[Prevalence of COPD in Gdansk sea port workers].

UNLABELLED: The purpose of the study was to evaluate prevalence of COPD in sea-port workers who has been employed with handling phosphoric compounds, sulphur compounds and grain. Smoking habits has been also analysed. Study group consists of 238 persons working in Gdańsk sea-port. Protocol of the study has included: medical history, detailed description of work place, smoking habit analysis and spirometric study. As a spirometric parameters FEV1, FVC, FEV1%VC, PEF, MEF25%VC, MEF50%VC and MEF75%VC has been assessed. In study group 106 persons worked with phosphoric compounds handling, 42 persons with sulphuric compounds handling and 90 persons with grain handling. COPD had been diagnosed in 55 persons--43 smokers and 12 non-smokers. Mean values of FEV1% in groups with equal 10-20 years time-work has been compared. Typical COPD features has been present in 37 persons--25 smokers and 12 non-smokers. COPD has been defined based on medical history, physical examination and no response o FEV1 after bronchodilatator application (Berodual).

CONCLUSION

Smoking habits in Gdańsk sea-port workers has been more important factor in COPD development than work place toxicities.