Objective To perform a questionnaire survey and vital capacity measurement in sanitation workers

and analyze the factors influencing their vital capacity level

so as to provide evidence for the development of relevant policies and measures.Methods A total of 210 sanitation workers were randomly selected from Qiqihar to underwent a questionnaire survey and vital capacity measurement.Data were collected and statistically analyzed.Results The vital capacity of sanitation workers with an annual average duration of cold work ≥3 months was2.665±1.151 L

while that in workers with an annual average duration of cold work <3 months was 3.310±1.595 L;the difference was statistically significant（P<0.05）.Only 31.9%of sanitation workers always or often wore a mask;the proportions of those always or often wearing a mask in female workers were 63.2%and 8.8%

respectively

both of which were higher than those in males（9.2% and 3.5%）.The overall proportion of those reaching the vital capacity target was 29.0%

only 23.2%in males and 41.2%in females（P<0.05）.Besides

147 workers（70.0%）were unaware of the protective effect of mask materials

and 181（86.2%）had a strong will for pay rise.Conclusion The vital capacity of sanitation workers with prolonged cold work is relatively low

and wearing a mask can reduce the damage of harmful substances on the lung.Sanitation workers should take self-protection measures in their daily work

such as wearing a mask properly.Meanwhile

it is suggested that governments provide occupational disease protection products for free for sanitation workers

offer regular health education and health check-up services with a focus on their specific health problems

adjust the payment and welfare system for sanitation workers

and improve their occupational quality of life.Joint efforts of both parties may help to promote the health of sanitation workers

and thereby ensure the stable development of this sanitation team.