Pulmonary function tests in petrol pump workers exposed for three years to petrol/diesel fumes in Mathura District Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Occupational and environmental exposure to petroleum refinery products poses a great threat to human health and petrol pump workers by virtue of their occupation are continuously exposed to petroleum gases and petroleum products. This community is generally neglected regarding their health.
 Aims and objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the Pulmonary functions of petrol pump workers with age-sex matched normal healthy individuals by using computerized Spirometry.
 Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study design in which 100 participants out of 50 petrol pump workers and 50 control group. Age, weight, height, ethnicity and socioeconomically matched subjects with minimum exposure of 3 years from different areas of Mathura district were recruited. Respiratory health of participants is ruled out by exclusion criteria. The Parameters TV, FVC (L), FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MVV and PEFR are measured by computerized spirometry (Helios).
 Results: The Spirometry values were significantly reduced in participants working in the petrol pumps as compared to the controls. A significant decline in lung function parameters TV, FVC (L), FEV1, MVV, and PEFR were observed and no significance found in FEV1 /FVC among Petrol Pump workers when compared to controls.
 Conclusion: Subjects working in Petrol Pumps have significantly impaired lung functions. The lung function impairment pattern provides evidence in the favour of obstructive and restrictive lung disease and suggests improving control measures in petrol pumps.