Pulmonary function in petrol pump workers in Anand district

Abstract

Background: Petrol pump workers are exposed to the petrol fumes exhibit a number of effects on the respiratory functions. Health effects of occupational exposure to gasoline and air pollution from vehicular sources are relatively unexplored among petrol-filling workers. It was necessary to carry out detail study on the lung function abnormalities among petrol pump workers as such a study which is lacking in this geographical region. Aims and Objectives: To assess and compare the pulmonary functions (forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1], FEV6, FEV1/FEV6, and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR]) of normal healthy individuals with petrol pump workers. Materials and Methods: This is a crosssectional study design in which 100 participants (50 petrol pump workers and 50 normal individuals) with minimum exposure of 3 years in different areas of Anand city were recruited. Every consecutive participant was recruited in the study based on satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria, and written informed consent was taken for performed for the study. Pulmonary function tests were assessed by (1) measurement of FEV1, FEV6, and FEV1/FEV6 and (2) PEFR. All the values were taken and put for statistical analysis. Results: The results of these parameters (FEV1, FEV6, FEV1/FEV6, and PEFR) were statistically significant in study group than the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that exposure to petrol vapors and fumes, hydrocarbons markedly decreased the pulmonary functions FEV1, FEV6, FEV1/FEV6, and PEFR relative to their age-matched controls.