Respiratory effects of air pollutants among non-smoking traffic policemen: An analytical cross sectional study

Background: Automobile exhaust related air pollution have become a major health hazard. Traffic police personnel, due to their continuous and prolonged exposure are likely to be the worst affected group in this regard. Many studies in the past have documented impaired respiratory function among traffic policemen. Studies from India, exploring the relationship between duration of exposure and respiratory function is necessary. Objective: To compare the pulmonary function parameters between controls and traffic police exposed to air pollutants for variable duration Materials and methods: The study was a community based analytical cross sectional study in Telangana state from August 2012 to November 2013. A total of 120 study participants, including 30 controls and 90 traffic police (30 in each of decadal age groups from 21 to 50 years) were studied. Lung functions were measured by Spirowin. FVC (L), FEV1 (L), FEV1 / FVC ratio, FEF 25 - 75 (L/Sec) and PEFR (L/Sec) were measured and compared. Results: The absolute and percentage predicted values of FEV1 were higher in control group, compared to traffic police and they have shown gradually decreasing trend with increasing age band which was statistically significant. The mean FVC value and percentage predicted was highest in 21 to 30 age group traffic police and showed gradually declining trend with increasing age band. The other pulmonary function parameters like FEV1/FVC, FEF 25-75 and PEFR have also shown gradually declining trend with increasing age group among traffic police. Conclusion: The traffic police had poor respiratory function, compared to general population, which declined with increasing age of the individual and increasing duration of exposure.