Effects of pulmonary function in short duration exposed automobile spray painters

Abstract

Objective: Individuals engaged in car painting are at a risk of developing respiratory problems. This is due to the exposure of isocyanates present in the car spray paints. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of isocyanates on pulmonary function parameters of spray painters exposed for a short duration. Methodology: A sample size of 100 male subjects was selected for this case control study. The subjects were 50 males working in the spray industry for < 5yrs and the controls were age matched healthy males not exposed to the spray paints. A standardized respiratory questionnaire was administered to all the workers and spirometry was performed for all the subjects with the help of Medspiror. Results: The pulmonary function parameters FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF25-75% and FEV1/FVC ratio of the cases were not significantly changed when compared with that of controls. Conclusion: The absence of reduced pulmonary function parameters in this study may be due to the lesser duration of exposure to the spray painters and usage of protective instrument.