Occupational asthma in a plastic bags manufacturing factory in Togo

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate respiratory function, especially the occupational asthma (OA) of workers in a plastic bag manufacturing factory in Togo.  By a cross sectional study, a sample of 182 workers who filled a questionnaire was obtained. Workers with asthma complains was subjected to spirometry test. The mean age of subjects was 37.13±5.71 years with 99.5% male predominance, mean work experience of 7.66±2.88 years and 1.1% smokers. Rhinitis and conjunctivitis were reported in 79.7% of respondents. Subjects that presented with asthma complains were 34.1% with 25.8% of complains associated to the occupation. Abnormal pulmonary function was overlooked by reversible smalls airways pattern (6.6%) and reversible obstructive pattern (4.9%). Spirometry was compatible with asthma in 11.5% of cases. The prevalence of occupational asthma was 7.7%. Occupational asthma was most likely in thermo-welding and extrusion activities as workers involved in these activities did not use respiratory protection. Occupational asthma is a reality in a plastic bag manufacturing factory in Togo hence preventive and corrective measures need to be taken to avoid this disease.

Keywords: Occupational asthma, polyethylene, plastic bag, Togo.