IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-2-24001 Original Research Paper A comparative study to assess the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) among agricultural workers who sprayed pesticide and non– agriculture workers in Wardha District in Central India. Rakesh Peshane Dr. Dr. Abhay Mudey Dr. February 2020 9 2 01 02 ABSTRACT

Increase in the use of chemicals as pesticides can result in various health and environmental problems. Therefore this study was conducted to compare Pulmonary Function Test between pesticide spraying agriculture workers and non–agriculture workers. It was a cross–sectional study. Agricultural pesticide sprayers and non agricultural workers who visited Rural Health and Training Center (RHTC) were interviewed for history of exposure with pesticide and further Pulmonary function test was conducted and those with ailments were referred to AVBRH Hospital in Wardha. Result showed the mean FVC in the pesticide exposed agricultural workers was 2.74 ± 0.70 and the non–agricultural workers 2.94 ± 0.63. On applying t test the result was significant. It can be concluded that agricultural workers exposed regularly to pesticide were more prone to pulmonary diseases.