Abstract
The long-term effects of diving on human lung function are controversially discussed. We investigated the lung function of traditional shellfish divers in southern Chile and identified risk factors for reduced lung volumes in divers. In a cross-sectional study, we assessed lung function in traditional shellfish divers and fishermen from two fishing communities. Male divers and fishermen aged 18–60 years were recruited. Participants’ health and diving habits were assessed via standardized questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests and multiple linear regression models were applied. Through door-to-door sampling, we recruited 112 divers and 63 fishermen (response 67%). Valid spirometries were obtained from 98 divers and 52 fishermen. Divers had higher values of forced vital capacity (FVC, Beta = 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09; 0.47) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, Beta = 0.23, 95%-CI: 0.07; 0.39) compared to fishermen. Among divers, lower values of FVC (Beta = −0.35, 95%-CI: −0.65; −0.05) were found in those with a high diving frequency, while diving depth was associated with higher values of FVC (Beta = 0.28, 95%-CI = 0.04; 0.52). Professional divers had better lung function compared to fishermen. However, among divers, lung function decreased with cumulative diving exposure, warranting approval in future studies to ensure the safety and health of divers.
Highlights
Divers are exposed to a hyperbaric environment, changing temperature and strenuous exercise
Smoking was not significantly associated with lung function, while higher education showed a tendency for better lung function, statistically significant for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (Beta = 0.16; 95%-CI: 0.0006; 0.32)
The majority of recreational and professional divers might be operating within safe diving limits and not accumulate pathologic effects over time
Summary
Divers are exposed to a hyperbaric environment, changing temperature and strenuous exercise. Several studies have assessed if and how diving activities affect diverslung function in short- and long-term periods, but the results are inconsistent [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18]. Oxidative and decompression stress might contribute through inflammatory reactions to pathologic alterations in lung tissue and airways, as well as vascular impairments. Studies observed increased forced vital capacity (FVC) in divers [6,7,8,9].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
