Prevalence of respiratory signs and symptoms in a population living nearby a cement factory, Cezarina, Goiás, 2011

Introduction: During the process of cement manufacture have emissions of various pollutants known to have toxic effects in humans. The study of respiratory symptoms and signs an important means of knowing the possible effects of pollution on populations living near cement plants.Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study population-based conducted in Cezarina, Goiás. The sample was randomly selected by cluster sampling. The instrument used was based on questionnaire British Medical Research Council for research into respiratory signs and symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.Results:The sample was composed, mostly, of women (60.9%; p<0.001). The cement plant was the site of work cited by 11.1%. The prevalence of chronic cough was 23.1% (p<0.001), sputum 22.8% (p<0.001), shortness of breath 29.3% (p<0.001) and wheezing 17.9% (p=0.014). Smoking was reported by 16.6%.Conclusion: The respiratory signs and symptoms were not associated with the location and length of residence in the city. Smoking showed correlation with all respiratory symptoms studied and it was more prevalent among men.