Occupational and Environmental Exposures in Interstitial Lung Abnormalities: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

Aim and Objective: Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of lung tissue. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between environmental factors, including air pollution and occupational exposures, and the development of ILAs to better understand their etiology and inform preventative strategies. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 1,000 participants aged 40-70 years without a prior history of ILAs. Participants were monitored for five years, with clinical, radiological, and environmental data collected at regular intervals. Ambient air pollution data were obtained from monitoring stations, and participants completed questionnaires regarding their occupational and domestic inhalational exposures. The association between these factors and the development of ILAs was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Over the study period, 125 participants (12.5%) developed ILAs. The analysis revealed a significant association between higher levels of ambient air pollution and an increased risk of developing ILAs (OR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.09-1.44). Occupational exposures, particularly to dust and mold, were also found to be significant risk factors (OR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.40-2.94). Participants with a history of both air pollution exposure and occupational hazards exhibited the highest risk of developing ILAs (OR=3.12, 95% CI: 1.98-4.90). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a strong association between environmental factors, such as air pollution and occupational exposures, and the development of ILAs. These findings highlight the need for stricter environmental and workplace regulations to mitigate the risk of ILAs, as well as the importance of early detection and intervention strategies to prevent disease progression.