p  < 0.001). This study confirms that flour mill workers in Calabar are at increased risk of respiratory health problems due to flour dust exposure. Effective use of PPE and reducing dust exposure are essential in mitigating these risks.

Background: Agro-based industrial works like flour milling are a significant component in the industrial arena of Kerala. In milling industry, dusts are produced in substantial quantities and inhalation of which can result in pulmonary impairment in workers. In such situations, spirometric evaluation can aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary diseases. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the effect of flour dust on pulmonary function among flour mill workers and to study the variation in pulmonary function among workers according to duration of exposure and their working environment in the factory. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three wheat flour mills. Subjects were selected after proper exclusion and after getting informed consent. In the present study, 79 flour mill workers aged more than 20 years and employed for more than 1year, were considered and their FVC,FEV1,FEV1/FVC,PEFR and FEF25-75% values were assessed. The objective was to find out the effect of their duration of employment and exposure to dust on their spirometric parameters based on their type of job and age. These parameters were tested using a portable electronic spirometer in the factory premises. Results: The study showed no significant relation of these parameters with duration of employment and dust exposure. However, there was significant reduction in FVC and FEV1 with increasing age. Conclusion: Even though apparently normal PFT values are obtained in many subjects, these may be on the extremes of normal spectrum.

Flour mill workers are at high risk of developing respiratory symptoms due to exposure to flour dust in their working environment. Exposure to flour dust linked with the development of chronic respiratory disorders. However, very little evidence has been available on the respiratory symptoms of exposed workers in large-scale flour mill factories. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess chronic respiratory health symptoms and associated factors among flour mill workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 424 randomly selected workers from Addis Ababa flour mill factories. Respiratory health symptoms were assessed using an American Thoracic Society standard questionnaire customized with local context. Data were checked for completeness and Epi-Info V. 7.2 and SPSS V.21 statistical software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with chronic respiratory health symptoms. Variables that had significant association were identified based on adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p <0.05. Data were presented using tables, texts and figures. The prevalence of chronic respiratory health symptoms among flour mill factory workers was 58.3% (95% CI: 53.7-63.4). Chronic respiratory health symptoms were significantly associated with age group (AOR=1.95, 95% CI; 1.17-2.79 and AOR=12.3, 95% CI; 4.39-34.6), monthly income (AOR=1.68, 95% CI; 1-2.79), work experience (AOR=2.58, 95% CI; 1-6.62), past dust exposure (AOR=1.86, 95% CI; 1.08-3.2) and utilization of respiratory protective equipment (AOR=2.29, 95% CI; 1.27-4.13). Chronic respiratory health symptoms were highly prevalent among flour mill factory workers. Supportive supervision and cooperation between Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, flour mill managers and workers are needed to reduce exposure and improve working environment.

Background Working environment should not present a risk of injury or disease but many thousands of workers worldwide remain exposed to hazardous substances particularly in developing countries. Flour dust is one of those hazardous substances to which the flour mills workers are exposed to, inhalation of flour dust may cause diverse lung diseases with different severity of symptoms ranging from simple irritation to allergic reaction and chronic respiratory disorders, including asthma. Therefore, the present study was done to detect the prevalence of respiratory problems among flour mills workers. Methods The study was carried out in the flour mills of Assiut, it was a cross-sectional study among 203 workers. The study instruments were a semi-structured questionnaire about respiratory symptoms, chest examination and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Results The age of the study workers ranged from 19 to 60 years old, 94.1% were males, 50.7% were from urban regions. Pulmonary function abnormalities were found in 36.4% of them and 20.7% were diagnosed with bronchial asthma. Significant relationships were detected between abnormal pulmonary function tests and workers ≥ 40 years old, low educational level and those who worked in the flour mills for ≥ 10 years. Conclusions Flour dust cause respiratory symptoms and impair the pulmonary function of the flour mills workers and they may develop bronchial asthma which affect their work efficiency. Recommendations Medical care must be provided regularly to the flour mills workers and safety measures are mandatory. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03678519. Registered August 10, 2022.

Conclusion: From the study, we can conclude that statistically significant changes are seen in pulmonary function test parameters of FMWs. [...]these significant changes in pulmonary function test parameters may be due to the prolonged exposure of flour dust, to which FMW are constantly being exposed. [...]they are continuously exposed to a heavy concentration of flour dust. [...]the problem is a serious concern for small scale domestic flour. [...]as we know workers are never using any kind of protective equipment and their environmental condition at workplace is also compromised.14 Dust particles which are inhaled and lodged in the lung irritate and set up an inflammatory reaction.

The frequency of bronchial symptoms and the alteration of respiratory function parameters were studied in a group of 63 workers of an industrial flour-mill, and in a control group matched according to age, social class, and tobacco intake. In the exposed group the answers to a questionnaire indicated a greater incidence of cough (p<0.01) and chronic expectoration (p<0.01) as well as clinical airway hyperreactivity (p<0.01). No differences were noted for either asthma or allergy. The respiratory function parameters did not differ between the two groups studied. These results suggest that workers exposed to the vegetable dust found in fluormills are subject to develop chronic bronchial irritation.

Background Occupational related respiratory diseases arise as a result of the deposition of dust particles in the lungs. Flour milling industries; generate organic dust during industrial processes, such as cleaning, milling, packaging, and loading which release dust into the air and later inhaled by workers. Flour mill workers are at risk of developing respiratory health problems because of exposure in their working environment, but existing data were few. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function and associated factors among flour mill factory workers. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 flour mill factory workers and 210 soft drinks factory workers. We selected study participants using a systematic sampling technique. We assessed the chronic respiratory symptoms using the questionnaire adopted from the British Medical Research Council. Binary logistic regression analysis with 95% CI and p < 0.05 was used to identify the factors. Lung function parameters; Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and ratio FEV1/FVC was measured by using spirometer and analyzed by using an independent t-test. Results We included 406 (96.7%) workers in this study. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher among flour mill workers as compared to soft-drinks factory workers (56.6% vs.12.9%). Primary education (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI, 1.3–23.2), mixing department (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI = 1.68–16.56), work experience 6–9 years (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI = 2.05–12.48), work experience ≥10 years (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.01–6.11) and working over eight hours (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI, 1.16–5.10) were factors that significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms among flour mill workers. FVC (p < 0.002), FEV1 (p < 0.001) and FEV1/FVC (p < 0.012) were significantly reduced among flour mill workers. Conclusions We found chronic respiratory symptoms to be high among flour mill workers. Lower education level, mixing department, increased work experience, and longer working hours were identified factors. The flour mill dust exposed worker’s lung function parameters were highly reduced. This study suggested that workers’ dust exposure reduction and control methods in flour mill factories need to be implemented.

[...]air pollution is increasing leading to various respiratory diseases. [...]plenty of work has been done to assess the pulmonary function test in health as well as in diseases. Subjects who were smokers or exposed in any industry other than rice mill industry (cotton spinning mill workers, flour mill workers, paint industries, farmers, bakers, welders, petrol pump workers, and cement factory workers), those with any known congenital or musculoskeletal defects, endocrine disorders, cardiopulmonary disorders, and any systemic disease which affects the lung functions, and those who had undergone chest or abdominal surgeries were excluded from the study. Rice mill workers are potentially exposed to organic and inorganic dust and rice husk that may contain a large number of contaminants including silica, fungi and their metabolites (aflatoxins), bacterial endotoxins, and insects. [...]the workers who work for more than 8 h daily in this type of mills are at high risk of inhaling the spores or fragments of mycelium containing aflatoxins.