
A
Study on the Lung Function Tests
in Petrol-Pump Workers
1046-1050
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.