Factors related to respiratory disorders in silica milling plant workers.

Abstract

Introduction. This study addresses occupational respiratory diseases, focusing on silicosis caused by silica inhalation in the glass, cement and mining industries, with a focus on a silica plant in Cuenca-Ecuador. Objective. To determine the prevalence of respiratory pathologies associated with silica dust exposure in workers of a silica milling plant, in order to improve occupational health and safety strategies. Methodology. Quantitative research based on the positivist paradigm. An exploratory, descriptive and correlational approach was used, with a census sample of 35 workers and application of Spearman's nonparametric correlation. Results. A significant correlation was found between disordered personal habits and respiratory disorders in workers. Applying Spearman's non-parametric correlation, it was found statistically significant for the variable Personal habits (0.876**) at a significance level of less than the p-value 0.05. Conclusion. The research highlights the importance of personal habits in the prevention of occupational respiratory diseases. It is recommended to implement measures that improve personal hygiene to minimize the risks of silica exposure.