Chronic health effects of diesel exhausts - a preliminary investigation

Abstract

Background: Diesel exhausts pose a significant health risk. The workplace can be a significant source of exposure to diesel exhauts. Aim: This study aims to assess the reliability of a questionnaire that will be used to assess workplace diesel exhausts exposure and basic information regarding the health status of workers exposed to diesel exhausts. Methods: A questionnaire involving 29 main questions, and a further 94 components, a total 123 parts, was developed and administered on two occasions (eight months apart), to all workers from a local logistics company. The response rate was 78%. Reliability was assessed by using paired sample t-tests and correlations; agreement between retest variables was further assessed using kappa. The questions assessed demonstrated good reliability. In regards to health conditions, sixteen percent had chronic respiratory condition, and 12% had a chronic cardiac condition. Conclusions: In summary, a reliable questionnaire has been developed in this pilot study that can be utilised for future larger studies to examine this important population health problem.