Exposição ocupacional à poeira do tabaco : efeitos sobre o sistema respiratório

Brazil is now considered to be the largest exporting country of tobacco in the world. Although the export of the product benefits the economy of several areas of the country, there is a growing concern about the health of workers involved in the processing and improvement of the Nicotiana tabacum. This article objective is to describe, through a literature review, the prevalence of breathing signs, symptoms and possible alterations in the functioning of the lungs of workers exposed to tobacco dust. This description was focused in papers obtained in MEDLINE’s system. The most frequent respiratory signs and symptoms found in these workers are coughs, dyspnea, chest tightness, nasal catarrh, as well as abnormalities in the capacities and lung volumes (FEV1, VFC, FEF25%, FEF50% e PEF). These noxious effects to the respiratory system deserve consideration, and the adoption of preventative measures that can guarantee better and healthier working conditions for the employees.