Assessment of the respiratory effects of exposure to wood particles among carpenters and associated risk factors in Senegal, 2021

Introduction: Exposure to wood particles is frequently correlated with detrimental effects on the respiratory health of carpenters. This study examines the effects and risk factors associated with exposure to wood particles on respiratory function in informal woodworkers, such as carpenters in Senegal. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from 02/08/2021 to 30/11/2021 with a four-stage random sampling of selected participants. Data collection required a questionnaire and a particule sampler. The data were processed using Epi-Info ®7.2.4.0 and Excel ®2019software for logistic regression. Results: A total of 200 men with a mean age of 32.43±12.50 years were surveyed. The median years at work was 13.5 years (IQR: 5-23). The maximum mean particle concentrations above the occupational exposure limit value (OEL) in a closed carpentry shop (limited ventilation) and open workshops (ventilated) were 3.88 and 1.10 mg/m³ respectively. Respiratory disorders were cough (43.0%), sputum (48.5%), shortness of breath (36.0%), whistling (15.0%), chronic bronchitis (20.5%), rhinitis (10.5%), alveolitis (7.4.0 %), asthma (4.0%) and tuberculosis (1.0%). After adjustment to the smoking status variables and carpentry shop type, the duration of exposure to high levels of wood particles (aOR = 2.74, CI 95 %: 1.43-5.22, p = 0.0022) significantly increased the risk of respiratory disorders. Conclusion: Mean exposure levels were above OEL, and the risk increased with duration of exposure to high levels of wood particles. Thus, we recommend methods for reducing and controlling exposure as well as raising awareness of respiratory health issues among carpenters.