Abstract:
This research is a cross- sectional study. The had the objective is to study human
social factors, . Wwork-related factors and in relation to the concentration of ethylene oxide gas
affecting . That affects lung function And relate to and related respiratory symptoms of workers in
the central supply unit oOf hospitals in Rayong Province.
70 hospital workers participated in the study. samples. Most of them weare female
(90.00%), with an average age of 40.71 ± 9.18 years. Most of them (87.10%) hadve no history of
asthma or allergies. 87.10% with anOn average they had worked in their current position for
working period of 1.53 ± 0.737 years. In most of the the sterilizing room (88.57%), there weare
general ventilation systems, 88.57% and 68.57% of the workers reported to wear protective face
masks while entering the sterilization room, workers wear chemical protective masks 68.57%..
Most workers (54.29%) dido not report have respiratory disorders 54.29%. The most commonly
reported symptom of respiratory disorders was coughing workers had the most coughing at
(22.86%). The working environment had the When measuring the concentration of ethylene oxide
in the working environment,. The most was found at the work room of (Hospital No. 4) (0.696
ppm). The average exposure of TWA to[JW1] ethylene oxide wasis 0.051 - 0.100 ppm, which
was experienced by, 72.85%. The average , average isexposure to ethylene oxide was 0.086 ± 0.029 ppm. And mMost workers have had a normal FEV1
/FVC (%) of 92.86%
The results showed indicate that 1) factors that affect lung function FEV1 / FVC are
factors of wearing a chemical protective mask (pvalue, 0.021) and the concentration of ethylene
oxide in the working area (p - value, 0.002). 2) fFactors related to sputum symptoms were, ie
exposure time (day / year) (X
2
= 7.938, p-value = 0.005) and, the use of chemical protective
masks (X
2
= 3.970, p-value= 0.046).
Taking these findings into consideration, it can be concluded that those who work
with ethylene oxide. should wear chemical protective masks. wWhenile working with ethylene
oxide gas to reduce direct exposure to ethylene oxide. Rooms where ethylene oxide is used
sShould provide have a ventilation system in the sterilization room that uses ethylene oxide.
There should be a worker rotation system to further reduce the exposure time of the
workersoperator. Finally, it is recommended that there And should have be health surveillance
and lung function tests for workers exposed to ethylene oxide every year.