TITLE:
Influence of Wood Dust Exposure on the Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms and Spirometric Functional Abnormalities in Parakou in 2024
AUTHORS:
Ibrahim Mama Cissé, Mênonli Adjobimey, Adébayo Alassani, Josiane Patricia Mapto Fopoussi, Serge Ade, Mariano Efio, Ahouménou Paul Ayélo
KEYWORDS:
Wood Dust, Wood Workers, Administrative Agents, Respiratory Symptoms, Parakou, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine,
Vol.14 No.4,
September
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Occupational exposure to wood dust is recognized as an important risk factor for chronic respiratory diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between respiratory symptoms and functional measures on the one hand, and exposure to wood dust on the other hand in Parakou in 2024. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study with data prospectively collected between June and September 2024. One hundred and eight carpenters (group exposed to wood dust) and 108 administrative agents (group not exposed to wood dust) were included in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms. A physical examination and pulmonary function testing were performed for each worker. Data were double-entered into Epi Data software version 2.0.7.7.22 and were analyzed using R 3.6.0 software. Results: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms occurring in the last 12 months was significantly higher among carpenters (93.52%) compared to administrative agents (55.56%), with a p-value Conclusion: Exposure to wood dust among carpenters adversely affects respiratory function; hence the need to raise awareness among these professionals.