Former smokers employed at commercial construction sites are less likely to use respiratory protection

Background/Purpose:  Construction work is associated with a significant increased risk of respiratory illness and mortality. Reduction of silica and dust exposure contributing to respiratory disease among construction workers can be mitigated through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE); however limited information is available on the impact of tobacco use on PPE behavior.  Our study aim was to characterize the relationship between smoking status and use of PPE to control dust among commercial construction workers. 

Methods:  A baseline survey assessing self-reported use of smoking, PPE, and worker demographics was completed by 248 construction workers in South Florida for the BOLTS study.  Chi Square analysis and Students T-test was used to determine the differences in PPE use by baseline characteristics.  Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios of PPE use. 

Results/Outcomes:    PPE use was associated with smoking status (p=.0321) and number of years working in the construction industry (p<.0001).  PPE use was marginally associated with education level (p=.0742).   In univariate logistic regression, former smokers were much less likely to use PPE when compared to never smokers (Odds Ratio=0.33; 95% Confidence Interval [0.13–0.84]). In multivariate analysis controlling for education, union status,  OSHA-10 training, and years spent in the industry, former smokers were less likely (aOR =0.19;[0.06-0.58]) while current smokers (1.27;[0.40–3.98]) were more likely to report using PPE to control for dust than never smokers. 

Conclusions:  Former smokers display unique PPE use patterns, warranting targeted interventions designed specifically to increase PPE use in this high-risk worker population.