Promotion and prevention of respiratory diseases in carpentry workers in Juan Atalaya Cúcuta, Colombia

Abstract

The health of workers in the carpentry shops of the Ciudadela de Juan Atalaya in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, faces challenges due to air quality. This study, of a cross-sectional, exploratory and qualitative nature, analyzes various variables related to health in this sector. Through interviews and literature review, obstacles were identified that hinder improvements in work environments, with the purpose of preventing respiratory diseases. Factors such as social, cultural and economic variables generate risks for the health of workers. Limitations have been identified such as the incidence of different types of wood, the lack of adequate conditions in the workshops, the lack of training in risk factors, the insufficient use of tools and personal protective equipment, as well as the absence of ventilation systems. and extraction. The results indicate that the population experiences respiratory symptoms, such as cough, common cold, difficulty breathing and nasal congestion, linked to high exposure to wood dust. In addition, the lack of use of personal protective elements by workers during the different processes is observed, and the absence of controls for the source, the environment and the worker. In summary, despite national occupational health and safety regulations, workers' respiratory health will not improve significantly as long as economic, educational and cultural limitations persist.