Results of the Evaluation of the Respiratory Condition of Permanent Workers in an Oil Mill in Benin

Introduction: The process of extracting oil from cotton seeds can create dusty work atmospheres that can cause respiratory problems. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory problems among permanent workers in an oil mill in Benin. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 52 workers in an oil mill took place in January 2017 as part of the annual medical check-ups of workers. A questionnaire was administered and spirometry using Spirobank II and chest radiography were performed. The spirometry results were interpreted by an occupational physician and a pulmonologist. Data were entered and analyzed using Epidata software. Results: The mean age was 42.7 ± 6.4 years, and 43 of the 52 workers were men. Of these, 58% were in technical production positions and 42% in administrative positions. Most of them had more than 10 years of seniority. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among production workers was 4 (13%) versus 2 (9%) among administrative workers. A total of 8 (15.4%) abnormal spirometry was identified with 4 obstructive syndrome, 3 restrictive syndrome, 1 a mixed pattern. There were 5 (16.6%) workers in production versus 3 (13.6%) in administration who had abnormal spirometry. The means 25/75 forced expiratory flow (FEF) value of production workers was significantly lower than that of administration workers. Abnormal chest radiographs were 5 (17%) in production workers compared to 3 (14%) in administration workers. Conclusion: Oil mill workers had few respiratory symptoms. However, production workers had more ventilatory disorders than administrative workers. A spirometric follow-up of this group of workers is therefore necessary.