Department of Physiology, Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bangalore – 560002, India
*Corresponding author: Dr Shivakumar Veeraiah, Professor & HOD, Dept of Physiology, Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bangalore - 560002 India, Email- id: shivakumarveeraiah@gmail.com
Online published on 21 February, 2015.
Automobile spray painting is one among the occupational exposure, which is associated with isocyanates induced Occupational Asthma. This study is undertaken to assess the risk of developing Occupational Asthma in automobile spray painters.
To compare the pulmonary function test between automobile spray painters and non painters.
30 male automobile spray painters and 30 male non painters were taken up for the study with consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria. All subjects were evaluated for lung function parameters by using hand held Spirometer. The collected data was compiled and statistically analysed.
Decline in FVC was moderately significant with P value 0.02 while decline in FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF 25–75 and PEFR values were strongly significant P value <0.001 in spray painters when compared to non painters.
Chronic exposure to automobile spray painting resulted in significant decline in lung function when compared to controls with results suggestive of mixed airway disorder with more of obstructive type. Hence it is recommended that automobile spray painters should be provided with personal protective equipments and regular medical surveillance programmes.
Automobile spray painting, Occupational Asthma, Pulmonary function test
