Title: Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in Smoker and Non-Smoker Petrol Pump Workers in Haldwani
Authors: Praveen Bhardwaj, Virendra Kumar Dwivedi
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i3.161
Abstract
Long term exposure to petrol vapors has shown to affect the different physiological systems in the body, with the highest impact on the respiratory system. The actual purpose of this study is to assess the impact of petrol or diesel fumes/vapours coupled with environmental pattern on the lung functions of petrol pump workers who are non smokers and smokers. The pulmonary function test was analysed using Wright’s Peak Flow Meter having range of 60-800 L/min. The value of PEFR was reduced in Petrol pump workers as compared to control groups and reduction in PEFR was far more severe in smoking workers. This reduction is due to proliferative and fibrotic changes in the lungs, occurring due to petrol/diesel fumes, in addition smoking habits of petrol pump workers may contribute further in deterioration of pulmonary functions. Strategies should be planned at various levels to protect petrol pump workers against the hazardous effects of petrol/diesel fumes.
Keywords: Petrol pump workers, automobile exhaust.
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