Prevalence of Lung Function Abnormalities in Petrol Filling Workers

Ravi B. Solanki; Anjali R. Bhise; Dr. Jagdeep C. Jadav

Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2014

Prevalence of Lung Function Abnormalities in Petrol Filling Workers

Ravi B. Solanki, Anjali R. Bhise, Dr. Jagdeep C. Jadav

Abstract :

Background Petrol filling workers are exposed to petrol and diesel vapors during there working hours. Air pollutants from motor vehicles and surrounding area can have additional deleterious impact on respiratory hygiene of petrol pump workers. Hence purpose of present study was to assess the Prevalence of altered pulmonary functions in petrol–pump workers Methods A cross sectional observational study was conducted at 33 randomly selected petrol pumps of Ahmedabad city. Total 215 non smoker petrol filling workers undergone for pulmonary function testing. Spirometry parameters measured were FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR and FEF2575. Results Overall prevalence of Lung function abnormalities was 42 %. Prevalence of small airway obstruction was highest (40 %). Prevalence of obstructive, restrictive and mixed type of impairment was 2 %, 32% and 17 % respectively. Results also showed that there was no association between presence of lung function abnormalities and duration of exposure. Conclusion Study concludes deleterious impact of air pollutants and petrol/diesel vapors on pulmonary function of petrol pump workers. Results suggest need for control measures and strategies to improve and protect respiratory health of petrol pump workers.