Background and Aim: In this research, we aimed to elucidate whether there was a relationship between inorganic dust exposure and serum ACE levels.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that consisted of 176 patients who applied to the outpatient Clinic of Occupational Diseases. Serum ACE levels were compared to inorganic dust exposure and non-inorganic dust exposure groups. Patients diagnosed with pneumoconiosis were also compared with serum ACE levels, pulmonary function test findings, working sector, task, occupation, duration of exposure, pneumoconiosis radiological classification, smoking habits, and obstructive airway disease.

Results: 137 cases (77.8%) were exposed to the inorganic dust. The mean serum ACE level of the subjects with inorganic dust exposure was higher than non-inorganic dust exposure (35.65±16.40 U/lt and 30.85±15.8 U/lt, respectively), but no statistically significant difference was found (p=0.105). There was a negative correlation between serum ACE level and FEV1/FVC ratio in the group with inorganic dust exposure (p=0.009). Subjects with inorganic dust exposure were elaborated as 82 (59.9%) were working in the ceramic sector. 61 cases were diagnised with pneumoconiosis. The serum ACE level was higher in patients with pneumoconiosis than in patients without inorganic dust exposure, and there was a statistical difference (p=0.043).

Conclusion: Individuals who are exposed to dust in their workplaces exhibit elevated serum ACE levels.