Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among brick kiln workers in Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) & Kalka (Haryana)

The objective of the current study is to assess the different respiratory symptoms of 200 brick kiln workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among brick kiln workers in Baddi and Kalka region of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Workers answered a questionnaire, and a spirometer was used to test pulmonary function. In addition to this, respiratory symptoms were also analyzed among exposed brick kiln workers. It was found that 95% of employees had impaired lung function, with 15% showing restrictive, 80% showing obstructive impairments and 5% are normal. In addition to this, 67% of workers had severe obstructive impairment, 27% had moderate obstructive impairment, and only 6% had mild obstructive impairment. Pulmonary abnormalities in brick kiln workers were strongly associated with prolonged occupational exposure to dust and smoke, highlighting the need for improved protective measures.