1Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, SRM Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Potheri, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
2Tutor, Department of Physiology, SRM Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Potheri, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
3Professor, Department of Physiology, SRM Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Potheri, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Online published on 2 August, 2016.
Currently the trend is that, the drivers of private transport vehicles are travelling in an enclosed air conditioned atmosphere in order to avoid dust exposure. Previous studies conducted so far examined the lung function in drivers exposed to dust.
The present study was undertaken to see the pulmonary function test in drivers working in an enclosed air conditioned atmosphere with no exposure to dust.
The study group included 40 healthy male non smoking drivers (bus drivers) and 40 healthy male non drivers. Pulmonary functions were measured using computerised spirometer Easypro. Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV 1), FEV 1/FVC ratio, Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), Forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of lung volume (FEF 25–75) were measured and compared between the two groups.
There was statistically significant decrease in FEV1/FVC ratio (p < 0.001), and FEF 25–75 (p < 0.001) in drivers when compared to non drivers. Also FEV1 and PEF were decreased in drivers when compared to normals though it was not statistically significant.
The findings suggest that exposure to air conditioner atmosphere in private transport vehicles even though reduces the exposure to dust, is still a risk factor for the development of respiratory dysfunction and impaired lung functions.
Pulmonary function test, air conditioner, drivers
