A
Study on the Lung Function Tests
in Petrol-Pump Workers
Published: October 1, 2011 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2011/.1520
APRAJITA, NEERAJ KANT PANWAR, SHARMA R.S.
Senior Resident in Maulana Azad medical college,
New Delhi.
Senior Lecturer, Department of Pedodontics
and Preventive Dentistry, IDST Dental College and hospital,
Kadrabad, Ghaziabad, India.
E-mail: dr.neerajkantpanwar@gmail.com
Professor & Head of deptt., Department of Physiology
Govt Medical College, Amritsar. India.
Correspondence
Aprajita, MBBS, M.D. (Physiology)
C-121, Radha Garden, Mawana Road
Meerut. Uttar Pradesh (250001), India.
E-mail: dr_aprajita_04@yahoo.com
Phone: 08872762081
Introduction: Air pollution from vehicles is an inescapable part of the urban life. A long-term exposure to petrol and diesel fumes lead to a deleterious effect on the respiratory function. Inaddition to the exposure to the hazardous exhaust of vehicles, petrol-pump workers are also exposed to the vapours of petrol.
Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the extent of altered pulmonary functions in petrol-pump workers who were exposed to petrol and diesel fumes. In-addition, the effect of the duration of the service at the petrol-pumps was also studied and these changes were compared with those of agematched healthy controls.
Material and Methods: The study comprised of 150 petrol-pump workers who were categorized into three groups, depending on the duration of the exposure. Fifty, healthy, age-matched males served as the controls. Each subject’s age, smoking habits, the duration of the exposure and health conditions were recorded.Their pulmonary-function tests were studied at their workplace by using a Med-spiror. The statistical analysis was done by using one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance).
Results: The results showed a statistically significant decline in the values of FVC, FEV0.5, FEV1, FEV3, FEF 50%, FEF 25-75% and PEFR in the petrol-pump workers. However, a decline in the mean values of MVV, FEF 25%, FEF 75%, FEV 0.5 / FVC, FEV1/ FVC and FEV3 / FVC was statistically insignificant.
Conclusion: Our findings are suggestive of the adverse effects of petrol/diesel fumes on pulmonary functions. In order to prevent these changes in the petrol filling workers, we suggest a medical observation including pre-employment and periodic medical check-ups, including pulmonary function tests. The early recognition and the removal of the susceptible workers from the work place before chronic impairment develops will prove to be beneficial.
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